What Is the Marathi Name of Giloy?

Question

I’ve been hearing a lot about Giloy recently, especially how it helps boost immunity and fight infections. With so many seasonal illnesses going around, I really want to start using it, but I’m facing a small problem—whenever I ask local shops for Giloy, they don’t always recognize the name. I live in Maharashtra, and most Ayurvedic herbs here are known by their regional names. So I need to know—what is the Marathi name of Giloy?

I tried searching online, and some sites mention that Giloy is called Guduchi in Sanskrit. But I’m not sure if that’s the commonly used Marathi name or if it’s known by something else in local markets. When I asked a local vendor, he said something that sounded like Amrutvel, but I wasn’t sure if he was talking about the same thing. Is Amrutvel the correct Marathi name of Giloy, or is there another name that people use?

Apart from the name, I also want to know how Giloy is used in Ayurveda. I’ve read that it’s good for boosting immunity, managing fever, and even helping with joint pain. But how exactly should it be consumed? Some people say you should boil the stems and drink the water as a decoction (kadha), while others say it’s better to chew the fresh stem directly. What’s the best way to take it?

I also saw that there are Giloy capsules and juice available in the market. Are these as effective as the fresh plant? If I can’t find fresh Giloy, would the juice be a good alternative? I’ve seen brands like Patanjali and Baidyanath selling Giloy juice—has anyone tried these? Are they beneficial, or is it better to stick with the natural form?

Another thing I’m curious about is whether Giloy has any side effects. Some people say it should not be taken daily, as it can lower blood sugar levels too much. Is that true? Also, can pregnant women or people with autoimmune diseases take it safely, or should they avoid it?

If someone in Maharashtra has been using Giloy regularly, I’d love to know where you buy it and what name it’s commonly sold under. If there’s a specific market or store where it’s easy to find, please let me know. Also, if you’ve been using Giloy for a while, what health benefits have you noticed?

Looking forward to any suggestions and recommendations!

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

In Maharashtra, Giloy is often referred to as Amrutvel (अमृतवेल), which is the common regional name. You might also find it under the name Guduchi, especially in Ayurvedic contexts, but Amrutvel is widely recognized locally.

How to Use Giloy:
Fresh Stem: You can boil the stems in water and drink the decoction (kadha) once or twice a day. This is a popular method to boost immunity and fight infections.
Fresh Stem Chewing: Some people chew the fresh stem directly for its health benefits, though boiling is considered more effective for therapeutic use.
Giloy Juice or Capsules: If fresh Giloy is not available, you can use Giloy juice or capsules. Brands like Patanjali and Baidyanath offer these products, and they are considered beneficial, though they may not be as potent as the fresh form.
Side Effects:
Giloy can lower blood sugar levels, so if you are diabetic or on blood sugar medication, you should monitor your levels.
Pregnant women and individuals with autoimmune conditions should consult a doctor before use, as Giloy can stimulate the immune system.
Where to Buy:
In Maharashtra, you can check local Ayurvedic shops or traditional herb markets for Amrutvel or Giloy. It's also available in many online Ayurvedic stores.

If you've been using it, many report improvements in immunity, reduced joint pain, and quicker recovery from infections.

What Is the Marathi Name of Giloy? - #11727

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