AYURVEDIC HERBS USED IN TREATMENT OF DIABETES
Type 2 diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by a situation where the body does not produce as much insulin as it requires or it cannot utilize insulin properly. Carbohydrates present in the foods we eat are broken done into sugars within the body. Insulin hormone produced by the pancreas is necessary to convert these sugars into energy. In diabetics, the insulin hormone is either lacking or it is not utilized efficiently. As a result, sugar tends to accumulate in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. Diabetes mellitus seems to be a genetic condition. It usually surfaces around middle age though it is also seen in adolescents and young children. This disease can lead to further complications like heart problems, nerve disease, kidney disease, glaucoma and so on.
According to the science of ayurveda, there are three doshas or humors that constitute the well being and overall health of the body- vata dosha, pitta dosha and kapha dosha. An imbalance in these humors or doshas can lead to diseases like diabetes. While modern medicine aims to treat diabetes with lifestyle changes, drugs and insulin supplementation, Ayurvedic treatment aims to bring the doshas into balance. This is done by lifestyle changes, ayurvedic medications, stress relieving techniques for mental well being and so on.
The following herbs are commonly used in Ayurvedic treatment of diabetes
• Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) – Bitter gourd juice must be taken daily on an empty stomach to get the best results. Studies have shown that extracts from this plant can increase insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Although the juice is bitter and may be difficult to consume, it is best advised not to sweeten the extract with any other additive.
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) – You can soak fenugreek seeds in water overnight and consume the water in the morning or you can powder fenugreek seeds and add the powder to a glass of milk and drink it. Studies suggest that this herb has the ability to increase insulin sensitivity. An amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine present in fenugreek may be able to trigger insulin production in the pancreas. Further studies are required to fully understand the efficacy and mode of action of this herb in the treatment of diabetes.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa)- Turmeric has long been hailed as a medicinal herb thanks to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant properties. A study conducted by Dr. Drew Tortoriello et al at the Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center at Columbia University Medical Center shoed that mice which were treated with turmeric showed a lesser susceptibility to developing diabetes type 2. Moreover, the inflammation that is associated with obesity was also comparatively lesser in these mice. This proves that turmeric helps combat diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity and preventing inflammation.
• Neem (Azadirachtha indica)- Extracts of the leaves and seeds of the neem tree have been found to be effective in treatment of diabetes. The exact mechanism through which neem works to lower blood glucose levels is not known and studies are still being carried out in this area. However, studies have proved beyond doubt that neem does reduce blood sugar levels to the extent that the patient does not need to take hypoglycemic drugs. It also improves blood circulation. Chewing a leaf of neem everyday can help protect against diabetes and also treat existing diabetes.
• Garlic (Allium sativum)- A compound called allicin or diallyl disulphide oxide, present in garlic is highly effective in countering diabetes. This substance prevents insulin inactivation by binding to insulin inactivating sites on the liver. Garlic also has antioxidant properties and protects the cells and organs from damage due to free radicals. It lowers cholesterol levels and has antihypertensive effects. These properties make it all the ore beneficial for diabetics.
• Gooseberry (Terminilia offocinialis)- This berry is very rich in vitamin C. It has the effect of reducing blood sugar levels and also stimulates insulin production. A mix of gooseberry and turmeric powder taken on an empty stomach is highly beneficial for diabetes. You can also combine gooseberry juice with bitter gourd juice to make a potent remedy for diabetes. This mixture is believed to stimulate the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas to produce more insulin.
By Dhanya Renjen
