Among the most widespread diseases, diabetes now affects over 10% of the world’s adult population. Having diabetes, or madhumeh as it is called in Sanskrit and Ayurvedic medicine, may be difficult for many people. To begin, it has a significant impact on what kinds of foods one can buy and consume. Second, there are health issues that might arise from blood sugar surges. Eye health, cardiovascular health, nervous system health, foot health, and renal health are all negatively impacted by diabetes.
The good news is that the illness is still treatable and can be controlled by a combination of self-care and medical intervention.
In Ayurveda, how do we define diabetes?
First, let’s define what diabetes is in Ayurveda so we can go on to talking about Ayurveda’s therapy for diabetes.
Diabetes is linked to and referred to as an urine anomaly in Ayurvedic medicine. There are twenty different forms of diabetes, each with its own set of complications. Diabetes mellitus is the most frequent kind of diabetes among the twenty types.
Ayurvedic Approaches to the Treatment of Diabetes
According to the historical writings, the remedies for diabetes in Ayurveda include herbal drugs, the Panchakarma therapy, and its many other procedures (Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, etc.). There are also many more diabetic treatments. The severity of the ailment that the person is struggling with will, however, play a significant role in determining which kind of therapy will be chosen.
In addition, it is very important to keep in mind that the purpose of these treatments is to increase the insulin sensitivity of glucose receptors of type 4. As a consequence, insulin resistance is reduced, its secretion levels are increased, and the regeneration of beta cells is also facilitated as a result of these changes.
When it comes to specifics, it is possible to get some knowledge that is pertinent about the Ayurvedic therapies that are most suited for diabetic persons.
Panchakarma Therapy
One of the most extensive Ayurvedic therapies, known as panchakarma, is believed to assist with the management of a variety of health issues and to improve an individual’s well-being as a whole. A detoxification of the body is the intended result of this therapeutic procedure, which consists of five separate procedures.
The duration of the full Panchakarma treatment ranges from seven to fifteen days, and this is determined by the Ayurvedic practitioner’s choice of procedures.
Traditional Medicinal Herbs
As was just stated, there are a few different herbs that are claimed to be helpful in controlling diabetes. You’ll find a list of Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes in the next section. These could help maintain normal blood sugar levels and make diabetes easier to control.
Neem
Neem has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to cleanse the blood and strengthen the immune system. Neem’s bitter leaf contains chemicals that help regulate blood sugar levels, including flavonoids, triterpenoids, anti-viral substances, and glycosides.
Guggulu
This Ayurvedic cleanser eliminates toxins and boosts metabolism to aid in weight loss.
Amla
When it comes to antioxidant power, few things can compare to the vitamin C content and powerful anti-oxidant properties of amla. It’s a great way to become healthy and reduce diabetes-related issues.
Amla decreases levels of sorbitol (toxic sugar), which raises the risk of diabetic consequences such retinopathy, neuropathy, and kidney damage. In addition to improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, it also helps prevent oxidation, increases blood oxygen levels, and stimulates cell regeneration.
Turmeric
Curcuma-containing turmeric has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Well-documented benefits include a lowering of insulin resistance and enhanced beta-cell activity. Additionally, turmeric helps with sugar control and blood purification.
Bilva
The “Feronia gum” found in Bilva/Bael Bael leaves is the active component. The Bael tree has this component in its bark and stems. Evidence suggests that Bael aids in the control of blood sugar levels and insulin production.
Jamun
As a possible blood sugar regulator, Jamun seeds are utilised in Ayurvedic medicine. Jamboline and Jambosine, two important phytochemicals in Jamun seeds, have been shown to reduce sugar absorption and increase insulin secretion. A number of alkaloids have been shown to be effective in reducing diabetic symptoms and converting carbohydrates into energy.
Karela (Bitter Gourd)
The juice extracted from this vegetable has been shown to be very effective in preventing and treating diabetes-related problems. Kerela juice has been demonstrated in studies to lower blood sugar levels in diabetic people. Amla juice may be combined with this.
Tulsi
In India, this plant has long been revered for its powerful immune-enhancing therapeutic effects. Helps regulate blood sugar by enhancing the efficiency of pancreatic beta cells and insulin production.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are often used to treat Diabetes due to their ability to reduce the effects of an exacerbated Kapha dosha. In powdered form, it helps regulate sugar levels in the body.
Gurmar
In Ayurveda, Gurmar is used to control blood sugar. The active ingredient, gymnemic acid, has been shown to have beneficial effects in lowering blood sugar levels, making it an ideal choice for diabetics. Complexes are formed when they bind to the body’s sugar molecules, making the sugars more difficult to absorb. Both Gudmar and Gurmar are high in antioxidants and may reduce inflammation. It protects pancreatic cells from free radicals and boosts insulin production. Effective control of diabetes-related complications is the end goal.
Saptrangi
Treatment of diabetes with this extract has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine. Those with diabetes may benefit from using the tree’s bark to control their blood sugar.
Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) characteristics have long been associated with the bark of the Vijaysar tree. It is good for balancing both Kapha and Pitta. As a result of its stimulating effect on insulin and pancreatic beta cells, this plant extract aids in the control of hyperglycemia. One of its other well-known benefits is the reduction of sugar cravings and subsequent weight loss.
Cinnamon
Diabetics may benefit from reduced blood sugar, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels by adding cinnamon to their regular diet. It decreases fasting blood sugar and HBA1C levels while increasing insulin sensitivity.
Aloe vera
Those with diabetes may benefit greatly from ingesting aloe vera on a regular basis since it increases insulin secretion.
Because of its ability to lower blood sugar, Arjuna Arjuna chaal was employed in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Haridra
To restore harmony to the vitiated Kapha dosha, it may be used for its Katu, Tikta, and Ushna qualities. Because of its antibacterial characteristics, haridra is excellent for helping diabetics avoid becoming sick.
Various people have benefited from ayurveda, and the aforementioned approaches are only a few of the many strategies and treatments that may be used for both prevention and therapy.
