Diabetes

Diabetes, also known as hyperglycemia, is an endocrine disease wherein there is failure in the secretion of insulin in the body. In the absence of insulin, blood sugar cannot enter the cells. This would result in an abnormal increase in the blood sugar levels. Diabetes is further divided into two types: Type I (insulin-dependent) and Type II (non-insulin dependent). Type I diabetes most commonly occurs before the age of 30. It is considered the most serious form since the patient will be needing insulin shots daily. The patient will grow weak, fatigue easily, or in worse cases, go into diabetic comas and insulin shocks if he or she does not receive insulin injections. Type II diabetes is frequently seen among the obese. This type is usually controlled through weight loss, proper diet and exercise.

Blood sugar test

Heredity plays a deciding factor in the diagnosis of diabetes. The chances of getting the disease are higher if you acquire the genes of a diabetic. Signs and symptoms of a diabetic include frequent urination, excessive thirst and hunger, recurring infections, wounds that heal slowly, among others. Diabetes brings many complications as well. Strokes, diabetic retinopathy and other systemic diseases manifest and progress more if diabetes is present.

Treatment varies on the type of diabetes. But alternative ways of controlling abnormally high blood sugar can be done through herbal medications. Check out the listed herbal remedies in the table below for more information.

Herb Description, Treatment & Procedures
Aloe Vera
(Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) Aloe vera, or sabila in the Philippines, is a medicinal plant with many benefits. It contains vitamins and amino acids that help regenerate the cells. It helps in the fight against free radicals since it is also a known anti-oxidant.    Cut a fresh leaf from an aloe vera plant. Remove the skin and take internally. You can also scrape the aloe gel, which liquefies after a few minutes and can be mixed with other drinks.

Ampalaya
(Momordica charantia) Ampalaya, or bitter melon in English, has been proven to be an effective herbal medicine especially in the Philippines. It is also a good source of vitamins A, B, C, iron, folic acid, phosphorus and calcium. It is a known antioxidant, antibacterial and antipyretic for the treatment of most common illnesses. The fruit and leaves of the ampalaya plant are juiced and taken orally to help lower blood sugar levels.

Virgin Coconut Oil
(Cocos nucifera) Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is similar to regular coconut oil since it is rich in lauric acid, an essential fatty acid that is believed to fight viral, bacterial and parasitic pathogens. But VCO is unlike regular coconut oil because of its processing difference. VCO reportedly does not raise bad cholesterol levels, unlike regular coconut oil. Thus, VCO brings more medicinal benefits for the cure of many common illnesses. The benefits include boosting the body’s immune system, regulating blood sugar, lowering viral load of AIDS patients, helping hepatitis C and herpes patients, maintaining healthy thyroid functions, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and, lastly, healing and nourishing the skin, hair and scalp. For the control of diabetes, drink VCO in its pure form to maintain normal glucose levels in the blood.

Guava
(Psidium guajava) Guava is a small tree that is one of the popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines. The guava leaves, bark and fruit are often used for medicinal purposes. Since guava is best known for its antiseptic properties, fresh guava leaves are boiled. When cooled, use the decoction as wash on the skin wounds to facilitate faster wound cleaning and healing.

Links for Further Diabetes Herbal Study
Philippine Herbs
1.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
2.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
3.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
4.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
5.    Philippine Herbal Medicine
6.    Stuart Exchange
7.    Stuart Exchange
8.    Stuart Exchange

Leave a Comment