Ayurvedic Treatment of Diabetes
According to Ayurveda, diabetes is a metabolic disorder (Kapha disorder) in which the diminished functioning of Agni (Digestive power) produces a tendency to develop high blood sugar. Ayurveda recognizes 24 forms of the disease, commonly classified under Prameha, out of which 4 are due to Vata dosha, 6 are due to Pitta dosha, and 14 are caused by Kapha dosha. The main causes of these diseases are fat, urine, and Kapha buildups mainly due to faulty food habits, harmful substances, and erratic lifestyle.
Ayurvedic practitioners attack diabetes using a multipronged approach. First, they emphasize on dietary modification, eliminating sugar and simple carbohydrates, and encouraging the consumption of complex carbohydrates. Protein is limited, since excessive intake can damage the kidneys. Fat is also limited because there is often a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, making fat digestion difficult. Since many diabetics have autoantibodies, a cleansing program is instituted.
Panchakarma therapy is typically used for this purpose. This begins with herbal massages and an herbal steam sauna, followed by fasting to cleanse the body. This is followed by an herbal purge for the liver, pancreas, and spleen. Colon therapy is next; first to cleanse the digestive tract, and then to reconstitute the system. Ayurvedic practitioners also use several herbal preparations for diabetics. Exercise is another cornerstone of the Ayurvedic treatment of diabetes. Yoga and breathing exercises are traditionally used as part of this exercise regimen.
The most important herbs used in the treatment of all doshas are shilajit, gudmar turmeric, neem, amalaki, guggul, and arjuna. Turmeric with aloe vera gel is best used during the early stages of diabetes for regulating the functions of the pancreas and liver. The juice of bitter melon or bitter gourd (Momordica dioica, Karela), or Rose apple (Eugenia Jambos, Jambu) or two tender leaves of Bilva (Aegle Marmelos, Bael fruit) and Neem (Melia azadirachta, Ravipriya, or Indian Lilac) may be taken on an empty stomach daily. An ounce of Jambu or Karela juice should be taken twice daily. Shilajit (Swertia Decussata) is another useful medicine that can be taken twice daily with the juice of stone apple.
You may also take 2 capsules filled with turmeric powder 3 times a day, a few minutes before every meal. Continue this program for up to a month, and then re-evaluate your condition. Clinical studies suggest that a person who is insulin dependent will experience a marked reduction in his insulin requirements and the blood sugar can easily be brought under control. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of ground bay leaf and 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric in a tablespoon of aloe vera gel. Take the mixture twice a day before lunch and dinner. Mix and grind seeds of Fenugreek (Methi) 100 gm, turmeric 50 gm, and Dakhni Mirch (white pepper). Take one teaspoon of this powder with a glass of milk twice daily.
Alternatively, soak one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water. Take this in the morning, with water or with milk. The powder of rose apple stones (powder of Jambu or Jamun-ki-Guthali) may also be taken twice daily. Include the decoctions of triphala, fenugreek, musta, arjuna, sandalwood, lodhra, ajwan, gokshura, vidanga, guduchi, haritaki, and chitrak. These may be taken with a small amount of pure ghee. Gudmar and shilajit are excellent hypoglycemic agents. Amalaki churna (500 mg), haldi powder (turmeric Powder) 500 mg, and naag bhasma (125 mg) should be taken with honey, twice daily.
The patient is asked to avoid eating a lot of sweets, carbohydrate-rich foods, and dairy products and are advised to take more fresh vegetables and bitter herbs. Foods that are usually recommended include roasted or fried barley, corn flour, barley porridge, ghee, rice, and herbs like gokshura, gudmar, triphala, musta, cardamom, fenugreek, or coriander, mixed with honey. Triphala with amalaki juice can also be used to heal Prameha. Barley is the main food to heal urinary diseases.
Other Ayurvedic methods to heal Prameha (diabetes) include strenuous exercises; oil massages; steam, sitz, or waist baths; and water therapy. Dry ginger, cardamom, and sandalwood may be used in these baths or can be taken orally. Gudmar is the best herb for improving the glucose metabolism of the body. A combination of gudmar and shilajit is an excellent remedy for diabetes and is often prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners. Drinking copper water is also recommended. For the purpose, put one cup of water into a copper vessel at night, and drink this water in the morning, the next day.
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