Life does not always tilt the scales of fortune in our favour. Since man’s expectation knows no bounds, it is inevitable that he gets engulfed with anxiety and stress if things don’t turn up his way or maybe if he is too worked up. It is more often discerned that health problems crop up from a disturbed mind or the health issues may be hereditary. The mind can be put to ease in a number of ways, and Ayurveda advocates all possible remedies to diminish such common health issues. WHO¹ has reported that the number of people suffering from diabetes has spiraled from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. These figures indicate that diabetes is emerging as a common health issue that needs to be addressed in the upcoming years.

What is diabetes?

It is a condition of increased blood sugar levels in the body. The glucose in our bloodstream is the main source of energy obtained from the disintegration of food materials. The pancreas secretes a hormone called Insulin, which stimulates the passage of glucose into our cells for processing energy. When the body becomes incapable of producing sufficient insulin or, is unable to use insulin properly, a substantial amount of unused glucose persists in the bloodstream, leading to Diabetes.

Types of Diabetes:

• Diabetes Mellitus:  This chronic situation arises either due to insufficient production of insulin or due to unresponsive behavior of cells to the glucose level.
• Diabetes Insipidus:  This happens to be a rare situation of diabetes where the kidneys are unable to maintain the balance of body fluids and expel an abnormally large volume of urine from the body, which happens to be insipid.

Ayurvedic herbs and spices that can cure Diabetes

Since time immemorial, man has always opted for herbal remedies to cure unforeseen health disorders and Ayurveda has been benevolent enough to place its uncountable remedies at our disposition. Even though Diabetes stands as a tough challenge to Ayurveda since there are no permanent cure for it but there are certain herbs that can maintain the blood sugar level in the body regressing the negative impacts of diabetes.

Tulsi(Ocimum tenuiflorum)

This shrub is commonly grown in Indian households owing to its religious significance and medicinal properties. Tulsi is said to have diverse uses, one of them being, regulating the blood sugar levels in the body. It assists in pancreatic beta-cell function and secretion of insulin. It also helps in the absorption of glucose by the muscle cells. Traces of tulsi extract are found in Branolia’s  Honey Guard and Bitocough along with other ingredients to ease sore throat and combat viral infections.

Amla

The efficacies of the Indian gooseberry cannot be equated with any other herb in accordance with its medicinal properties. Amla is known to enhance body resistance against numerous ailments, the common ones being cough, cold & flu. However, it is also used in treating pancreatitis, a condition exhibiting inflamed pancreas, in which the insulin-secreting cells are debilitated, thus aggravating the glucose content of blood. Amla also contains chromium which balances the carbohydrate metabolism of the body, thus keeping a steady level of glucose in the blood. Livonia, manufactured by Branolia Chemical Works includes Amla extracts along with Haritaki and Bibhitaki, which cater to problems related to the Liver.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is one of the aromatic spices that contribute to regulating the glucose content in the blood. It is unique in the sense that it counterfeits the effects of Insulin, increasing the uptake of glucose in the cells.

Cumin

Another regular spice used in the Indian kitchen is bestowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory  properties responsible for normalizing blood sugar levels in the body.

Aswagandha

Another plant to be mentioned which not only plays a major role in managing stress and anxiety but also acts as an insulin stimulant, thus keeping tabs on the glucose level in the bloodstream. This herb, mixed with honey, Tulsi, Sunth, Joshtimodhu are the key ingredients of Branolia’s Honey Guard, an authentic formulation that takes care of the body’s immune system.

Kalmegh

These leaves are far bitter in taste than neem and possess outstanding healing properties, one of them being, curbing the glucose content in the bloodstream. It also helps in restoring healthy metabolism of the liver. This is the reason, the composition of Kalmegh and Triphala is bottled and sold as Livonia, a product of Branolia Chemical Works.

Thus we have been successful in utilizing the bountiful gifts bestowed by Nature to us. The measured Ayurvedic concoctions are indeed a blessing to the common man. Man,for ages, has recognized the treasure trove of Ayurvedic remedies and used them for his personal benefits. Owing to this fact, it is justified that Ayurveda’s profuse resources were never eclipsed to the common eye neither will it ever be in the years to come.

WHO¹: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes