Can Giloy Tea actually impact liver functioning? Our analysis and the right recipe to prepare it

When we talk about medicinal herbs that have been a part of our kitchens, it becomes imperative to mention the benefits of Giloy tea, a herb that has been used in Indian homes for a very long time in the form of tea, due to its medicinal properties. Giloy or Guduchi is a climber with heart-shaped leaves and is consumed in form of tea particularly by those who suffer from pains and aches and specially during the change of season. In 2020, the importance of this herb increased when Ayush Covid management protocol mentioned it for its immune-boosting properties. But, in a recent study, it has been highlighted that giloy can damage the liver. Here’s everything you need to know about the study, benefits of giloy and much more. (Image: istock)

Referring to the study, the ministry said that relating giloy to liver damage would be “misleading and disastrous to the traditional medicine system of India as herb guduchi or giloy has been used in Ayurveda since long. In the statement published by PIB, the ministry has argued that the authors of the study “have not analysed the contents of the herb that was consumed by the patients”.(Image: istock)

Also Read: Why Baba Ramdev claims that Giloy and Ashwagandha can treat coronavirus

As per a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, it has been mentioned that the “use of herb TinosporaCordifolia (TC), commonly known as giloy or guduchi, resulted in liver failure in six patients in Mumbai”. If we go by the report, the study has analysed only 6 patients who consumed giloy-based medicines or even concoctions. According to experts, nothing has been mentioned about other ingredients used in such medicines, which might also have been harmful for the liver.(Image: istock)

It is a powerhouse of antioxidants which boosts immunity, fights free-radicals, keep cells healthy, and protect you from diseases. It is also antipyretic in nature, which reduces the signs and symptoms of life-threatening conditions like dengue, swine flu, and malaria. Giloy acts as a hypoglycaemic agent that helps treat diabetes and reduce high levels of blood sugar too. And, consumption of giloy juice makes bones stronger and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.(Image: istock)

Ingredients
1 cup water
1 giloy leaf
1 tsp honey
2-5 tulsi leaves

Method: Boil water. Add chopped giloy leaves and boil for 2 minutes. Add tulsi leaves and boil for another 1 minute. Remove from fire. Allow it to cool. While still warm, add honey and drink. Traditionally, Giloy was consumed for brief periods-for 7-10 days during the change of season. Overconsumption of this tea should be avoided. (Image: istock)

This is just one study that analyzed only 6 patients and that cannot be the parameter to neglect the benefits of giloy. Some experts feel that excess of anything is bad and the same rule applies in the case of giloy. They feel moderation is the key and one should consume giloy tea in a controlled manner to gain maximum benefits. (Image: istock)

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