Category: Diabetes Care

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 20, 2019

Everyone should know the Health Benefits of Amla Juice(Amla Saar)(Indian Gooseberry)

Overview

Amla which is also known as Indian gooseberry is power house of rich nutrients and vit. c. It contains many essential minerals and vitamins which are not only an integral part of our body’s health and well being, but also play a major role in preventing and managing some of the most common diseases which are widespread. It can be consumed in various ways like eaten raw, juiced, powdered, or can be made into an array of jams, pickles, dips or spreads. Amla is a great source of vitamin c which helps in boosting immunity, strengthen metabolism and prevents bacterial and viral infections.

Health Benefits of Amla Juice

According to Ayurveda

  • According to Ayurveda Amla Saar ( amla juice) have the property of balancing the all the processes in the body and brings equilibrium in all three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Vit. C which is present in the amla is a natural antioxidant, which protects you against the harmful effects of free radicals.
  • It helps in slowing down the aging process. It is needed for collagen production hence keeping skin, hair healthy and improves the immunity.
  • Amla saar strengthens the eyes, teeth and roots of the hair.
  • Amla juice increases the blood (rakta) and shukra dhatu(semen).
  • It is very effective in piitaj vyadhis like burning sensation in urine, acidity, leucorrhoea, piles etc.

Following are some of the uses of Amla juice

For Physical strength:

  • Take Amla juice and add Ashwagandha churna(2gm) and sugar candy(mishri) to this. This will improve physical strength, vigour, and will also help in infertility. It improves Shukra dhatu in the body and increases the fertility.

Help in Diabetes:

  • Taking amla saar by mixing with 2-4 gms of turmeric shows good results in diabetes. It also helps in controlling nocturnal emission, and in semen related issues.

Leucorrhoea:

  • Amla saar taken with sugar candy(mishri) is very beneficial in leucorrhoea and in excessive bleeding during monthly periods in women.

For strength:

  • Mix honey, sugar candy and brown sugar (shakar) in 10-15 ml of amla saar and take this mixture in between the meal. It will provide strength to the body, helps in fighting infections,and increase the immunity within the body.

Burning micturation

  • Take half a cup of amla juice with 2 teaspoons of honey.
  • Take 50 ml juice of Amla and add 25 gms of honey or Shakaar(brown sugar) in it.
  • Take this mixture in the morning and evening. It will maintain the healthy flow of urine, and will also remove constipation. It will also cure the premature ejaculation.

In bleeding:

  • Apply fresh juice of amla over the bleeding part. It will stop the bleeding.

Dhatuvardhak(Increase semen production and its quality):

  • Take 2 teaspoons of amla rasa(juice) mixing with one teaspoon of pure cow ghee. Take this mixture three times a day for 7 days.

Amla Juice for Weak Eyesight

Weak EyeSight

  • Putting the juice of gooseberry(amla) in the eyes. Or juice of sahajan leaves and mixing it in 1/4th of 1 gm rock salt and apply it in the eyes. It will cure the initial cataract.
  • Amla rasa helps in maintaining healthy eyesight. Also taking amla with green coriander leaves is beneficial in eye disorders.

For Hiccoughs:

  • Take 10-20 ml juice of amla and add 2-3 gms of Piper longum powder and 2 teaspoons of honey.
  • Take it twice in a day. It is beneficial in hiccoughs.
  • Mixing 3 gms of pipali powder and 5 gms of honey in 10ml amal juice gives relief from hiccoughs.

For vomiting:

  • Take 20 ml of amla juice and add one tea spoon of honey and 10 gm powder of white chandan (santalum album). It will stop the vomiting.
  • Take amla rasa and add pippali (piper longum) powder and honey to it. It will be beneficial in vomiting.

For urine problems:

  • Taking 20 ml juice of amla and adding 2 gms of turmeric powder and 10 gms of honey and drink this mixture two times a day. It will help in passing the urine and will help in its proper flow.
  • Taking 20 ml of amla juice by adding cardamom powder to it will cure the Mutrakricchta i.e urine retention

Raktaatisara( bloody diarrhea)

  • In bloody diarrhea take 10-20 ml of amla rasa by adding 10 gm honey and 5 gm ghee to it. Give it to the patient. After that  make the patient to drink 100 ml goat milk thrice in a day.

For raktagulma:

  • Taking amla juice and add black pepper powder to it will cure the rakta gulma.

For Mutra atisara (som roga)

  • Make a mixture of one ripe banana, 10 ml amla juice, 5 gm honey, 250 ml of milk. Then give to the patient. It will cure mutraatisara.

For severe diarrhea

  • Make a paste of 5-6 amla and apply it around the umbilical region and pour juice of ginger in umbilicus. With this, even severe to severe diarrhea can be cured.

For burning and itching in the vagina:

Other Uses of Amla Juice

  • By using the juice of amla  mixed in water for bathing helps to overcome financial issues. But don’t use it on Saptami(7thday of the month), Navami(9th day of the month),  Amavasya(new moon), Sunday, Surya grahan(solar eclipse), Chander grahan(lunar eclipse) स्कंद पुराण, वैष्णव खंड (Skand puran, Vaishnav khand)
  • Washing the dead person’s bones with the juice of amla and stirring it in any river, provides moksha to that person.(स्कंद पुराण, वैष्णव खंड)

Note

  • So, there you go, it is a nature’s elixir packed to combat most of our daily health woes. Give it a try, you will be amazed and will stay healthy.
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