How Effective Are Natural ”Nuskhas” For Managing Diabetes?

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus, commonly called diabetes, is a lifestyle disorder that causes high blood sugar. In this metabolic disorder, either the body fails to synthesise or is unable to utilise the hormone insulin. The hormone insulin moves sugar from circulating blood into cells to store and make it available for utilisation as energy.

What Does Diabetes Mean In Ayurveda?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical system. In ancient scripts of Ayurveda, diabetes is described as prameha. Prameha and madhumeha have a description as diseases affecting wealthy, affluent and elite populations. The scriptures have documented the use of Ayurveda in diabetes treatment in detail.

The vaidyas believed that the elite population only engaged in the pleasures of life and not physical activity. However, in modern times, we know that diabetes can affect people from all walks of life.

Even if lifestyle changes may help in many patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, these patients are more likely to develop various medical problems such as damage to their eyes and nerves, as well as heart attacks and strokes, medications play a very important role to prevent this from happening, do not stop your diabetic medications abruptly without consulting your physician.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

Diabetes and Ayurvedic Doshas

In Ayurvedic manuscripts, the manifestation of madhumeha is through excess thirst and urination. Madhumeha Sanskrit word translated as ”Madhu” means sweet and ”Meha” means urine. The name madhumeha comes from the fact that diabetic urine tastes like honey.

In ancient Ayurveda literature, each person is a unique blend of Doshas. There are three Doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Samhitas mention diabetes as primarily a Kapha dosha caused by excess body weight, overconsumption of sweets and lack of physical activity.

Types of Diabetes in Ayurveda

The treatment of diabetes in Ayurveda is classified based on the categories. Ayurveda has sorted diabetes into two categories and 24 subcategories. The two categories are:

• Avarana – Avarana is the result of blocked body channels and aggravated by Kapha dosha.
• Dhatuksyaya – Dhatus are bodily tissues whose affliction leads to juvenile diabetes.

The signs and symptoms of Diabetes

The initial symptoms of diabetes include

• Hunger and lethargy
• Frequent urination
• Increased thirst
• Increased appetite
• Itchy skin and dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Delayed wound healing
• Weakness

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes

Ayurveda in diabetes as a treatment modality offers a holistic approach. Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes varies based on the Prakriti (constitution) and severity of the disease. It includes

• Panchakarma (bio purification procedures)
• Vamana
• Virechana
• Vasti/Basti
• Yoga
• Vyayama (exercise)
• Pathya (diet)
• Herbal medicines

These herbal medicines enhance sensitivity for glucose receptors. They also enhance insulin secretion and support the regeneration of beta cells. 

Ayurvedic Herbs for Diabetes

Herbs play an important role in diabetes management through Ayurveda. These are some of the commonly used Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes treatment.

• Neem – Neem is a bitter herb that improves insulin absorption.
• Tulsi/ basil leaves – Aids pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion.
• Giloy or Guduchi – Giloy is a potent ayurvedic herb for diabetes treatment that manages blood sugar levels and boosts immunity.
• Haridra/turmeric plant – Balances Kapha dosha and manages blood sugar levels.
• Gudmar – It contains Gymnemic acid that delays glucose absorption in the blood.
• Bitter gourd juice – Bitter gourd juice has been traditionally used to prevent a sudden spike in blood glucose.
• Daruharidra/Indian barberry – It regulates glucose homoeostasis through decreased gluconeogenesis.
• Guggulu – This ayurvedic herb aids in the removal of excess sugar and toxins from the body.

It is advisable to consult a qualified Ayurveda doctor before administering these Ayurvedic home remedies for diabetes. A combination of these herbs in various quantities is found in the composition of Ayurvedic sugar tablets for managing diabetes.

Diet Changes During Ayurvedic Treatment of Diabetes

The dietary recommendations for diabetic patients include:

• The diet should be rich in fibre content such as green vegetables and fruits.
• One should consume garlic and onions to manage blood sugar levels.
• Drinking water stored in a copper container.
• Cooking recipes should include whole spices like cumin, coriander, clove, turmeric and cardamom.
• Diet should frequently incorporate bitter and astringent foods like bitter gourd, barley, fish and moong dal.
• One can eat Bengal gram for glucose tolerance and urinary excretion.
• Avoid high carbs and rich fats like potatoes, wheat and milk products.

Ayurvedic Home Remedy for Diabetes

Since the approach of Ayurveda in diabetes management is holistic, there are some Ayurvedic home remedies for diabetes that can be used. These are relatively safe and simple to use daily.

Ayurvedic home remedies for blood sugar include:

• Curry leaves – Curry leaves when mixed with cinnamon and fenugreek seeds increase glucose absorption.
• Cinnamon powder – Cinnamon is known to regulate blood glucose levels and assist in diabetes. It acts as a gut detox thereby reducing spiking blood glucose levels.
• Aloe Vera – The pulp of aloe vera is popular for its laxative effect and aids in regulating blood sugar.
• Fenugreek or Methi seeds – Fenugreek seeds have a rich fibre content that regulates blood sugar levels.
• Jamun – Jamun is another fruit that helps to reduce blood sugar levels as it enhances insulin activity.
• Amla – Amla, known as Indian gooseberry, is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Chromium content in amla enables carbohydrate metabolism.

Conclusion

In conditions such as diabetes, patients may need a holistic mode of treatment to notice the required results. Patients can consider Ayurveda in diabetes treatment. It is a combination of choosing the correct diet, a gentle medium for treatment and regular exercise.

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