These Ayurvedic herbs can help in controlling diabetes!

December 27, 2022

Alternative, holistic and sustainable wellness methods are making a comeback in everyday life, especially since the pandemic. This age-old Ayurvedic system of medicine dates back centuries. It emphasizes on using medicines of herbal origin, many a times using plants which are available in one’s backyard, to prevent and treat diseases. India, with its rich cultural heritage, has a long and illustrious history of using these very properties of Ayurveda to treat various diseases, in both curative and preventative capacities.

In today’s age, many people might know of the herbs that are used in Ayurveda, but they lack the knowledge about their many properties and the dosage in which they should be consumed. The pandemic led to a shift in people’s behaviors and lifestyles. People have started following daily regimens as outlined in Ayurvedic texts and consuming products and medicines that use Ayurvedic herbs. The great thing about this system of medicine which also sets it apart from other medical sciences is that these medicines don’t have any side effects if taken under proper guidance. They are non-toxic and organic, making them easy and safe to incorporate in one’s daily life.”

Below are 5 herbs that are healthy part of Ayurveda classics and are used regularly for treating many diseases conditions:-

1.Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus):-

A very potent Ayurvedic drug, Shatavari is sweet in taste and has a cold potency of action. It is known to treat diseases like Primary Lactation Failure (Low milk supply), Oligospermia (Low Sperm Count), Low Weight, Hyperacidity, Loss of Libido (Low desire to have sex), and Osteoporosis (Weakening of bones) when consumed with milk and ghee. Further, it is full of natural phytoestrogen, which helps in regulating the menstrual cycle and increasing libido in women.

For patients suffering from low body weight, it has been widely known to support weight gain when taken with milk and sugar. Shatavari kalpa, a formulation based on Shatavari, is also used by many practitioners for increasing lactation in mothers who have just delivered a baby.

2.Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis):-

Shunthi is an herb which is available in every household kitchen. Ayurveda has mentioned various health benefits of this spice. From IBS and Indigestion to Rheumatoid Arthritis, Constipation, and Cough and Cold, Shunthi is used for treating various ailments. Its property of Grahi (Absorbent) helps in treating patients suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) by absorbing undigested food present in the intestines, thus reducing episodes of diarrhoea.

3.Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia):-

Giloy is a wonder herb. From the stem to its leaves, the plant is brimming with curative properties and is actively used in many Ayurvedic formulations. Giloy has become a household name since the pandemic. It has been used by many individuals for improving immunity, and was even recommended by the Ministry of AYUSH and the Government of India for treating mild cases of fever. Ayurveda mentions various uses of this herb to treat diseases such as Diabetes, Anaemia, Jaundice, Skin disease, Fever, among others.

“Giloy is bitter in taste and has a hot potency which helps in reducing toxins (Ama) present in our bodies. Its hot potency leads to the opening of blocked channels and sweat pores, increasing sweating in patients and reducing fevers. The bitter taste also lends this herb an edge. It is used to treat patients with high sugar levels as it increases insulin secretion in the bloodstream.

4.Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi):-

This is yet another herb which can be found in every Indian house. In Ayurveda, its uses include providing relief for ailments like Vomiting, Indigestion, Bloating of Abdomen, Pain in Chest Region, Irritation of Diaphragm, etc. It has a pungent taste and a hot potency. When taken with salt, it helps in reducing bloating, irritation to the diaphragm and indigestion. Moreover, it is beneficial in treating cramps in the abdominal muscles by relieving strain in the region.

5.Vijaya (Cannabis sativa):-

Vijaya has been touted as a miraculous herb for pain management in Ayurveda, known to have a bitter taste and a hot potency. In ancient times, Acharya Sushruta used Vijaya as an anaesthetic for patients undergoing surgery. In the book Rasa Tarangini by Acharya Sadanand Sharma, Vijaya has been called the best pain-relieving medicine. The book further mentions it as the go-to medicine for Erectile Dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Menstrual cramps, Epileptic pain and stiffness, Induces sleep, Induces deep sleep, etc.