Cocculus cordifolius (or Tinospora cordifolia) is a cornerstone herb. So highly regarded for conferring the vitality and the energy of youth it was given the special name Amrit which means imperishable after the ambrosial nectar made by the ancient gods to bestow immortality on any being that partook of it. Amrit, Guduchi or Gulancha is a pretty heart leaved creeper (The English name is Heart Leaved Moonseed) that when collected in the hot season when its properties are at their highest, yield a soft white starchy extract (Sat Gilo or Palo) which is of importance in its single state and even more important in conjunction with other herbs within a formula. Cocculus cordifolius helps increase the effectiveness of the protective white blood cells and builds up the body’s own defence mechanisms. It is used for dyspepsia, fevers and urinary diseases helping to remove stones. It is useful in chronic diarrhoea; it is anti-inflammatory and CNS depressant, analgesic, hepatic protective and reduces blood urea. As with Bamboo Manna its white powder form invites unscrupulous contamination so it imperative to source the best quality from the most reliable sources.

Cocculus cordifolia Starch Extratct  (Guduchi Satwan) has very many benefits its action is antipurgative, it is Pathyam – agrees with the system and may be given to patients and convalescents in a light diet, it is Lafhu – easily assimilated, it is Deepanam – kindles the digestive fire, it is Chaksgushyam – beneficial to eyes, it is Dhatukrit – tissue builder, it is Medhayam – helps the development of intelligence and is Vayasthaapanakarakam – retains youth and preserves premature age. It relieves Tapam – a hot sensation all over the body creating much restlessness, reduces Daham – burning, general and local; internal and external, Meham – varieties of urinary disorders, Aruchi – anorexia, Trit – thirst, Swasa – difficulty breathing, Aras – bleeding piles, Raktapradaram – menorrhagia, I - anaemia and bloodlessness, I – consumption. 

It is the most potent vegetable tonic food. Well prepared it has good taste, carelessly prepared it is bitter. Besides being a tonic food it is a rejuvenator (I).

It is an integral part of Arun Powder (Visham Vidwans – Slayer of ills) where it is combined with Bamboo Manna and Cardamom and may be given in combination with suitable mineral preparations and lends it merits to many Ayurvedic formulae. It adjusts and maintains the proper proportions of Tridoshas – thus maintaining health by readjusting any disturbance of the equilibrium of Tridoshas.

It helps relieve abnormal uterine discharges, is a febrifuge and is excellent for gout when combined with other extracts.

It is invaluable when there is intestinal irritability and inability to digest and kind of food. It is useful in seminal debility, fever, vomiting, various forms of diabetes, rheumatism, jaundice, torpidity of the liver, skin diseases (patches and eruptions on the surface of the skin especially in the extremities often painful and persistent.

It helps relieve acrid dyspepsia, splenic affections, chronic gonorrhoea, leucorrhoea, chronic diarrhoea and dysentery and acidity of the intestinal canal and acid urine.