These 4 side-effects of giloy will make you think twice before popping that herbal supplement

Giloy has been an integral part of India’s Ayurvedic system but the general public has become acquainted with it because of coronavirus. The reason behind this is that giloy is known for its powerful medicinal properties.

Giloy is often called ‘amruta’, or the ‘nectar of immortality’. It is specifically known to strengthen the immune system and keep diseases at bay. What’s more, it can also help deal with other medical issues like diabetes and anxiety. Hence, an increasing number of people are consuming giloy to stay strong amidst the coronavirus pandemic. But, just like with everything else, too much giloy is also bad.

We got in touch with Dr Amitabh Parti, Director, Internal Medicine at Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon, to talk about giloy. He said, “Giloy is rich in vitamins and can prove to be helpful in avoiding the development of certain diseases. In fact, it is a great herb for post-coronavirus care.”

Also, read: A nutritionist shares 5 ways in which you can make giloy a part of your diet

Dr Parti, however, said that you can go wrong with the dosage of giloy if you are self-medicating. This can do more harm than good. He said, “Consult a doctor before taking giloy to understand what your daily requirement is. A doctor will also be able to tell you the specific dosage and the duration for which you need to consume giloy.”

Here are 4 side-effects of overconsuming giloy that you need to be careful about:

1. It can leave you constipated

Giloy is known to improve the digestive system, but some people experience constipation due to consuming too much of it. Please consult your doctor if you observe changes in your bowel movements after consuming the herb.

2. Your blood sugar level can drop

Giloy is a natural way of controlling blood sugar levels and can be helpful to those with diabetes. It works efficiently by bringing down the glucose levels in a diabetic patient. However, if you’re consuming giloy along with your diabetes medicine then it may cause your blood sugar levels to drop down drastically. So, consult your doctor before you start consuming any giloy supplement.

3. Certain autoimmune diseases can get triggered

Giloy is particularly famous for its immunity-boosting properties. However, consuming too much of it can over-stimulate your immune system which can lead to complications. So, it is best to avoid giloy if you have been diagnosed with auto-immune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

4. It might be harmful to pregnant women

Experts suggest that pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding should avoid consuming giloy. Its impact on this demographic hasn’t yet been medically established. But, it is best to listen to experts and skip giloy if you’re pregnant.

You see, giloy does work but in the right amount. Overconsuming it will only cause harm. Hence, make sure you consult your doctor before you start any giloy supplement.