Reviewing 10 of the Most Effective Non-Conventional Remedies for Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious metabolic illness that contributes to high sugar levels in the blood.
It is caused by either impairment in the proper functioning of the pancreas in insulin production or a dysfunction in the response of body cells to insulin. Diabetes is a top killer disease affecting millions of people around the world.
Types of Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes usually have any of the following three types:
1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Type 2 diabetes
3. Gestational diabetes
Type 1 diabetes, also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes, is usually caused by the pancreas’ inability to produce sufficient insulin. Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin dependent diabetes is due to insulin resistance in the body.
Pregnant women with no previous history of the disease can suffer from gestational diabetes.
The onset of diabetes is characterized by symptoms like excessive urination, intense thirst, increased hunger, and weight loss. Other symptoms that may not necessarily be characteristic to the disease are blurred vision, prolonged healing of wounds, itchy skin rashes, and fatigue.
Risk Factors
The risk factors related to Type 1 diabetes are still under research. Gestational diabetes, obesity, poor eating habits, age, glucose intolerance, ethnicity, genetics, and not regularly exercising are some of the predisposing factors that may lead to a person developing Type 2 diabetes.
Remedies for Diabetes
The treatment of diabetes has attracted many patients to seek remedies from both conventional and non-conventional quarters. The ancient art of Ayurveda in holistic Indian medicine aims at establishing internal balance. Many believe it is one of the most effective non-conventional remedies for diseases like diabetes.
According to Ayurveda, this metabolic illness results from a dysfunction in the agni, and is categorized in the Kapha specialty. Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes comes from natural sources and aims to restore the body’s natural balance in the production of insulin. Here is a comprehensive review of ten of the most effective non-conventional remedies for diabetes:
1. Bitter gourd (Karela)
2. Jambolan fruit (Jamun/Jambhul)
3. Fenugreek (Methi)
4. Coccinia Indica
5. Mulberry
6. Cow plant (Gurmar)
7. Neem
8. Turmeric
9. Bael Fruit
10. Triphala & Shilajit
1. Bitter gourd (Karela)
This Ayurvedic super food may not have the best taste, but it is an excellent diet addition to help in weight loss, blocking glucose absorption, and fighting different skin conditions like acne. There are many tasty recipes incorporating Karela for those who cannot stand its juice.
Karela is more effective as an ayurvedic medicine for diabetes when raw. 20ml of karela juice should be taken early in the morning. ½ or 1 teaspoon of the dried fruit powder can be taken twice every day.
2. Jambolan fruit (Indian blackberry)
This fruit, otherwise known as the Indian blackberry, is a well-known Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. The rich presence of antioxidants in the fruit makes it the ideal super food for fighting diseases and free radicals that cause damage to body cells.
The key ingredient that makes Jambolan fruit the ideal ayurvedic medicine for diabetes is jamboline, which slows down starch from conversion to sugar. A teaspoon of the dry Jambolan seeds powder should be taken with lukewarm water twice daily.
3. Fenugreek (Methi)
The hypoglycemic properties of fenugreek seeds make it an ideal ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. Resistance to insulin in diabetes patients can be combated using fenugreek. Daily doses of 10 grams will help reduce blood sugar levels for keeping diabetes away. Fenugreek seeds can also be soaked overnight in warm water then chewed in the morning with some more warm water.
4. Coccinia Indica
The Coccinia Indica regulates starch breakdown and inhibits the immediate surge in blood glucose after taking carbs. It also keeps the organs safe from any adversities on organs resulting from high levels of blood sugar and prohibits oxidative stress in diabetics.
5. Mulberry
The leaves of mulberry trees can reduce blood sugar levels significantly when taken daily. They also contain antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress, delay occurrence of eye cataracts, and correct abnormalities in lipids.
6. Cow plant (Gurmar)
This sugar crusher contains Gymnema Sylvestre, which is the component that makes it an effective ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. Cow plant leaves reduce the level of fasting blood glucose and help in replenishing beta cells in the pancreas for reduced insulin dependence in diabetics.
7. Neem
Neem has been used for centuries in balms and lotions because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Urinary tract infections and skin infections have been treated effectively using Neem in Ayurveda. The extract from the bark of the Neem tree is used in enhancing glucose tolerance for the prevention of diabetes.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric currently trends globally as a super food due to its numerous medicinal properties. It has been used to treat acne, and its effectiveness in preventing non-insulin dependent diabetes makes it another effective ayurvedic medicine for diabetes.
9. Bael Fruit
The leaves of the bael fruit contain an extract used in making ayurvedic medicine for diabetes in India for many decades now. The fruit has also been effective in treating stomach problems like diarrhea and dysentery.
10. Triphala & Shilajit
Triphala is a combination of the ancient haritaki, amlaki, and bibhitaki fruits, which contain powerful antioxidant properties essential for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. For centuries, these fruits have been ayurvedic medicine for diabetes.
Shilajit or rock asphalt is a mineral substance obtained from the Himalayas during the peaks of summer. It has been used as ayurvedic medicine for diabetes for many centuries and is available as a powder or tablet.
Treatment of Diabetes in Ayurveda
For effectiveness in ayurvedic treatment, there must be a complete change in diet and lifestyle. Being more active and eating a healthy, low sugar and starch diet is an effective way to treat diabetes. Sugary foods like colocasia, white bread, bananas, sugar cereals, rice and potatoes must be avoided at all costs.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a metabolism disorder that is preventable by those who do not have it and manageable for those who have the condition. Natural Ayurvedic medicine has been used for thousands of years in combating this illness by attempting to restore the body’s natural function of insulin. In ayurvedic medicine for diabetes, superfoods like turmeric, Jambolan fruit, and fenugreek seeds have been effective in treating the disease.