Guduchi is one of the most sacred plants in Ayurveda. The pugnacious medicinal herb is a true energy boost for body and mind and helps you to recharge your batteries. Thanks to its detoxifying and cleansing properties, it can be used in a particularly versatile way for healing and health promotion and is also considered an elixir of youth. Why the plant is also called divine nectar, how Guduchi works and how it is best taken, we explain here.
Versatile climbing plant: the guduchi plant
In the tropical regions of India, a climbing plant grows vigorously around the tallest trees. Its name is Guduchi, which in Sanskrit means "that which protects the body". The plant can develop aerial roots up to 10 metres long and can be recognised by its pea-sized, bright red fruits and heart-shaped leaves.
But the extraordinary thing is: even if the creeping plant has not been in contact with the ground for a long time, it sprouts again as soon as it is in solid ground again. Due to these life-sustaining properties , the plant is attributed an extraordinary effect in Ayurveda. Its tradition goes back a long way, because even in Indian mythology it already has a special meaning.
Guduchi or Amrita: divine potion of immortality
In Ayurveda, Guduchi is often called divine nectar, which goes back to an Indian epic. According to it, the god Rama prayed one day to Indra, the king of the gods. He asked him to bring back to life all the monkeys and bears in his army that had fallen in battle against the demon king Ravana.
Indra fulfilled this wish and sprinkled nectar from the sky onto the earth. When the animals were hit by it, they came to life again. The drops that fell to earth formed the sacred Guduchi plant.
So it is not surprising that the plant is often called Amrita, the immortal, because it is a real survivor! Even in great heat or drought, it manages to successfully fight against the difficult circumstances. At first it loses its leaves and seems to die, but as soon as the conditions change again, new green leaves begin to sprout and the plant comes back to life. These vital forces were recognised early on in Ayurveda and can also be transferred to us humans.
Guduchi: Effect
Guduchi has been an extremely valuable medicinal plant in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Due to its heavy and oily properties, it has an alkaline and strengthening effect. It balances all three doshas and at the same time gives you the necessary bit of energy. In this way, body and mind regain their balance and you draw new vitality! The areas of action of the herb are very extensive, but here we take a brief look at the most important ones.
Rejuvenating and strengthening
This plant does not have its nickname "the immortal" for nothing. Because it cleanses and strengthens the tissue, it is a particularly sought-after anti-ageing remedy. It also has positive effects on the cardiovascular system and ensures that you feel good both physically and mentally. The medicinal plant also strengthens the immune system and the body's defences and gives you the momentum you need to start the day successfully.
Blood purifying and detoxifying
The medicinal herb is an excellent remedy to cleanse the body from the ground up. It helps detoxify the body very well and is particularly suitable in spring to rid the body of all waste products and toxins accumulated during the winter. Thanks to the detoxifying properties, the liver is also supported in its function, so that the plant can be effective for diseases such as gout or hepatitis.
It awakens the spirits
In Ayurveda, guduchi is considered a medha rasayana, a spiritual rejuvenator. If you need new courage and fresh energy in situations that seem hopeless, this plant can bring the necessary boost of inner strength. It has an uplifting effect and calms the nerves at the same time, so that the fire of life in you is rekindled.
In addition, you will achieve more efficiency and concentration with the plant. Memory improves and upcoming tasks can be mastered more easily. In the case of stress-related ailments, it brings the body's functions back into a harmonious balance and helps you to dedicate yourself to new things in a strengthened and relaxed manner.
Various diseases
However, the medicinal plant has many other good properties for the body. For example, the nerves benefit from it, which is why it can be used for various neurological diseases. As an anti-inflammatory, it is also beneficial for joint problems and has positive effects on various rheumatic diseases, such as arthritis.
But even with infectious diseases, various skin diseases, flatulence or gastritis, the use of the medicinal herb can pay off. So it is worth trying out this powerful plant once in order to be able to draw on the full range of your healing powers!
Are there any side effects of Guduchi?
If you are wondering whether there is a catch to all these positive effects, don't worry. As a rule, the herb is completely safe to use. Nevertheless, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the plant, as too little research has been done on this so far. In some people, the plant may cause mild constipation, but other side effects are not to be expected.
Guduchi intake
In Ayurveda, it is mainly the leaves, the stem and the roots of the plant that are used. These individual parts can be processed into different forms and ultimately ingested, such as...
- ...as Churna
- ...as Guduchi capsules
- ...as guduchi extract or oil
- ...as a paste.
So if you need it very quickly, the plant can simply be taken in capsule form as a food supplement. However, the most common and probably most beneficial form of guduchi is churna, or powder. It does have a bitter, tart taste, but there are various possibilities for variation.
Guduchi powder: application and combination
Guduchi tea has been drunk in the Himalayas for centuries and a tea cure is an excellent way to breathe new life into yourself. All you have to do is add about 1 teaspoon of Guduchi powder to a cup of boiling water twice a day to make yourself a nice tea. It is best to drink the tea before breakfast and dinner. If the taste is too bitter, you can add some lemon or cinnamon.
For special detoxification, you can also add other plant extracts such as Shatavari or Ashwagandha to further enhance the tea. Soon you will feel cleansed and feel the vitalising effects of this tea treatment.
Stimulating Guduchi oil
If the powder is less appealing, the herb is also available as an invigorating essential oil. It is usually refined with other herbs to give it a pleasant fragrance. The oil can be used very well in between, because it dispels tiredness and helps you to regain more energy.
The vitalising Guduchi plant is an Ayurvedic elixir of life that provides you with new energy, both mentally and physically. Whether in the form of Guduchi tea, oil or capsules - bring your doshas into harmony and recharge your batteries with this stimulating plant!
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