Diabetes 25 Herbal Remedies - 4

Herbal - 04 Coccinia Cordifolia (Ivy Gourd)

Ivy’s gourd is a tropical vine (woody climbing plant that bears grapes like fruits), nativity extents from Africa to Asia. Green vegetable Ivy’s gourd is used for cooking as  vegetable,      well-ripped fruits are sweet to eat and can be taken raw.

Coccinia Cordifolia is also called as baby watermelon, little gourd, Calabacita, Calabaza Hiedra, Coccinia grandis, Coccinia indica, Coccinia Índica, Kovai, Little Gourd, Tela Kucha, Tindola.

The regional names are,

• Bengali: toruli / kundri
• Gujarati: (ગીલોડા giloda
• Hindi: tindora/tindori/tindoori
• Punjabi: kundru
• Marathi: तोंडली tondli
• Oriya: toroda/kunduri
• Konkani: thendli, tendli
• Malayalam: (കോവയ്ക്ക) kovai, kovakkai
• Tamil:(கோவக்காய்) kovakkai
• Kannada: (ತೊಂಡೆಕಾಯಿ) tondekayi (aka tonde-kayi or tonde vegetable)
• Sanskrit: bimbi

 

Medicinal Uses :

Various parts of the Ivy Gourd plant have been used as traditional medicine in India from time immemorial. The medicinal utilities have been described, especially for leaf, fruit, root and stem. Several medicinal applications of various parts of Ivy Gourd are summarized in Medicinal uses of different parts of Ivy Gourd.

1 Leaves

· Skin diseases (ring worm, psoriasis itch, sores, pityriasis), skin eruptions of small

   pox, small lesions of scabies.

· Chronic sinuses.

· Causes cooling effect to eyes.

· Gastro-intestinal disturbance and diseases.

· Alleviate body heat by inducing perspiration in fever.

· Tincture is used internally in gonorrhea.

· Cure diabetes and intermittent glycosuria.

· Expectorant.

· Gastro-intestinal disturbance and diseases.

· Urinary tract infection and Respiratory tract related trouble.

2 Stem

· Antispasmodic effect.

· Expectorant.

· Useful in Asthma and bronchitis.

· Cure diabetes and intermittent glycosuria.

· Gastro-intestinal disturbance and diseases.

· Skin diseases.

· Urinary tract infection and related troubles.

3 Fruit

· Cures sores on tongue.

· Raw fruit used as vegetable.

· Cure eczema.

4 Root

· Remove pain in joints.

· Apthous ulcers.

· Wheezing and phlegm.

· Cure diabetes and intermittent glycosuria.

         · Skin diseases, skin lesions (Tenia).

General Home Remedies

1. The leaf paste is applied over the body inorder to induce perspiration for fever condition.
2. The leaves are soaked in coconut oil and placed in the sun for three days. This oil is applied over fungal infections scabies and other skin manifestations.
3. The leaves along with butter is ground and applied over scabies.
4. Tender fruits are taken raw, maunched well and expelled out for aphthous ulcers.
5. Fruits are taken raw or as a part of food in fever conditions.
6. The juice of the root is given in the dose of five to fifteen ml two times a day for diabetes. It can also be administered as a adjuvant for medicines of diabetes.

Side effects of Ivy gourd

It is safe for most of the people, when taken by oral for short and long terms. 

Pregnancy and breast-feeding women are advice avoid its use. 

Ivy gourd can decrease blood sugar levels, so interacts with diabetes medication and leads to hypoglycemia. Thus, you need to monitor your blood-sugar level closely to avoid hypoglycemia, also need to change your diabetes medication dose.

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Diabetes 25 Herbal Remedies - 3

Herbal - 03 Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a small tree that is commonly found in South Asia and the Middle East region. The cinnamon that we typically purchase in our supermarkets is actually the bark of this tree, either sold as sticks or ground into a powder. The two most popular types of cinnamon are Ceylon and Cassia, each of which are derived from different trees.

Cinnamon has extremely high anti-oxidant activity, and the oil of cinnamon has strong anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Cinnamon is also a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. It has been used as an effective home remedy for 

1. Reducing blood sugar levels and treating Type 2 Diabetes.
2. Lowering cholesterol.
3. Aiding digestion.
4. Treating diarrhea.
5. Curing the common cold.
6. Reducing arthritis pain.
7. Boosting memory and cognitive function.
8. Treating toothaches.
9. Eliminating bad breath.
10. Curing headaches and migraine pain.

Cinnamon contains biologically active substances that have demonstrated insulin-mimetic properties. Cinnamon improves insulin mediated glucose metabolism, enhances insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and helps glucose to glucogen conversion. Thus, cinnamon is considering as an anti-diabetic herb.

Cinnamon lowers blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels. Cinnamon lowers LDL cholesterol responsible for the plaque formation. Additionally, cinnamon has antioxidant property, which helps prevent the LDL cholesterol oxidation, thus prevent inflammation of arteries and further plaque formation.  Cinnamon bark actually contains calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, Bi, B2, and C, many of which are important for the prevention or treatment of diabetes.

Cinnamon improves the way the body handles sugar. When sugar enters the body, insulin is called upon to help manage it. People with diabetes lose the ability to do this effectively, so the body keeps producing more insulin to take care of the problem. Cinnamon helps the body become more sensitive to the insulin that is already there, and in so doing, boosts the mechanism of dealing with sugar by as much as 15 - 20 times.

 

Medicinal uses

Diabetes cinnamon is now the subject of numerous studies for its ability to support proper glucose metabolism. Its natural compounds help maintain both healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It remains a warming circulatory tonic, as well as a digestive aid to soothe upset stomach, gas, bloating and occasional indigestion.

Cinnamon is useful:

1. Who is obesity-related diabetes, and to control hyperlipidemia
2. To alleviate indigestion, stomach cramps, intestinal spasms, nausea, flatulence, and it improves the appetite, and treat diarrhea.
3. Stop yeast infections, anti-clotting effect on the blood, boosts cognitive function & memory, prevents nervous tension, helps to treat headache, asthma, excessive menstruation, uterus disorders and gonnorhea.
4. Great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium
5. Reduce leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

 

Cinnamon Benefits

Below are five known ways cinnamon can be helpful to your metabolism:

1. Cinnamon can increase your glucose metabolism about 20-fold, which significantly improves   

     blood sugar regulation

2. Cinnamon has been found to have "insulin-like effects" due to a bioactive compound, qualifying 

     it as a candidate for an insulin substitute.

3. Cinnamon slows the emptying of your stomach to reduce sharp rises in blood sugar following 

     meals, and improves the effectiveness, or sensitivity, of insulin.

4. Cinnamon actually enhances your antioxidant defenses. A study published in 2009 stated, 

    "Polyphenols from cinnamon could be of special interest in people who are overweight with  

    impaired fasting glucose since they might act as both insulin sensitizers and antioxidants."

5. A bioflavonoid found in cinnamon called proanthocyanidin may alter the insulin-signaling   

    activity in your fat cells.

Other health benefits of Cinnamon :

       • Supporting digestive function

       • Relieving congestion
       • Relieving pain and stiffness of muscles and joints
       • Reducing inflammation and symptoms of arthritis
       • Helping to prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease
       • Relieving menstrual discomfort
       • Stimulating circulation with blood-thinning compounds

Health Benefits of Cinnamon

Blood Sugar Regulation 

Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. Simply eat half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily. The cinnamon can be added as a mild sweetener to coffee or tea.

Lower Cholesterol

Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol.

Cancer Prevention

In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells.

Arthritis Relief

In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month.

Anti-Clotting

It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood.

Yeast Infection

In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

Anti-Bacterial

When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative.

Brain Health

One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory.

Coli Fighter

Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in     unpasteurized juices.                          

         

Toothaches

Cinnamon has been known to help relieve toothache pain. Simply make a paste using five teaspoons of honey mixed with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Apply a small amount of this paste directly onto the aching tooth 2 or 3 times daily until the pain is relieved. You can store any extra paste in a small container at room temperature. 

Coughs and the Common Cold

Chinese medicine has long used cinnamon as a natural remedy for coughs and the common cold. A simple herbal remedy for treating a sore throat is the following:

• Add a cinnamon stick to boiling water.
• Let boil for 2 minutes.
• Remove the cinnamon stick.
• Use the cinnamon water for any herbal tea, such as green tea.
• Drink this tea two times per day. If the cold persists for longer than 3 days, consult your doctor.

Recommended Daily Dosage

The daily dose of cinnamon you need for diabetes control may vary depending on your age, weight and health status. Only your doctor can recommend the appropriate dosage for you, consult your doctor before you begin taking cinnamon supplements to control blood-sugar level.

The dosage of ground cinnamon bark is 2 to 6 g daily and cinnamon oil dosage is 0.05 to 0.2 g daily. Your doctor may adjust your dosage of cinnamon to meet your blood-sugar regulation needs.

Side Effects of Cinnamon

Some recent studies in Europe have shown that cinnamon derived from the Cassia plant contains a toxic compound known as Coumarin. This compound is known to cause liver and kidney damage in high concentrations. Since the powdered cinnamon that we purchase in our supermarkets is typically derived from the Cassia plant, it is important to avoid consuming high doses of it.

Since cinnamon has an anti-clotting effect on the blood, caution should also be exercised when it is used in combination with other blood-thinning products such as aspirin. Large quantities of cinnamon should also be avoided during pregnancy due to the possibility of adverse effects on the uterus.

Anyone that is currently taking medication for controlling blood sugar levels or blood thinners should consult their doctor before using cinnamon as a regular supplement.

Diabetes 25 Herbal Remedies - 2

Herbal - 02 Fenugreek

The plant is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop and is a common ingredient in dishes from the Indian Subcontinent, where it is known as methi in Hindi/Urdu/मेथीHindi/Nepali), as menthiyam and venthayam (வெந்தயம்) in Tamil, and as menthya (ಮೆಂತ್ಯ) in Kannada uluwa in malayalam' 'menthulu in Telugu"

Fenugreek, also known as Greek Hay, is an amazing herb that is readily available in our kitchen. Many of us swear by the tasty methi paranthas in the breakfast and can even vouch for its taste, but still are ignorant of its medicinal properties and health benefits . The truth is that this powerful herb’s properties have an endless range and can cure a number of ailments, apart from serving as a beauty product to expert to medicinal connoisseur.

The bright yellow and fragrant seeds are vata and kapha pacifying and can stimulate pitta. Methika is bitter, light, unctuous and heating in property.

Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilagins which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tisuues.

Fenugreek seeds contain alkaloids, including trigonelline, gentianine and carpine compounds. the seeds also contain fibre, 4-hydroyisoleucine and fenugreekine, a component that may have hypoglycemic activity. The mechanism is thought to delay gastric emptying, slow carbohydrate absorption and inhibit glucose transport.

Fenugreek may also increase the number of insulin receptors in red blood cells and improve glucose utilization in peripheral tissues, thus demonstrating potential anti-diabetec effects both on the pancreas and other sites. The amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine, contained in the seeds, may also directly stimulate insulin secretion.

  

Fenugreek lower your risk for heart diseases and strokes

Fenugreek possesses antioxidant property in the presence of glutathione and beta-carotene in their seeds. This prevents the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thus stops inflammation of arteries, and no plaque formation. Therefore, fenugreek reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and heart diseases.

 

Medicinal uses of Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) has traditionally in use for the treatment of diabetes.

1. Fenugreek traditionally used to promote digestion, improve appetite and to support respiratory health. The high-fiber seeds also provide support for healthy bowel function, and its lecithin content promotes fat metabolism. Provide relief from digestion-related conditions such as pain, cramps, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, diarrhea, and restore digestion.
2. Relief chronic cough, sore throat, treats skin irritations, anemia, bad breath, respiratory infections, and mouth ulcers.
3. Fenugreek helps menopausal symptoms, induces childbirth, increases milk supply in lactating women, fenugreek tea made of fenugreek leaves can relieve arthritis pain.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (names as Hu Lu Ba) use fenugreek seeds, they consider fenugreek could warm and tonify kidneys. Swallowing 2 to 3 grams of fenugreek seeds early in the morning in an empty stomach, before brushing the teeth and having morning tea or coffee can help heal joint pains without any side effects.

Fenugreek recommended daily dosage

Fenugreek to help reduces high blood sugar levels, your daily dosage may be between10 to 30 g defatted seed powder each day. If you are taking fenugreek as a tincture, take three to four mL dose, three times each day.

How do you take Fenugreek?

Take one-teaspoon fenugreek seed and add it into one cup of water, boil and steep it for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drink with or without sweetener (Stevia). You can take fenugreek tea as a hot or cold drink.

 

Home Remedies

Treating Diabetes and Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Studies have shown that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar levels after eating fenugreek. Therefore, a recommended home remedy for treating Type 2 diabetes is to consume 500mg of fenugreek twice daily.

 

Remedy for Balancing Cholesterol

Studies have found people who took 2 ounces (56g) of fenugreek seed each day had significantly (around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and had lowered their risk of heart attack by more than 25 percent. Therefore, a recommended remedy for lowering cholesterol is to take 2 ounces of seeds throughout the day. The seeds can be sprinkled onto prepared food, or they can be consumed with water if they are in capsule form.

 

Natural Cure for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Fenugreek seeds contain a lot of mucilage, which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. Therefore, for an effective remedy against heartburn or Acid Reflux, simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds onto your food. Another option is to take one teaspoon of seeds and swallow them with water or juice before any meal.

 

Home Remedy for Fever

The Fenugreek herb has been known to help reduce fever when taken with lemon and honey, since it nourishes the body during an illness. Therefore, to treat a fever, simply consume one to two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds three times a day along with an herbal tea (such as Green Tea) with a teaspoon of Honey and lemon juice. Some health food stores also sell herbal Fenugreek teas, which can be used instead of the green tea.

 

Remedy to Aid Milk Production in Lactating Women

Fenugreek has been known to increase milk production in lactating women. Research has even shown that milk production can increase by over 500 percent within 24 to 72 hours after consuming this herb. Although it is not known why this happens, researchers speculate that the oil contained in fenugreek seeds plays a role. Therefore, a recommended remedy to increase milk flow is to consume one capsule of fenugreek seed (at least 500mg) three times a day.

 

Remedy to Ease Child Birth for Pregnant Women

Fenugreek stimulates uterine contractions and can be helpful to induce childbirth. However, pregnant women should only use this remedy for inducing labor after consulting with their doctor.

 

Breast Enlargement

Fenugreek is often used in many teas and other products that help balance women's hormones and/or enlarge the breasts. Therefore, a simple home remedy for breast enlargement is to make Fenugreek a part of your regular diet. A common suggestion is to consume up to 3g of Fenugreek per day.

 

Side effects of Fenugreek

While Fenugreek is generally considering being safe when used moderately, there have been reports of a few minor side effects. Nausea is one common side effect, while other people have reported gastrointestinal discomfort (diarrhea and/or gas). It is not recommendable to use fenugreek during pregnancy, since it has the potential to induce labor.

When using this herb topically on the skin, it is important to watch out for skin irritations and rashes.  

Fenugreek use during pregnancy is not recommended, since it has the potential to induce labor. If you are pregnant and wish to take it, you should do so only after consultation with your doctor.

If you are currently taking any oral medications, you should always use this herb at least 2 hours before or after these drugs. This is important since Fenugreek fiber has the potential to interfere with the absorption of oral medications due to its mucilaginous fiber (which gives it a moist and sticky texture). 

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Diabetes 25 Herbal Remedies - 1

Herbal - 01 Gymnema Sylvestre

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE, an Ayurvedic herb, came to be known as "destroyer of sugar" because, in ancient times, Ayurvedic physicians observed that chewing a few leaves of Gymnema sylvestre suppressed the taste of sugar.  

Gymnema Sylvestre commonly known as Meshashringi or Gurmar, means "sugar destroyer," because it masks the body's sense of taste to sugar. It supports the pancreas in insulin production in type 2 diabetes. It improves the ability of insulin in lowering glucose level in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it decreases cravings for sweet. This is a substitute for oral blood-sugar-lowering drugs in type 2 diabetes. Take 500 mg per day of gymnema extract for a better result.

Other common names for gymnema are Gokhru (Unani), Gurmar (Hindi), Meshashringi (Sanskrit), Sirukurinjan (Tamil), Vishani (Sanskrit).

Gymnema sylvestre has been used for the treatment of diabetes for over 2,000 years. The leaves, when chewed, interfere with the ability to taste sweetness, which explains the Hindi name gurmar—“destroyer of sugar.” Gymnema sylvestre is known as Periploca of the woods in English and meshasringi (meaning “ram’s horn”) in Sanskrit. The primary application was for adult-onset diabetes (NIDDM), a condition for which it continues to be recommended today in India. The major phytoconstituent Gymnemic acid have been shown to block sweet taste in humans.

The effectiveness of Gymnema sylvestre extract is clinically proven in 22 Type 2 diabetes patients. It was administered for 18-20 months as a supplement to the conventional oral drugs. During the supplementation, the patients showed a significant reduction in blood glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins, and conventional drug dosage could be decreased. Five of the 22 diabetic patients were able to discontinue their conventional drug and maintain their blood glucose homeostasis with the extract alone. These data suggest that the beta cells may be regenerated/repaired in Type 2 diabetic patients on Gymnema sylvestre extract supplementation. This is supported by the appearance of raised insulin levels in the serum of patients after supplementation.

Therapeutic benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre are:

1. It has been in use for thousands of years as an herbal treatment for diabetes. It can block the absorption of glucose from the intestines and helps to reduce cravings for sugar. It has also suggested for herbal weight loss applications. Chewing the leaves, or taking it in capsule form, can alter the taste of sugar and reduce the sweetness.
2. It helps to reduce the carbohydrates stored as fat and increases the amount burned for energy. This leads to a reduction in fat stores and increase in energy available.
3. It may reduce the amount of triglycerides and LDL (bad cholesterol) in the bloodstream thus, risk towards cardiac problems in reduced.
4. It has slight diuretic effect, useful to treat water retention and may help lower blood pressure.
5. It is useful to treat stomach ailments, constipation, and liver disease.
6. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout have also been treating effectively.
7. It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties in liquid applications.

Side effects of Gymnema

Generally, gymnema is safe. However, pregnant and lactating mothers, and children are not recommended to take gymnema. 

In addition, if you are taking any hypoglymiant drug, you should be close to your doctor in order to adjust their dosage. Gymnema has been related to hypoglycemia in these cases. 

When taking an appropriate dosage, gymnema is safe, although extensive studies have not performed. One obvious risk is that if gymnema is successful, it may lower blood-sugar levels too far, causing a dangerous hypoglycemic reaction. For this reason, medical supervision is essential.

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