Ayurveda: an alternative treatment to Western medicine
Diabetes mellitus, also known as diabetes, is a condition that affects many people for many different reasons. Sufferers are either unable to produce or simply do not respond to insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas. Since its introduction into the medical world in 1927, insulin has been the most common treatment for diabetes. However, traditional Ayurvedic medicine purports to alleviate diabetic symptoms.
Herbs and Spices
Ayurvedic herbs and spices, which can be found at your local herbal or natural remedy shop, have been used to treat diabetes and its symptoms for thousands of years. In the early stages of diabetes, turmeric mixed with aloe vera gel at a 1 to 3 gms./.035 to 1 oz. ratio is recommended to normalize the pancreas and liver. After this period, take 2 turmeric-filled capsules thrice daily, before each meal. Take 2 grains from an Ayurvedic preparation of Vasanta Kusumaker Ras with a teaspoon of cream or honey to quickly depreciate sugar levels. Due to how quickly this option works, it is important to closely monitor sugar levels. When you reach the level you desire, begin tapering off the Vasanta Kusumaker Ras and add a 500 mg pill of Chandraprabhavati.
Pterocarpus marsupium, a tree native to India, produces extracts that have long been used in Ayurvedic remedies for diabetes. It is the only herb or drug that is able to renew functional pancreatic beta cells.
Kapha-Balancing Diet
Kapha, a stabilizing dosha (see Resources) in Ayurvedic medicine. needs to be balanced in the diabetic diet. This means eliminating sugar as well as excess carbohydrates and fats. Sweet fruits, wheat, rice, potatoes and anything containing sugar should be avoided. Soak barley in a triphala decoction overnight; this may be eaten a number of times throughout the day. Oranges, lemons and bitter melons are all highly recommended. Bitter melons should be taken with caution, as they possess properties that can greatly lower blood sugar levels.
Those already taking blood-sugar lowering drugs or insulin should closely monitor their body's reaction to the fruit. Green vegetables, soy, fish and black gram are also a good addition to a diabetic's diet. You can also place water in a copper vessel overnight to be consumed in the morning.
Yoga Asanas
Regular exercise is very important to staying healthy, but especially so for diabetics. A nightly or morning walk or jog can help manage diabetes, as well as Pranayama and yoga asanas, such as Sun Salutations, Peacock Pose, Locust Pose and leg lifts. Pranayama stresses the importance of breathing oxygen and promotes effective oxygen intake during exercise. These yoga asanas help with digestion and controlling pancreatic and liver functions, which in turn leads to more manageable blood sugar levels.
Tags: sugar levels, Ayurvedic medicine, been used, blood sugar, blood sugar levels, closely monitor, diabetic diet