Covid on prowl, 'Giloy' the most sought after herb

LUCKNOW: Covid-19 pandemic has people making a beeline to Ayurveda stores to get formulations of giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia), a climber herb that has magical healing properties. The herb, which helps invigorate immunity and subside fever, is selling on e-commerce platforms as briskly as at local grocery stores.
But, not many may know it’s also the most commonly grown and seen creeper that crops up, almost naturally, at spots where there are trees.The herb can also be easily grown at homes.
“Most people have only heard of it and not seen it when the fact is it may be right outside one’s house, growing clung to an electric pole or a roadside tree,” said chief scientist and in charge of botanical garden at NBRI, Prof S K Tiwari.
The most common identification is it’s heart-shaped leaves and depression in the leaf at the point where it originates from the stalk. Also, when one cuts the cross section of the matured stem (at least one year old), rings could be seen which is not seen in other stems.
“I have seen people eat the green leaves of it but that may not be the right way to use it, reason why I thought I should bring out a video and tell people some common things about the creeper,” said the scientist.
The stem of giloy is also used for its healing properties. The stem, which is at least one year old and as thick as a thumb, has turned blackish and has its skin shredding out is useful and not the green one.
It should be consumed as per the dosage defined in Ayurveda, a proportion similar to the daily dose of common spices used in homes may suffice.
“The matured stem, having thickness of the pencil, can be dug in the pots to raise a creeper. This is the season when giloy is abundant and is easier and quicker to grow it from the stem,” said the scientist.
The creeper yields berry like fruits. Seeds from these fruits can also be sown to raise the creeper.