Category: Low Immunity

April 1, 2019

Ayurvedic Herbs to Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes Herbal RemediesIn this shloka the symptoms of madhumeh are

  • One who passes the urine which is astringent by nature , sweet, pale and rough should be diagnosed as a case of madhumeh which because of the vitiation of vata dosha.

(Reference: Charak Samhita (Nidan Sthan): Chapter- 4 and Shloka-44)

As per Ayurveda Aspect:

  • Diabetes is correlated with madhumeh or prameh. It is described by Acharya charak in charak Samhita Nidan sthan. Prameh is a tridoshaj disease but initially, it starts with the derangement of Kapha Dosha. Excessive intake of kapha prakopak ahara vihara can lead to the vitiation of Kapha Dosha. Symptoms related to prameha are krisha (asthenic), Rauksha (dryness in the skin), Bahu pipasa (Excessive thirst), sthula (obese) and bahuasi (Excessive hunger).

diabetes treatment in ayurveda

Aetiological classification of diabetes (prameha):

  • One type is Sahaja meha which is hereditary and another one is apathyanimitajja which is acquired.

Types of prameha according to Acharya Charak:

Aphaja Prameha:

  • Udakameha, ikshubalika, sandrameha, Sandera prasadameha, shuklameha, shukrameha, siktameha, sitameha, shanairmeha and alalameha.

Pittaja prameha:

  • Kshurdrameha, kalameha, nilameha, lohitameha, manjishthameha and haridrameha.

Vataja prameha:

  • Vasameha, majjameha, hastimeha and madhumeha.

As per modern aspect:

  • Diabetes is a condition which impairs the ability of the body to process blood glucose and is a group of metabolic diseases marked by the high blood glucose level resulting from defects in insulin production. Lack of insulin production affects the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins which in turn causes disturbance of water and electrolyte homeostasis.
  • Having pre-diabetes can put you at a higher risk of getting type2 diabetes. Diabetes can damage your nerves, eyes, and kidneys and may also cause heart disease.

Type of Diabetes

What Are the types and Symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes can be of three types:

  1. Type 1
  2. Type 2
  3. Gestational Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes:

  • This condition is also known as juvenile diabetes and can occur when the pancreas fails to produce insulin due to loss of beta cells. An individual with type 1 diabetes is mostly insulin dependent, which means the individual must take artificial insulin to stay alive. So, it is also known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Type 2 diabetes:

  • In this condition, the pancreas still produces insulin but fails to  resists the insulin properly, unlike in type 1 and it affects the way the body uses insulin. It has strong links with obesity and lack of exercise. This condition is also referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes.

Gestational Diabetes:

  • This occurs in pregnant women during pregnancy when the body becomes less sensitive to insulin. It does not occur in all pregnant women but when occurs, then it usually resolves after giving birth.

In type 1 diabetes mellitus the symptoms may develop rapidly (weeks or even months)

Symptoms related to diabetes are:

  • Blurred vision
  • Excessive thirst and hunger
  • Frequent urination
  • Restlessness
  • Fatigue
  • Blurring of vision
  • Slow healing of wounds
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin infections
  • Tingling sensation in hands and feet
  • Darkening of skin complexion
  • Irritability
  • Excessive thirst and hunger
  • Weight loss
  • Pain in upper and lower limbs

Ayurvedic Herbs to Manage Blood Sugar Levels

Gurmaar (Gymnema sylvestrae):

  • In Hindi language, gurmaar is known as “The sugar killer” and  it has been used in Ayurveda since ages for controlling the blood sugar level  Extract of this herb plays an important role in reducing the craving for sugar.
  • Some researchers have shown that it contains molecules of gymnemic acid in the intestines and also inhibits its entry into the bloodstream.
  • It is the best and effective herb for the controlling of blood sugar levels that may contribute to insulin secretion and also cell regeneration that may contribute to blood sugar lowering capabilities.

Karela (Momordica Charantia):

  • Karela is also known as a bitter guard or bitter melon and is a unique vegetable-fruit that can be used as a medicine or food. This fruit has long been used as herbal remedy for a range of ailments, including type2 diabetes. It contains an active substance called charantin which has anti-diabetic properties  which can reduce the blood sugar levels. It also contains vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide and these substances work either individually or together that can help to reduce the blood sugar levels.

Vizaysaar (Pterocarpus marsupium):

  • The bark of vizaysaar is useful for diabetes. The bark of the tree is used to make a wooden glass and this glass is termed as “The miracle care for diabetes”. It increases the digestive fire and also increases the insulin production in the body.
  • Pour some water in the wooden glass and keep it for overnight and the water is consumed by the diabetic patients early in the morning on an empty stomach. The color of the water changes to brown and change this wooden glass after one month until the watercolor does not change.

Saptrangi (Salacia oblonga)

  • Saptrangi is a wonderful Ayurvedic herb used for diabetes. Its bark is very effective in controlling the diabetes. The main constituents of this herb are kotalanol and salicin which acts as glucose inhibitors. These inhibitors lower the risk of complications caused by diabetes mellitus.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

  • Ashwagandha is an effective herb which is especially used for diabetic neuropathy, fatigue, weakness and weight loss due to diabetes. This herb is adaptogenic which relieves stress and anxiety. Some researchers said that this herb is used to lower the blood sugar levels in the body by increasing the insulin secretion and improves the sensitivity of insulin in the muscle cells.
  • It can also reduce the cortisol levels because increased cortisol level may lead to high blood sugar levels in the body. Reduced cortisol levels help the body to deal with stressful situations and keep the sugar level under control.

Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)

  • Tulsi is popularly known as the holy basil and is known to be a significant part of ayurvedic medicines. Its leaves, seeds, and stems are edible and are used in various Indian delicacies. Being an anti-inflammatory, it can prove to be a cure to several diseases.
  • Tulsi is said to improve the pancreatic beta cell function and insulin secretion that further increases the uptake of glucose by muscles. Leaves of Tulsi has hypoglycemic properties which lower the blood sugar level and prevents further complications related to diabetes.

Fenugreek (Trigonells foenum graecum):

  • Fenugreek can improve the metabolic symptoms associated with type 1 and type2 diabetes. It contains high soluble fibers which are helpful in lowering the blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Its seeds are the richest source of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, which help to protect the cells of the body from damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals.
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March 26, 2019

What are the Health Benefits of Dates?

Introduction

Dates, no I am not asking you to go on a date with me, but we are talking about the ones, which is consumed as a dry fruit, have lots of nutrients, fiber and anti-oxidants properties, making them very popular all over the world. Dates have proven their worth in treating many ailments, when consumed in advance it enhances the immune system, are anti-inflammatory and are anti-tumor.

Dates have a unique sweet taste, which comes from the family of date palm trees, scientifically known as Phoenix dactylifera

Health Benefits of Dates

This tree is found all over the world, but mostly it is cultivated in the tropical regions. You can also consume it as a dessert, date molasses which is made from the syrup created by dates. Scientists recommend eating 25 to 38 grams of dates daily to enhance your fiber intake.

This fruit is gaining popularity due to its ability to correct all hassles of digestive system. It is also popular for enhancing your eye sight and is sought after to treat ailments like night blindness. It has immense healthy benefits like it enhances the muscle development, makes your mind bright & sharp, so it works wonderfully for your both physical and mental health.

Just with your naked eyes you can tell whether the dates are fresh or dried. Their wrinkled skin means these are dried, whereas their mellow skin indicates that they are fresh. In various varieties, fresh dates have a small size and has different color that ranges from shiny red to shiny yellow.

Amazing Health Benefits of Dates

Amazing Health Benefits of Dates

Great Source of Energy:

  • Dates contain many natural sugars like fructose, glucose and sucrose. The presence of natural sugar enhances the energy level manifold. Most people around the world consume them as an afternoon snack, if they are feeling lethargic or are acting sluggishly. To gain instant energy and become enthusiastic, dates are eaten.
  • When you hit the gym or do any intense physical activity at home, after which you feel exhausted, eat dates, which contain energy providing nutrients that can help you recover at more pace than the normal.
  • Muslims hold a special value for them, when they observe fasting for so many days at a stretch, during Ramzan, when they finish the fast, they do it with eating dates with water. They do so that they don’t like eating any other food, which can be overeaten. The body pacifies the need for hunger with dates nutritious value.
  • When dates are dried, their nutritious value increases, their calorie count is similar to that of figs and raisins. Most of these calories come from carbohydrates in addition to some from proteins. Despite the calories it contains, it also has vital vitamins, minerals and a fair amount of fiber.

Health Benefits of Dates

May Boost Brain Health:

  • A study was conducted and it revealed that dates protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation. It also suggested that dates have abundance of total phenolics and natural anti-oxidants, like ferulic acid, anthocyanins,  protocatechuic acid, and caffeic acid. All these prevent the body from dementia and  high levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of neuro-degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Consuming dates help in reducing inflammatory markers like interleukin 6 (IL-6), in the brain.
  • Consuming dates reduces the activity of amyloid beta proteins, which creates plaque in the brain.

Treat sexual malfunctions:

  • A research was done in 2006, revealing that dates pollen and its oil have huge amounts of estradiol and flavonoid components, which increase the quantity and quality of the sperms.
  • According to an Indian study,   dates eradicate male infertility in the ancient times.
  • If you need a safe and effective way to enhance your libido and indulge in sexual functions, why don’t you eat organic dates, which have the aphrodisiac properties.

How to Use

  • Dip a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk for the whole night. Put this mixture in a grinder, with a mixture of cardamom powder and a teaspoon of honey. Mix them vigorously and then drink the mixture. But it will be better if you pay a visit to your trusted Ayurvedic doctor.

Helpful for Pregnant Women

  • Dates have the potential to promote and ease late-term labor in pregnant females: During the last weeks of pregnancy, consuming dates may enhance cervical dilation and will reduce the requirement of induced labor. Dates certainly lessen the labor time. If the female is going to conceive within 4 weeks, she should start eating at least 6 dates per day. This process will certainly help in going to have the baby in a natural condition.
  • A research was done on females, it was found that pregnant females who ate dates amounting to 70 to 76 grams daily, 91% of them felt the labor pains just 4 hours before the delivery.
  • Dates play such a significant role due to the fact that it contains oxytocin receptors and appears to copy all the effects of oxytocin in our body.
  • Oxytocin is a hormone that creates contractions during the childbirth. It also has tannins, which is a compound that facilitates contractions.
  • During pregnancy the females body needs to maintain the energy level by controlling the sugar level, dates have natural sugar, which never raises its level above the normal.

Helpful for Pregnant Women

Cancer Fighting Properties

  • Dates have cancer fighting properties: Eating dates help in enhancing the bowel health, and reducing the pace of developing and spreading of colo-rectal cancer cells.
  • Dried dates have anti-tumor activities, the exact mechanism is still a mystery and need more research.

Enhances Bone Health:

  • Dates contain an ingredient called boron, which promotes healthier bones. It has sufficient amount of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium, which makes it a super food that takes care of the health of bones. It helps in combating many diseases like osteoporosis.
  • Organic dates have selenium, copper, manganese and magnesium, all these help in the managing strong health of bones, especially during the old age.

Thus dates have numerous properties, which certainly make them a super food, which has been bestowed by nature to humans

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