Naturopathic medicine is a unique medical system that emphasizes disease prevention and patient empowerment. Nowadays, naturopathy has taken rapid strides around the globe, and more people are turning to this system to manage the widespread disorder of diabetes Mellitus.
The basic fundamental law of naturopathy is that diseases arise due to abnormal conditions of the body, resulting from a violation of the natural law. Whether type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, naturopathy treatment strategies aim to bring a patient’s blood glucose levels back within a healthy and normal range.
Here’s the comprehensive guide that will walk you through the 5 naturopathy herbs for helping a diabetic patient. Keep in mind that these herbs cannot be used as a standalone treatment and can just reduce the effects of Type II diabetes. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition in which blood glucose levels rise higher than normal levels. It mainly occurs when your body fails to make or use its own insulin effectively. Insulin is a hormone released by the beta-cells of the pancreas. It acts as a ‘key’, which allows glucose from the food you eat to enter the cells.
The body then uses this glucose for energy and to carry out basic body functions. But in diabetes, glucose cannot enter the cells and builds up in the bloodstream, thus leading to high sugar levels.
Diabetes is further divided into two types, namely – Type I and Type II, and patients can opt for naturopathy treatment for both kinds.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes because it usually occurs in children and teenagers, is a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Once these cells are destroyed, the body can no longer produce its insulin.
This causes the glucose to stay in the bloodstream, and the cells are starved of glucose. Hence, individuals with type 1 diabetes need to be dependent on outside sources of insulin to keep their blood glucose levels under check.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is also known as adult-onset diabetes because it usually develops after age 35. People with this condition can produce some insulin, but it is not enough to keep their blood glucose levels under check.
While Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition, naturopathy treatment believes that with the correct lifestyle modification and dietary changes, blood glucose levels can be balanced and such individuals can lead a healthy and normal life.
5 Naturopathy Herbs for Treating Diabetes
Here’s a quick rundown of the 5 naturopathy herbs that may benefit people with Type II diabetes.
1. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds help in lowering blood glucose levels via two mechanisms. Firstly, it increases the secretion of insulin in response to a meal while improving the uptake of glucose in the muscles and cells. Owing to this, less glucose stays in the bloodstream, and more are utilized for energy.
Secondly, fenugreek seeds contain fiber and other chemicals that slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the body. Hence, glucose is released in the blood at a very slow pace, which prevents spikes in blood glucose levels.
2. Cinnamon
This aromatic herb holds great significance in the naturopathy treatment. It keeps the blood glucose level under check by imitating the effects of insulin. Furthermore, cinnamon increases the transport of glucose into the cells and prevents excess glucose from staying in the bloodstream.
Cinnamon also helps in the management of diabetes mellitus by improving insulin sensitivity, which makes the insulin more efficient at moving glucose into the cells.
3. Holy basil
Holy basil or commonly known as Tulsi, delays the progression of prediabetes to full-blown diabetes mellitus. This herb improves pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion, which increases the uptake of glucose by muscle cells.
Studies have also found that raw tulsi leaves have blood glucose-lowering properties, which help maintain healthy blood glucose levels and prevent the complications of diabetes.
4. Aloe Vera
According to naturopathy treatment, aloe vera is quite effective in lowering high blood glucose levels. When the bitter yellow exudate is present beneath the outer skin of the leaves is consumed daily, it increases glucose tolerance.
Aloe Juice also stimulates the pancreatic beta cells to release insulin, which helps control blood glucose. When consumed with a calorie-controlled diet, it speeds up weight loss and thus, helps in achieving better fasting blood glucose levels.
5. Jamun or Indian gooseberry
In India, a decoction of Jamun seeds is used as a naturopathy treatment for managing diabetes. The action of Jamun is attributed to the presence of antioxidants and powerful plant chemicals present in this fruit.
These healthy compounds slow down the process of converting starch to sugar in the body, which in turn reduces the chance of sudden spikes in the blood glucose levels post meals. Moreover, Jamun seeds increase the secretion of insulin and thus prevent it from degrading quickly.
The Bottom Line
Naturopathy Treatment helps us connect with nature, which is beneficial for overall diabetes control. Nature has blessed humans with plenty of nourishing herbs, which, when consumed correctly with a low glycemic index and calorie-controlled diet, dramatically improve the blood glucose levels while delaying the life-threatening complications of diabetes mellitus.