Contributed by – Healthians Team
Diabetes is a chronic ailment which arises when the human body is not able to offer adequate insulin to cells for proper functioning. This deficiency of insulin initiates extra sugar production in the blood causing glycosuria and hyperglycemia. This excessive glucose hinders the regular functions of the nervous system, heart, eyes, blood vessels and kidneys.
Some common signs of diabetes are:
- Rapid weight loss
- Blurry vision
- Skin infections
- Increased thirst
- Excessive hunger pangs
- Wounds heal slowly
- Extreme fatigue
- Frequent urination
However, there are multiple natural remedies for diabetes. Mentioned below are a few ayurvedic herbs that could be of help in the treatment of diabetes:
Aloe Vera
A review was published in 2013 which focused upon Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes. It recommended that Aloe Vera helps in protection and repair of the beta cells of pancreas that produce insulin.
Ways of consuming this homemade medicine for diabetes are:
- Addition of juiced pulp to a drink
- Consuming capsules of Aloe supplements
Cinnamon (Dalchini)
Cinnamon is a sweet and aromatic spice which comes from the bark of a tree. It is a prevalent ingredient in sweets and baked desserts. A 2013 review found that cinnamon may decrease:
- Blood glucose levels,
- Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
- Triglycerides or fat in the blood
- Increased Insulin sensitivity
Ways of consuming this Indian herb for diabetes are:
- In cooked and baked dishes
- In tea as a supplement
Bitter melon or Bitter Gourd (Karela)
Momordica charantia also known as bitter melon is a medicinal fruit. Evidences show that it might help in the treatment of diabetes.
Studies have shown that consuming bitter melon in the following forms can reduce blood sugar levels:
- Seeds
- Blended vegetable pulp
- Juice
- Supplements
Milk thistle
Milk thistle has an anti-inflammatory property which makes it useful for diabetics. Silymarin is the extract from milk thistle which is a compound with antioxidants.
This Indian herb for diabetes can be consumed in the following ways:
- Capsules and supplements
Fenugreek (Methi Seeds)
Fenugreek is one more seed that might aid in decreasing the blood sugar levels. These seeds comprise fibres and chemicals which reduce the speed of carbohydrates and sugar digestion. The outcomes of a three years’ investigation, which published in 2015, noted that people with prediabetes were less prone to type 2 diabetes while they consumed powdered fenugreek seed.
It was concluded that consumption of the seeds lead to:
- Increased levels of insulin in the body
Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes includes:
- Addition of fenugreek herb in certain dishes
- Consumption in capsule form
Gymnema (Gurhmaar)
Gymnema Sylvestre, the herb that comes from India, has a name which means sugar destroyer. A study noted that people, with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, who took Gymnema displayed signs of improvement. Blood sugar levels dropped considerably in patients with type 1 diabetes who took the leaf extract for 18 around months. People with type 2 diabetes also responded well. It can be consumed as capsules.
Ginger (Adrak)
In 2015, a review recommended that ginger lowered blood sugar levels without affecting insulin.
It can be consumed in the following ways:
- Adding ginger powder or fresh ginger root to food
- Brewed into tea
- Supplement
Amla
Amla or the Indian gooseberry is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which makes it perfect for treating and keeping diabetes under control. It can either be cooked or consumed as supplement.
