By Shiva Kumar Kashi
Hetauda, Sept. 2: As the cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are rapidly increasing across the world, there is widespread confusion and panic among the public.
Researchers have intensified their search for an effective treatment of the virus and vaccine.
Although there is no particular medicine to treat the virus, various herbs are in use as possible treatment for the OCVID-19 virus. One of them is Gurjo (Giloy), Ayurvedic herb, which is easily available in Nepal.
Amidst the increasing cases of virus in the country, chairperson of Kailash Gaunpalika, Makwanpur, came to know about the Gurjo (tinospora Cordifolia).
Recently he reached a nearby jungle to collect the roots of Gurjo and then he realised that the herb, which people were talking about, is the same one that his father used to feed their oxen to boost their immune system.
One can easily find this plant in a local jungle, roadside, riverside and slopes of the district, mostly in the hilly region.
Many isolation centres in the country have been giving fresh extract of Gurjo plant, along with other herbal medicines, to the COVID-19 patients.
This herb has been given to the patients to boost up their immune power. Only after this, people realised that the plant which is easily available in their household has numerous medicinal properties.
Prior to coronavirus pandemic, people were not aware of the medicinal properties of this herb. For many years, people remained ignorant about the medicinal value of this plant.
Lecturer and herbal specialist Damodar Gaire of Forest Science Study Campus of Tribhuvan University, Hetauda, said the herb has been used in Nepali medicine for ages because of its abundant medicinal properties.
“This herb helps boost immunity because it is a powerhouse of anti-oxidant. It also combats respiratory problems, treats arthritis, bone disease, treats uric acid is equally good for chronic fever,” said Gaire.
Two kinds of Gurjo are available in Nepal. The Gurjo available in the Terai region has thorns in its stem while the Gurjo found in hilly regions has dots in place of thorns, he added.
Of them, the one which has thorns is considered more effective and this is why it is more expensive, said Gaire.
Gaire said, “This herb grows at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level and this has anti-oxidant property that flushes out toxins from the body. It is accepted as a chemically tested herb.”
Though many people of Nepal were unaware of its benefits, still it is sold at a good price in the market, he said.
“Gurjo stem has maximum utility. Even its roots and leaves can be used. This can be consumed in the form of tea or inthe form of powder,” he added.
“If a person takes three grams of Gurjo every day, then it is proven that this will boost his immune system. This helps purify blood, remove toxins and fight bacteria that cause disease,” said Gaire.
He further expressed his dissatisfaction that the herbs rich in medicinal properties remained ignored for many years. “No initiative has been taken to preserve these herbs and people are yet to know about their benefits.”
Gurjo is easily available in the community forests. The stem of this plant twines around branches of the trees. Because of this, many people throw this plant in fear that this would hamper the growth of the tree, said Raj Kumar Malla, Chairperson of Raksirang Gaunpalika.
Chairperson of the Community Forest Consumer’s Federation, Makwanpur Sadhu Ram Chaulagain said that in the coming days the federation would take effective measures to conserve and promote this herbal medicine. Chaulagain recently recovered from the coronavirus infection and said he also took Gurjo to treat the infection. Ayurved inspector at the Hetauda-based Zonal Ayurved Office, Baikuntha Acharya, said the hospital had purchased powder of Gurjo and other herbal medicines to treat the COVID-19 patients.
“Now 150 grams of Gurjo powder costs up to Rs. 1,500,” he added.