Giloy

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), also called Guduchi or Amrita, is a fast-growing perennial climber known for its heart-shaped leaves and resilience in dry, poor soils. Often trained over fences or trellises, this sacred Indian vine grows like wildfire once established and can be harvested year-round. The thick green stems root easily from cuttings and form an attractive, hardy green canopy. Traditionally revered in Ayurveda, it's also used in teas, decoctions, or crushed fresh for a bitter tonic.

Features:

Ideal prune height: 1.5–3 m

pH range: 6.0–8.0

Sun preference: Full sun to part shade

Minimum pot size by year 5: 30 L

Time to fruit: Not fruit-focused; cuttings used year-round

Harvest period: All year for stems and leaves

Notable traits: Tough, drought-tolerant, roots from cuttings, used in teas

Uses

Giloy is mostly used for its stem, which is the most potent part of the plant. The stem is typically boiled into a tea or decoction, crushed for juice, or dried and powdered. It’s traditionally used to boost the immune system, reduce fever, lower blood sugar, support liver function, and help the body recover from dengue, flu, and chronic fatigue.

The leaves are also used, though they’re milder and less bitter. They can be chewed fresh or brewed into tea to support respiratory health, ease coughs, and provide antioxidants. The roots are used less often but are included in some traditional remedies for arthritis and gout. Giloy is not eaten as a vegetable due to its bitter taste and strong medicinal action. It should be used in moderation, especially during pregnancy or when taking medication.

Giloy thrives in poor soils, neglect, and even in dry corners of the garden. Best grown in a pot or at the base of a tree, where it can climb and form a living curtain. Cut it back regularly to control size and promote lush new growth.

A must-have for edible gardens and natural health lovers, giloy is one of the easiest and most useful vines you’ll ever grow.

Keywords: Tinospora cordifolia, Giloy plant for sale, Perth vines, easy climbing herb, Indian medicinal plant, drought-tolerant creeper, Ayurvedic vine, Guduchi plant