The number of people living with diabetes has nearly quadrupled since 1980 to 422 million adults with majority of them living in developing countries, says a study. Diabetes causing more deaths in a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined is an equally shocking fact.
Two out of three people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke is again alarming. There is need to step up prevention and treatment of disease and Uttarakhand is fortunate to have rich bio-diversity. A little knowledge of these herbal remedies can go a long way in keeping diabetes at bay. The Pioneer spoke to few experts on Ayurvedic experts.
Kapalbhati pranayam which is contraction and relaxation of stomach with every exhalation of breath stimulates pancreas to release insulin, thereby helping to control Diabetes mellitus, opines Swami Ramdev of Patanjali yog peeth. If done regularly it relieves constipation and acidity problems too.
Understanding Diabetes in simple words-Our body changes much of the food we eat into glucose, a type of sugar, which is then carried by the bloodstream to be used to power the millions of cells in your body. The cells cannot use glucose for energy without the help of insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose enter them. Diabetes is a disease in which the body's insulin-producing system malfunctions. Glucose then builds up to excessive levels in the bloodstream. If you manage your diabetes properly you can prevent or delay diabetes complications.
Haridwar-based physician and former president of Indian Medical Association Dr Sanjay Shah says, “One must prevent this disease as far as possible. The myth that once a diabetic always a diabetic needs to be broken.” Working for the past nine years in preventive health, Shah says, “Type 1 diabetes in children is comprehensible on account of genetic factor but why type II has captured our society is something serious. This disease has progressed in the past three decades. Before that, such diseases were not so common."
Stressful life is the major factor for increase in the occurrence of the disease. Stress on account of mind and the environment - environmental stress arises from sedentary life style- adulterated food and pollution.
Head of yoga department at Dev Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya Professor Kamakhya says, "Mango leaves are very useful in controlling diabetes. Take some mango leaves and soak them in water. Keep it overnight and then in an empty stomach take this solution. You can also take them in powder form. Dry the leaves of mango tree and make its powder in a grinder. Mix one tablespoon of the dry powder of mango leaves in a glass of water and drink it everyday to control diabetes. Chewing 8-10 curry leaves on an empty stomach is very effective in bringing the sugar level in urine and blood to normal."
One can prepare a fine powder of Amla, turmeric and fenugreek taken in equal amounts. Take this powder with honey thrice in a day. It will help in lowering diabetes within about two months. Jamun fruit is in abundance these days. It helps control diabetes naturally. It has a specific action on the pancreas, which controls the conversion of starch to sugar. Jamun seeds have better effects than the pulp.
Garlic is another natural herbal remedy for diabetes, chew 2 clubs empty stomach a day, and keep diabetes at bay. Allicin in garlic helps in reducing the sugar level in the blood and also brings about the disintegration of cholesterol in the body.