Turn to Ayurveda to Fight Diabetes

Ayurveda, considers diabetes as a metabolic kapha type of disorder, in which decline in activity of agni can cause increase in blood sugar. According to Ayurveda, there are 24 forms of diabetes - 4 are caused by Vata dosha, 6 are caused by Pitta dosha, and 10 are attributable to Kapha dosha. In Ayurveda, diabetes is treated by using a multiprong approach using diet modification, lifestyle changes, Panchakarma and herbs.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Diabetes

Diet modification: The first step for the ayurvedic treatment of diabetes it is necessary to modify diet, which includes reduced intake of sugar and simple carbohydrates, and emphasizes on complex carbohydrates. Protein intake should be decreased as higher intake can damage the kidneys. Fat intake should be also limited as digestion of fat becomes difficult in these patients due to deficiency of other pancreatic enzymes. Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, orange, lemons, bitter fruits and herbs.

Panchakarma: Many diabetics have antibodies against their own pancreatic tissue (autoantibodies), hence the cleansing program Panchakarma is used to clear the auto antibodies. This includes herbal massages, herbal steam sauna, and fasting to cleanse the body. Following these a herbal purge for the liver, pancreas, and spleen is given. Lastly colon therapy is given to cleanse the digestive tract and then to reorganise the system.

Exercise and yoga: Physical exercise, breathing exercises and yoga are used for ayurvedic treatment for diabetes.

Herbs: Several herbal remedies for treatment of diabetes are used by ayurveda practitioners. Shilajit, gudmar turmeric, neem, amalaki, guggul, and arjuna are the most important herbal remedies for treatment of diabetes. Turmeric along with aloe-vera gel is effective in the early stages of diabetes for regulating function of pancreas and liver.

Some of the commonly used Ayurvedic herbal remedies for diabetes mellitus are

• Bitter gourd or bitter lemon juice
• Turmeric
• Rose apple stones
• Fenugreek, musta, Arjuna, triphala, ajwain and haritaki
• Amlaki powder, haldi powder with honey

These remedies lower the blood sugar and mostly decrease the need for insulin and other allopathic medicines to control blood sugar.

Caution with Ayurveda

Ayurvedic medicines are effective for treating diabetes but relying on this type of treatment alone can have adverse health consequences. Consult your allopathic physician before you stop the allopathic drugs for diabetes treatment. Some of the ayurvedic medicines can interact with medicines, foods, or dietary supplements. Inform your allopathic physician if you are using ayurvedic remedies.

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