Herbs and Diabetes

30 03 2010

   Since ancient times people became ill and suffered from various ailments. People from then on relied on herbal remedies derived from herbs and spices. Herb have been used to treat many diseases including diabetes. In fact there are more than 500 herbal remedies to manage diabetes and many still continue to use these plant extracts to treat the disease.

   Sugar in the form of glucose is the main source of fuel for body cells. The hormone insulin allows glucose in blood to enter cells. In diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and cells are resistent to effects of insulin. If the glucose levels in the blood persist, it may damage the eyes, heart, kidneys or nerves.

   Gymrena Sylvestre is a herb derived from a tree found in India and Africa, and has been known to curb the longing for sweetness. It helps to decrease blood fats and reduces blood sugar levels. Gymrena is supposed to increase the beta cells in the pancreas.

   Cinnamon which is got from the back of a tree, has been found to increase the conversion of glucose into energy and black out free radicals. This means that diabetes complications are retarded. Research in India indicates that the effects of this herb in controlling blood sugar levels are astonishing.

   Fenugreek has been used in India for a long time as an anti-diabetes drug. The fenugreek seed power is known to significantly reduce blood glucose levels and also reduce triglycerides. 15 gms daily is seen to produce and effect especially in type 2 patient.

   Jambolan, which belongs to the species of cloves, also reduces blood sugar levels quickly and the best part is that it is virtually without any side effects. It contains alcanolic acid and hence inhibits the production of free radicals.

   Bitter melon, also known as balsam pear, is a tropical vegetable widely cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America and is extensively used in herbal medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in both experimental and clinical studies. Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with comfirmed anti-diabetic properties. Cheratin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycaemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the drug tolbutamide which is often used in the treatment of diabetes. Memordica also contains as insulin like polypeptide which lowers blood sugar levels when injected into type 1 diabetes patients. The oral administration of 50-60 ml of juice has shown good results in clinical trials.

   Onion extract reduces blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. 25 to 200 gms of onion extract of raw onion affects the hepatic metabolism of glucose. The additional benefit of the use of garlic and onions has a beneficial cardiovascular effect. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are anti-hypertensive.

   Bitter gourd is a vegetable found in the Indian Sub Continent and its juice is found to have positive effects on elevated blood sugar levels in the body. Lutien is a dietary supplement  which contributes to eye health in general. It is found in yellow and orange fruits and is also present in dark leafy vegetables. It protects the eye cells which are important for vision.

   The search for more herbs to cure diabetes still on and nature with its bounty of natural vegetation provides the necessary raw material. It will be prudent to consult your doctor before taking any alternative form of medicine.



Reiki and Diabetes

27 03 2010

   Diabetes is the short form of a medical condition Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes is a condition where the pancreas is affected. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin which helps in the absorption of glucose.  As the pancreas is un able to produce enough insulin the glucose begins to accumulate in the bloodstream. This leads to other complications and health risks. It is a noninfectious disease. Among the affected body systems by this are the nerve, digestive, circulatory, endocrine and urinary systems.

   Reiki (pronounced ‘Ray-Key) a laying on of hands healing technique thousands of years old, is the Usui system for natural healing discovered by Dr. Midao Usui, a Japananese Buddist, in the late 19th century. Closely following the formula he found in the Indian Sanskirt ‘Sutras’, he recieved the healing powers of Reiki and learned the power of transferring this power to others.

   He gave the Master attunement to 16 teachers, one of whom was Dr. Chujiro Hayashi. Before he died, he asked Dr Hayashi to accept the responsibility of preserving Reiki so that it would not be lost as it had been in the past. Dr Hayashi opened the first Reiki clinic in Tokyo and passed on the completes teaching to Hawayo Takata.

   Hawayo Takata, who had been cured by Reiki herself, was the first women Reiki Master. She gradually spread Reiki around the world. She also established the American way of Reiki practice.

   Reiki is a powerful self healing method that also promotes complete relaxarion, ‘Rei’ means ‘Universal’ and ‘Ki’ means ‘Life Force’. Reiki is not only the most simple and natural healing method we know of, but it is also the most effective way of transferring this Life Force Energy.

   Once aperson has been opened up to become a ‘channel’ of Reiki, concentrate Life Energy will flow through his hands of its own accord and he will retain this ability for the rest of his life. There are three levels of initiation which a person can undergo.

   Diabetes attains the form of a chronic disease. The Ajna chakra (forehead chakra) control the endocrine system. The solar plexus chakra controls and energizes pancreas. Diabetes could be due to insulin deficiency or inability of the body to make insulin.

   The solar plexus chakra is usually congested. In general, the pancreas is slightly inflamed. The liver and kidneys are partially affected. Reiki is given to the front and back solar plexus chakra, liver and pancreas.

   The pancreas and liver are the affected body parts and thus the treatment of diabetes by using Reiki will last long. A cycle 21 days of Reiki treatment is considered effective. Chronic cases experience a healing crisis much later or not all during the cause of treatment.

   With a gap of 7 days, the cycle of 21 days treatment can be repeated and positive effects will be seen within 3 months. It is stressed upon again that we are merely channels and the people heals himself or herself. Reiki is not given. it is made available to the person who draws as much energy as it required.



Are Herbs a Key To Diabetes

18 12 2009

   Eat 10 fresh fully green Curry Leaves every morning for three months is said to prevent diabetes due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due to obesity, as the leaves have weight reducing properties. As the weight drops, the diabetic person stop passing sugar in urine. Two teaspoons of powdered fenugreek seed taken daily in both or milk is also good. They can even be swallowed whole. As an alternative, they may be soaked in a cup of water at night and the water is taken in the morning.Amla due to it’s high Vitamin C content is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of equal quantities of powdered amla, jumbala, fruit and bitter gourd taken once or twice daily would be effective in checking the progress of the disease. A decoration of the bark of Madhuca is beneficial. The leave of plasa are very useful in diabetes. A decoration of the bark of Madhuca is beneficial. The leaves of plasa are very useful in diabetes. Garlic or it’s constituents have been found useful to lower the blood sugar by the scientific experiments doe by scientists. Garlic constituents appear to act by the blocking the inactivation of insulin in the liver. The result is higher blood insulin levels and lower blood sugar.



Superfoods for a Smooth Transition into Menopause

21 09 2009

   Menopause is a tough transition for many women. It usually begins to occur in late middle  age when the efficiency of the ovaries begins to decline. Problems associated with the related estrogen deficiency that occur may include artherioslerosis, osteoporosis, decreased skin elasticity and changes in the sympathetic nervous system that result in “hot flashes”. However, by including the following superfoods in your everyday diet, symptom’s can be alleviated memory power maintained, and osteoporosis prevented.

   Tofu is an excellent protein alternative for meat and it can be very helpful in lowering your cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Tofu and other soy products may also help lessen the side effects of menopause, such as hot flashes.

   Recent studies have shown that fiber can help reduce your risk of colon and other types of cancer, as wel as diverticulosis. Women need approximately 30 grams of fiber each day. Navy beans come in at 19 grams, so they’re a wonderful choice. Use them in your chili or soups, or try them for a nutritious side dish instead of the usual pasta or rice.

   As we grow older, we may find that our memory begins to slip a bit, and we find outselves forgetting things. By eating blueberries, we might actually be able to curb that short-term memory loss. Toss them on top of some plain yogurt for a great breakfast or snack choice. Yogurt, which is loaded with calium, can help prevent osteoporosis. As an added bonus, it can help strenghten your immunity and support your weight loss efforts. Choose yogurt that contain high amounts of good bacteria such as acidophilus, which can also help prevent yeast and urinary tract infections.

   Avocados  are high in antioxidants such as Vitamin E, which is important element to protecting both your vision and skin. They also contain monosaturated fats, which have been shown to improve the condition of hair and skin, which can suffer when a women goes through menopause. Chunk up a nice ripe avocado for a delicious guacamole dip, or even try them on your sandwich with a tomato.

   Try also to avoid drinking a large amount of caffeinated drinks each day, and boost your body’s Vitamin C absorption by teaming an orange with an iron-rich food like whole-grain oatmeal.