World Health Organization
has listed 21,000 plants from all over the world, which possess medicinal
properties. 2500 species of these medicinal plants are found in India alone.
Many of these medicinal plants have been used for thousands of years in
Ayurveda and Indian folk medicine. It is not surprising that India is called as
the ‘botanical garden’ of the world!
Ayurvedic plant
remedies are revered as potent adjuvant therapies in many diseases ranging from
cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and Obesity to Alzheimer’s for their
rejuvenating, anti-oxidant qualities and lack of side-effects. Type II Diabetes
also known as Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) or ‘Prameha’ in
Sanskrit, is a metabolic disorder. The incidence of
diabetes is increasing globally at an
alarming rate.2 Many Ayurvedic herbs and classical blends are beneficial in
managing the high blood sugar levels, underlying insulin resistance and side effects
that tag along with Type II Diabetes. Below given are 5 potent Ayurvedic herbs
that have been found to be highly effective as
adjuvant therapies in Type II Diabetes.
1. Gurmar or Madhuvinashini (Gymnema
sylvestre)- ‘Gurmar’ in Hindi (National Language of India) or ‘Madhuvinashini’
in Sanskrit literally means ‘one that vanquishes sugar’. It is so called
because it temporarily abolishes sweet taste by anesthetizing our taste buds.
Its leaves and almost all parts are used for medicinal purposes. Gurmar not
only helps in regulating blood sugar levels in type II diabetes; it also helps
in regeneration and repair of the beta cells in our pancreas (gland which
secretes insulin).
2. Bitter Gourd/bitter melon
(Momordica charantia)- Bitter gourd or ‘karela’ as it is called in Hindi is an
extremely bitter tasting fruit which lives up to its name. However, despite of
its bitter disposition, it is still one of the tastiest vegetables in Indian
cuisine. Bitter gourd helps in reducing the blood sugar levels in type II
diabetes. It has powerful antioxidants which make it an ideal supplement and
essential dietary component for diabetic as well as pre-diabetic individuals.
3. Indian gooseberry (Syzygium cumini/
Eugenia jambolana)- Indian Gooseberry or Jamun (Hindi) is an evergreen green
tree native to India, that ripens at the beginning of rainy season. Jamun
fruits are sweet, slightly sour and extremely astringent in taste. They are
very popular in India for their deep purple-black color and unique taste. The
fruits, seeds, bark and even leaves of jamun tree are used for their
anti-diabetic and antioxidant qualities.6 Jamun helps in regulating the blood
sugar levels and is also found to boost the secretion of insulin.
4. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum
graecum)-The seeds and leaves of Fenugreek, commonly known as ‘Methi’ in Hindi
and ‘Methika’ in Sanskrit are an integral part of Indian cooking. Fenugreek
also has powerful anti-diabetic properties. It helps in keeping blood sugar
levels in check and improves insulin resistance in Type II diabetes. A popular
way of taking fenugreek seeds is to soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water
at night and eat them early next morning on empty stomach.
5. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)-Turmeric
or ‘Haridra’ (Sanskrit) or ‘Haldi’ as it is commonly known in India, is the
most preeminent Indian spice, an integral part of Indian cuisine and an
auspicious component of Hindu Religious ceremonies. Turmeric has been extensively
used in Ayurveda for the treatment of Prameha. Research studies have found that
turmeric lowers blood sugar levels and works at many levels in improving
insulin sensitivity and inhibiting certain enzymes that have been linked with
type II diabetes. Turmeric reduces inflammation of body tissues caused due to
damaging free radicals. Such chronic low grade inflammation is now being
considered as the root cause of many metabolic diseases including Diabetes,
cancer, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Best way to take turmeric is to
include it your daily diet.10 Also, whole turmeric is more effective than using
its individual active constituents like curcumin.
The Nature of Type II Diabetes does
vary from person to person, hence Ayurveda advises that any supplement; diet or
lifestyle changes should be customized to meet your specific health requirements.
Understanding you Ayurvedic Body Type or Prakriti, your age, digestion, nature
and chronicity of your diseases are the key factors for deciding which
Ayurvedic dietary supplement or herb
suits you the best. This not only brings the disease under control; it leads to true manifestation of health and
well-being!
Learn more about Ayurveda and ayurvedic benefits - www.ayurvedaacademy.com
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