Ayurvedic medicine has several therapeutic interventions for treating diabetes. It involves a rounded approach that includes diet and physical activity. Some Ayurvedic therapies have been found in the scientific literature to be effective in reducing diabetes-related outcomes. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure diabetes with ayurveda.
Theory
The Ayurvedic approach to treating diabetes is holistic, incorporating a three-part approach. It involves diet modification, eliminating simple carbohydrates and sugar and promoting complex carbohydrates, like whole grains and oats. Saunas and herbal massages also are used to cleanse the body after fasting.
Yoga
If you suffer from diabetes, yoga is an ayurvedic practice that may help you manage the condition. A systemic review of the scientific studies on the effects of yoga on diabetes published in May 2008 in "Advance Access Publication" found that some studies have found short-term benefits of yoga on type 2 diabetes. However, the researchers posit that more research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Eugenia Jambolana
Eugenia Jambolana, commonly called Jambul, is an ayurvedic medicine herb that shows some evidence pointing in the direction of improving diabetes outcomes, specifically regarding kidney health. Kidney complications are common component of diabetes. Jambul is a tropical evergreen tree native to parts of Asia. A study published in April 2010 in "Niscair Online Periodicals Repository" found that diabetic rats supplemented with Jambolana for 60 consecutive days showed signs of improved kidney function.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a spice herb frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine. Some evidence also shows that cinnamon may help to improve diabetic outcomes. A study published in 2009 in "Ethno-Med" found that cinnamon reduced blood sugar levels in a group of diabetic patients. The study participants were given four capsules of cinnamon per day for 40 days. Each capsule contained 2 g of cinnamon powder.
References
- "Advance Access Publication"; Yoga Practice for the Management of Type II Diabetes Mellitus in Adults: A Systematic Review; Badr Aljasir, Maggie Bryson & Bandar Al-shehri; May 2008
- "Niscair Online Periodicals Repository"; Attenuation of Renal Dysfunction by Anti-Hyperglycemic Compound Isolated from Fruit Pulp of Eugenia Jambolana in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats; Reenu Singh et al.; April 2010
- "Ethno-Med"; Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Cassia) intervention on Blood Glucose of Middle Aged Adult Male with Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM); Richa Soni & Vibha Bhatnagar; 2009
