Ayurvedic Home Remedies To Control Your Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease, occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (the hormone that regulates blood sugar) or when the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces. Unfortunately, India has the dubious distinction of having the second highest number of diabetics in the world, with one person out of twelve adults (approximately over 77 million) being diabetic patients in 2021. This number is expected to rise to a worrying 98 million by 2030, putting a severe burden on management of public health systems. Diabetes is a serious health risk which needs to be taken care of as buildup of sugar levels can lead to other significant complications of major organs such as heart, kidneys, eyes, brain etc.

• Ayurveda and diabetes

  Ayurveda, the timeless Indian medical wisdom, describes diabetes as ‘Prameha’ or sweet urine and states that there are 20 types of Prameha or diseases arising out of high blood sugar. According to Ayurveda, each person is born with a specific Prakruti that is governed by the interplay between the three doshas in the body – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Any imbalance between these doshas and the digestive fire or agni (that is mainly responsible for good digestion and metabolism) results in health disorders. Diabetes is the result of an aggravated Kapha dosha and to a lesser extent an imbalanced vata dosha.

  Diabetes mellitus or Type 1 diabetes is known as vata prameha as it is caused due to an imbalance in the vata dosha, where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin to keep the blood glucose levels under acceptable levels.

  Diabetes insipidus or Type II diabetes is known as Kapha prameha as it is caused due to the Kapha dosha imbalance, where the produced insulin is not used effectively.

• Causes of diabetes

  Ayurveda states that the main causes of diabetes are

• Avarana where Kapha dosha imbalance causes blockage of channel in the body leading to type II or adult-onset diabetes
• Dhatukshaya where the dhatus/tissues are depleted leading to type I or juvenile diabetes
• Weakened digestive fire or agni which can aggravate the doshas, disturb digestion/metabolism, lead to accumulation of toxins/ama that can weaken immunity and result in diabetes related conditions like obesity
• Excessive consumption of carbohydrates and refined sugar products
• Too much sleep (naps during daytime are not advisable)
• Stress and anxieties
• Eating foods that are difficult to digest
• Including foods that aggravate the Kapha dosha (eating curd for dinner/nighttime can increase the Kapha in the body)
• Sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular exercise
• Hereditary/genetic factors

• Home remedies for diabetes

Ayurvedic home remedies, when combined with a proper diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medication, have been found to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels and managing diabetes

• Drinking 2 tablespoons of Tulsi juice (Basil leaves are a powerful antioxidant) on an empty stomach in the morning can help in lower blood sugar levels
• 2 tablespoons of Amla Juice (Indian Gooseberry) with a glass of water first thing in the morning helps pancreas with insulin secretion. Amla is the most potent among ayurvedic herbs in controlling diabetes and is also very rich in Vitamin C & a powerful antioxidant
• Methi seeds (fenugreek) soaked in water overnight and consumed before breakfast are effective in controlling blood sugar levels
• One tablespoon of Karela juice (bitter gourd) in the morning helps to reduce blood sugar levels in the urine
• Dalchini or cinnamon is one of the most organic home remedies to lower blood sugar levels. Mix 3-4 tablespoons of dalchini powder (cinnamon) in a liter of water and heat for approx. 20 minutes, strain the mixture and then drink it once cooled
• Kadhipatta or curry leaves have natural anti-diabetic properties and chewing a few leaves daily in the morning can help control as well as prevent diabetes
• Mango leaves (tender ones) are quite useful in regulating insulin levels. Boil around 15 mango leaves in water and drink a glass of that filtered mixture in the morning to lower blood sugar levels

Although there is no complete cure, following home remedies for diabetes as well as adapting to Ayurveda prescribed diet and lifestyle changes can be highly beneficial in controlling blood sugar levels to lead a long, healthy and happy life.

Disclaimer: Home remedies are NOT an alternative to prescribed diabetes medication and need to be taken only after thorough consultation with your Ayurvedic Vaidya or medical doctor. Any change (or discontinuation) of medication without consulting your licensed physician or Ayurvedic Vaidya can prove harmful.