Could Ayurvedic Herbal Therapy Help Combat Diabetes?
Written by Matt Jackson
Diabetes is common in many different countries and cultures throughout the world and, as such, has been scrutinized and theorized by an equally large variety of medical systems. Ayurvedic medicine is a whole medical system that has been used in India for thousands of years and incorporates herbal therapy as well as other physical therapies. Some research in the Western world has been conducted on links between Ayurvedic medicine and diabetes with potentially positive results; results that certainly warrant further investigation.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes sufferers are unable to produce the required level of insulin and the body is incapable of breaking down the blood sugar. Treatment of diabetes usually requires the control of insulin levels and blood sugar levels. For many diabetes sufferers this can mean regular insulin injections as well as a strict dietary and exercise plan. As a chronic illness it is only possible to control the disease rather than completely cure it. Potential cures are being investigated but in the mean time finding a safe and unobtrusive method of managing the disease is the most desirable outcome for sufferers.
What is Ayurveda?
Ayurveda is one of the oldest forms of medical system. As a whole medical system it generally concentrates on the use of various forms of therapy in order to prevent illness and promote all round health and well-being. However, Ayurvedic remedies are used to combat specific diseases. In the case of Diabetes most of the concentration and certainly research has been conducted on Ayurvedic herbal treatments.
The Use of Ayurveda Botanicals to Manage Diabetes
Specifically there are three Ayurveda botanicals that have so far shown promising results. Gymnema sylvestre, literally meaning “destroyer of sugar†can significantly lower glucose levels in the blood making it a potentially ideal form of diabetes treatment. Clinical trials have shown and proven that the consumption of gymnema sylvestre reduces the amount of insulin that insulin dependent diabetics must take to control the disease. Memordica chorantia and tinospora cordifolia both help to prevent rising levels of blood sugar making them potentially viable as a means to help control diabetes.
Conclusions
Little research has been carried out in other areas of Ayurveda medicine but research continues in to a number of other botanicals as well as further research into these three. As research continues it is quite possible that the herbs can be refined and used as powerful aids to help in the fight against diabetes. So far the results have been promising and many patients combine regular insulin shots with these botanicals finding that they are then able to reduce the level of insulin required. It is important, though, that this is only done under close medical supervision. Always consult your physician or specialist before reducing your insulin.
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