Diabetes mellitus
Disclaimer: It is always recommended to use these herbs after the consent of an Ayurvedic physician.
What is Diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus, also known as Madhumeha is a condition where blockages in the pancreas caused by phlegm (Kapha), heat (Pitta), and toxic mucous (Aama) stop the secretion of insulin, resulting in insulin resistance and increased levels of sugar in the blood or urine according to Ayurveda. Diabetes is the inability of the body to properly process glucose due to the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin effectively. Ayurveda aims to bring the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) value into a therapeutic range by balancing the life forces or doshas that each individual possesses. Ayurveda defines the classically related causes of diabetes, which include a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits that lead to aggravated Kapha dosha. Ayurvedic remedies for diabetes include incorporating specific foods and herbs in one’s diet, practicing yoga and meditation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and using Ayurvedic medications.
What are types of diabetes?
These types are classified based on the dominant doshas in the body. Specifically, there are 20 types of Prameha, four of which can arise from vata, six from pitta, and 10 from kapha. Prameha refers to a group of urinary disorders that include diabetes mellitus. They are generally of two types-:
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: It is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, causing blood sugar and glucose levels to rise. Urination is frequent, thirst is intense, hunger is intense, and weight loss is rapid.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: This usually happens as we get older or gain weight. Even though the body produces insulin, its sensitivity is reduced to a minimum in this situation, and it does not respond as well as it should. Fatigue, vision disturbance, and slow wound and cut healing are all signs that are close to Type 1.
Plants with innumerable health benefits for Diabetes mellitus:
- Fenugreek seeds- (Scientific name: Trigonella foenum-graecum) It has the ability to control Type-2 diabetes. This herb can limit the absorption of carbohydrates and reduce the levels of glucose in blood.
- Purana shali- (Scientific name: Oryza sativa)The old rice variety is believed to have a low glycemic index and is therefore a better option for diabetic patients as it has a slower and more regulated impact on blood sugar levels compared to other rice varieties.
- Paneer ke Phool(Paneer Dodi)- (Scientific name: Withania coagulans) It helps to keep insulin in balance and even great way to control during winters.
- Aloe Vera- (Scientific name:Aloe barbadensis miller) It help to regulate blood glucose levels. It may reduce diabetes-associated symptoms and further complications.
- Cinnamon- (Scientific name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum) It is one of the traditional herbs and spices that help to maintain glucose levels. People usually consume these through tea, oatmeal etc.
- Bitter melon(Karela)- (Scientific name: Momordica charantia) It helps in reducing blood glucose levels both in Type1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- Milk thistle- (Scientific name: Silybum marianum) Recently, a substance from milk thistle has been shown to possess peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist properties. PPARγ is the molecular target of thiazolidinediones, which are used clinically as insulin sensitizers to lower blood glucose levels in diabetes type 2 patients.
- Gymnema- (Scientific name: Gymnema sylvestre) Gymnemic acids can block the sugar receptors on your tongue, decreasing your ability to taste sweetness. This can lead to reduced sugar cravings.
- Ginger- (Scientific name: Zingiber officinale) Ginger modulates insulin release. The glucose clearances in insulin responsive peripheral tissues, is crucial in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis.
References:
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TLDR:
Diabetes mellitus (Madhumeha) is a condition in which blockages in the pancreas caused by imbalances in the three doshas (Kapha, Pitta, and Aama) prevent the production of insulin, resulting in insulin resistance and high levels of sugar in the body. Ayurveda aims to bring down the hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) value by balancing the doshas and suggests remedies that include specific foods, herbs, yoga, and a healthy lifestyle. There are two main types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, and Ayurveda also lists specific plants that may help to control diabetes.
