DIABETES

Diabetes Mellitus is a group of disorders related to metabolic disturbances that are endocrine in origin. The deficiency is related to an endocrine hormone named insulin. The insulin hormone is released by the gland of pancreas and it helps in the absorption of sugar molecules from the blood stream. The decreased quantity of insulin leads to decreased absorption of sugar molecules and the blood sugar levels increase. The kidney is not able to filter these heavy molecules and they pass out through the urine. The high sugar level in the blood leads to various other disorders in the body. They cause hypertension and various other nerve related disorders.

The diabetes could be due to insufficient insulin release, insufficient insulin production, or due to inability of sugar molecules to attach to the insulin hormone. In either case, the sugar level in the blood increases and it leads to various other metabolic and physical problems.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DIABETES?

Diabetes can be classified into

• Type 1 Diabetes: It is the type of diabetes that comes up due to deficiency to beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. This results in the deficiency of insulin cells and hyperglycemia results.
• Type 2 Diabetes: It is the type of diabetes that comes into play due to resistance of the receptor cells to insulin. The insulin resistance leads to diabetes.

So, the probable causes that could lead to diabetes type 1 and type 2 are:

• Type 1 diabetes is usually hereditary in nature. Some other factors that can lead to Type 1 diabetes are Gene mutations, infections in the body, and some lifestyle and environmental related causes.
• Type 2 diabetes is due to gene mutation and lifestyle related.
• Other causes for onset of diabetes are hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, chronic alcoholism and high carbohydrate diet.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES?

The symptoms related to diabetes are usually indicative symptoms and they can be so vague that we usually ignore them. The common diabetes symptoms are:

• Polyuria: frequent urination is a common problem faced by diabetics
• Weight loss
• Weakness and exhaustion on little labor
• Vision problems: Blurred vision and weak eyesight
• Hypertension
• Skin pigmentation
• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain in emergency conditions
• Wounds and injuries do not relieve quickly
• Diabetic neuropathies in later stages

How can Ayurveda help people suffering from Diabetes?

Ayurvedic system of medicine is an ancient Indian system of medicine that uses the inherent power of herbs to help diseases in a natural and healthy way. We in Ayurveda believe that the body is controlled by three different energies which are Vada, Pitta, and Kappha. These energies maintain the balance in our bodies and any imbalance in these energies may disorient the body system.

The Ayurvedic herbs for Diabetic neuropathy help a person to improve his vitality in a natural way. The herbs help improve the diabetes and the nervous disorders related to diabetes in a natural and healthy way. The person suffering from diabetes improves his strength and the body and blood sugar levels become normal.

HERBS IN AYURVEDA THAT HELP DIABETES

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRAE (GURMAAR)

It is famous as the sugar killer in the herbal world. It has been in use since time immemorial. It has wonderful properties to control blood sugar levels due to the herbal acid gymneic acid present in it. They gel with glucose molecules in the stomach and prohibit from entering the blood stream. It is one of the best ways to relieve diabetes. It is used in Gymnema Sylvestrae capsules, Dia-beta plus, and Madhumehantak churna.

OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM (TULSI)

Tulsi has a strong aroma and thus forms components of various herbal products and teas. It is especially beneficial to the throat and chest. The Tulsi herb has wonderful antioxidant properties and it is believed to remove anti-oxidants from the body. It is believed to help everyday infections like common cold, flu and headaches too. Tulsi leaves are used to prepare tea to relieve common cold. It helps reduce stress and maintain overall emotional balance. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is beneficial in respiratory inflammations like rhinitis and sinusitis. The regular intake of Tulsi helps give relief from croupy cough. Tulsi is a part of various cough syrups and prevents cold, cough, and flu. We prepare Tulsi capsules with this herb.

AZADIRACHTA INDICA (NEEM)

People in India use Neem herb on a daily basis owing to its rich medicinal effects on the health. It is widely used as a dental and gum cleaner to protect from oral infections and bad breath. Gingivitis, bleeding gums and toothache are also relieved by using Neem regularly. Another of its famous sue is as a skin disinfectant. It is widely used in soaps, shampoos and body washes and is believed to have relieving action on pimples. Some of its miraculous actions of these herbal capsules can be seen in diseases like diabetes and arthritis. It is due to its antibacterial properties that it is used in a lot of toothpastes and mouthwashes. Neem works wonder in medical conditions like bee stings, conjunctivitis, hemorrhoids, and ulcers and even in cases of bronchitis and epilepsy. Practitioners have drawn marvelous results in cases of skin diseases like psoriasis, acne and eczema. It is sued in Madhumehantak churna.

BITTER GOURD (KARELA)

Bitter gourd is a very effective herb in controlling sugar levels and fluctuations. It helps to prevent complications of diabetes. The cellulose content present in the bitter gourd helps peristalsis. Its regular usage will help to overcome the problem of habitual constipation. The juice of bitter gourd effectively relieves piles. Blood disorders like scabies, blood boils, itching, ring worm, psoriasis and other fungal diseases can be relieved with bitter gourd. In Ayurveda, it has been used as a blood purifier. It is used in Karela saar and Dia-beta plus.

EMBLICA OFFICINALIS (Amalaki)

The herb is known for its rejuvenating properties. It is a natural antioxidant that removes free radicals from the body and helps in regeneration of cells. Amla helps in increasing the body vitality and strengthening immunity. It helps in developing healthy, glowing skin and preventing premature aging. Anemia and blood related disorders are helped in a natural way. It helps in maintaining proper functioning of the liver. It aids digestion by soothing hyperacidity. This wonderful herb helps in improving immunity and boosting metabolism. The herb helps gain youthful skin and beauty. Amla has aphrodisiac, antipyretic, cardio-tonic, anti-diabetic, cerebral and gastrointestinal properties. It prevents premature greying of hair, hair loss and promotes hair and nail growth. It enhances eye sight, keeps the mouth clean, and nourishes bones and teeth. It helps to keep the intestine clean and also controls blood sugar. Amla is used to prepare Karela saar.

PLANET AYURVEDA HERBAL PRODUCTS, WHICH ARE HELPFUL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DIABETES