Introduction to Giloy: The Miracle Ayurvedic Herb.
Giloy farming, Tinospora cordifolia cultivation, giloy benefits and risks, giloy uses, giloy pest control, types of giloy, giloy market, giloy products, grow giloy at home . Giloy also known as Tinospora. cordifolia, is one of the most powerful herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Commonly referred to as “Amrita” (meaning elixir of immortality), Giloy is a climbing shrub native to India and Southeast Asia, celebrated for its immunity-boosting and detoxifying properties. In today’s world of health-conscious living, Giloy has regained importance not only as a natural medicine but also as a commercial farming opportunity. InWhat Is Giloy?
Botanical Name: Tinospora cordifolia
Common Names: Giloy, Guduchi, Amrita
Family: Menispermaceae
Part Used: Stems (primarily), leaves, roots
Lifespan: Perennial climber
Growth Habit: Requires support (can climb on trees like neem or bamboo)
How to Grow Giloy: Step-by-Step Farming Guide
1. Climate & Soil Requirements
Climate: Tropical to subtropical; thrives in temperatures between 25°C to 40°C.
Rainfall: Moderate rainfall is ideal; does not require irrigation during monsoon.
Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam or red soil; pH range 6.5 to 7.5.
Sunlight: Partial shade to full sunlight.
2. Land Preparation
Plough the land thoroughly.
Add 10–15 tons of FYM (Farmyard Manure) per acre.
Raised beds or mounds are ideal for drainage.
Maintain 1 meter spacing between rows and 2 meters between climbers.
3. Propagation
Giloy is propagated using stem cuttings (12–15 cm long).
Each cutting should have at least 2–3 nodes.
Dip in rooting hormone for better success.
Plant during monsoon for natural rain support.
4. Irrigation
Irrigate immediately after planting.
Weekly irrigation is sufficient in dry season.
Avoid overwatering — giloy dislikes waterlogging.
5. Support Structure
Use bamboo sticks, trellis, or tree trunks as support.
Giloy naturally climbs neem or mango trees.
6. Weed Control
Perform manual weeding once every 30–45 days.
Use mulching to reduce weed growth.
Profit Potential of Giloy Farming
✔️ Yield
From one acre:
Fresh stems: 8,000–10,000 kg/year
Dry stems: 2,000–2,500 kg/year
✔️ Selling Price
Dry stem: ₹100–₹150/kg
Giloy powder: ₹200–₹300/kg
Giloy juice: ₹250–₹350/litre (processed)
✔️ Total Earning (Per Acre)
Type Estimate (INR)
Dry stem (2500 kg) ₹2,50,000–₹3,75,000
Expenses (1 acre) ₹50,000–₹75,000
Profit (1 acre) ₹2,00,000–₹3,00,000
Profit can increase 3x if you process and sell Giloy juice or powder directly to consumers.
Giloy Health Benefits: Ancient Herb for Modern Times
✅ Immunity Booster
Giloy enhances white blood cell production and boosts body defense mechanisms.
✅ Anti-Pyretic (Fever Reducer)
Widely used for managing dengue, viral fever, and malaria.
✅ Anti-inflammatory
Reduces swelling in arthritis and joint pain.
✅ Anti-Diabetic
Improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels.
✅ Detoxifier
Flushes out toxins from liver and kidneys.
✅ Skin & Hair Benefits
Purifies blood, removes acne and promotes healthy glowing skin.
✅ Anti-Stress
Contains adaptogens that balance hormones and reduce stress.
⚠️ Health Risks & Side Effects of Giloy
Although Giloy is a natural herb, it is not free from risks:
Potential Risk Description
Liver Damage Overconsumption may lead to liver toxicity
Autoimmune Flare-up Can overstimulate immune system in diseases like lupus
Low Blood Sugar Diabetics should monitor sugar levels closely
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Not advised unless prescribed by a doctor
✅ Always consult with a qualified medical practitioner before daily use.
Giloy Pests & Diseases and Their Control
Common Pests:
1. Mealybugs: Suck sap from stems; causes wilting.
2. Aphids: Attack new shoots and leaves.
3. Stem borers: Bore into woody stems, causing die-back.
Diseases:
Fungal leaf spots
Root rot (in poorly drained soil)
Organic Control Measures:
Neem oil spray (5ml/L water) every 15 days.
Spray of cow urine + garlic + chili paste solution.
Remove infected parts immediately.
Use Trichoderma viride for fungal diseases.
What Products Are Made from Giloy?
1. Giloy Juice
2. Giloy Powder (Churna)
3. Giloy Tablets/Capsules
4. Giloy Kadha Mix
5. Giloy Tea Bags
6. Face Packs & Serums
7. Immunity Booster Kits
Giloy products are sold on Amazon, Ayurveda stores, and pharma outlets globally.
History and Discovery of Giloy
Ancient Origins: Giloy is mentioned in Charaka Samhita (approx. 200 BCE) as “Amritavalli”.
Vedic References: Used as elixir by saints in Indian mythology.
Scientific Validation: Western studies confirmed its alkaloid content and immuno-modulatory properties in the 1990s.
Global Spread: Initially native to India, now cultivated in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, and some parts of Africa and the Caribbean.
Where Is Giloy Grown Worldwide?
Country Status
India Widely cultivated
Nepal Native plant
Sri Lanka Herbal farming
Thailand Commercial use
Mauritius Niche farming
West Africa Medicinal forests
India remains the top producer and exporter of Giloy product Types and Varieties of Giloy
1. Tinospora cordifolia (Common Giloy): Most widely used.
2. Tinospora sinensis: Found in Northeast India.
3. Tinospora crispa: Native to Southeast Asia, used in Thai medicine.
4. Wild Giloy (Climbs Neem Tree): Believed to have the highest potency.
✅ Wild neem-climbed Giloy is 2x more powerful due to synergistic properties of neem.
Value-Added Products from Giloy
Product Type Market Price
Giloy Juice (1L) ₹250–₹350
Powder (100g) ₹120–₹180
Capsules (60 pcs) ₹250–₹300
Face Serum ₹400+
Organic Tea Blend ₹200–₹300
Giloy Packaging & Marketing
Packaging Tips: Use moisture-proof pouches, glass bottles (for juice), and eco-friendly branding.
Marketing Channels:
Ayurveda shops
Online marketplaces (Amazon, Flipkart)
Farmer-to-consumer networks
Export via herbal certification agencies
Government Support & Subsidies in India
Medicinal Plant Board: Offers 30–50% subsidy for Giloy under AYUSH schemes.
NABARD: Provides loans for herbal farming through allied agriculture programs.
Startup India Grants: For product development and ayurvedic packaging.
Get registered under the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) for certifications and buyer linkage.
Future Scope and Demand
With the global shift towards herbal wellness and immunity-based products post-COVID, Giloy is now recognized in western natural medicine markets too. The USA, UK, and Germany have shown rising demand for certified Giloy products. Conclusion: A Green Business with a Global Future
Giloy is more than just a plant — it is a symbol of ancient Indian wisdom meeting modern science. Whether you’re a farmer looking for a profitable herbal crop, a health enthusiast, or a business owner exploring Ayurvedic products, Giloy offers incredible potential.
From its low-maintenance farming model to its massive market demand and medicinal credibility, Giloy farming is a long-term sustainable venture that benefits farmers, consumers, and nature alike.
✍️ Author: Real Neel
Founder – World Farming Story