Diabetes: Natural Healing & Herbal Remedies
[ This is the Part III of the Diabetes series. ]
There are some natural remedies that can be used in the prevention and control of diabetes. However, the single most important aspect of a diabetes control plan is adopting a wholesome life style – Inner Peace, Nutritious and Healthy Diet, and Regular Physical Exercise.
A state of inner peace and self-contentment is essential to enjoying a good physical health and over all well-being. The inner peace and self contentment is a just a state of mind – a mind at peace. It is your brain that has the absolute control over your body – from the flow of energy to the functioning of the internal organs, including the Pancreas and Liver – the two organ most involved in the management of glucose (sugar) in the body.
When it comes to managing any ailment, both your mind and your internal energy play the determining role – diabetes is no different. Though, the subject of mind control falls in the realms of meditations – that is beyond the scope of this article, the point to note is that the inner energy emanates from within the human form – you just need to connect with yourself. Remember, you have the capability to make yourself sick, and you have the power to heal yourself – your just need to invoke your power – your energy.
Assign some time to sit in peace and quite, focus inward on your brain, and, with your brain’s eyes,see your internal organs – from your heart to your guts. Feel the flow of energy moving through each organ as you feel” them. Focusing on your brain, instruct your organs, one at a time, to heal and rejuvenate. You will notice a, sort of, soft heat flow into the focused organs – it is your internal healing energy. With practice and patience, you will learn to master this technique. You can utilize the same technique to control any pains or aches – including migraines.
What I am pointing here is the way for you to connect with the “human” part of you – the real you – the source of energy within you. To get a handle on what I am pointing to, I would suggest that you review The Human – And, The Earthling, and other articles in the same series.
The human body has an innate capacity to heal itself. Self-healing occurs once the causes of the illness – that caused the illness in the first place, have been eliminated. Natural remedies work nature’s way – by helping the body overcome the disease and restore the body to its natural and healthy state. Natural healing also helps rejuvenate the body’s immune system to guard it against the invasions by any future diseases.
Healthcare Industry, on the other hand, sees no incentive in eliminating the disease – the source of its revenue. It thrives on selling the drugs that, while covering the symptoms of the disease, work to open new channels of revenue for it.
HealthCare Industry & Its Drugs
As of 2013, there are more than 384 million people in the world with diabetes, about 90% of those with Type 2 diabetes. More children are developing the disease and more people are dying from this diabetes. With the Healthcare Industry’s perspective, it is a bonanza – In the US alone, it is racking more than $200 billion in revenue. All of the Industry’s top 10 best-selling drugs in the diabetes category are blockbusters.
Here is a rundown on some of the “popular” diabetes drugs pushed by the Healthcare Industry:
Merck’s blockbuster, Januvia and Novo Nordisk’s Victoza both have been under scrutiny for increased cancer risks of pancreatic cancer.
Takeda Pharmaceutical’s Actosis associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer and cardiovascular disease. Several thousand Actos lawsuits have been filed, alleging that Takeda misled doctors and patients about the side effects and risks associated with the drug.
GlaxoSmithKline’s Avandia (rosiglitazone) has been found to severely increase the risk of heart failure,brittle bones, and osteoporosis. Dr. David Graham, a drug safety officer with the FDA’s Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, estimated that Avandia has caused as many as 255,000 heart attacks and strokes, some of them fatal, between 1999 and 2006. Graham’s analysis further indicated that since Avandia was approved, some 80,000 patients have died from the drug’s side effects.
Parke-Davis/Warner-Lambert’s Rezulin, was heavily marketed in the U S, even though the drug had already been banned in Europe and was linked with severe liver damage of at least 10,000 patients. Big Pharma were allowed to make big money, before the FDA finally conceded and banned the drug.
Eli Lilly-Amylin’s Byetta has been blamed for causing impaired kidney dysfunction, thyroid cancer and the acute pancreatitis.
As for Aspartame (NutraSweet), Check the story of its approval – FDA had denied aspartame approval for over 8 years until the newly appointed FDA commissioner Arthur Hull Hayes overruled the final Scientific Review Panel, approved aspartame, and then went to work for G.D. Searle’s (initial owner of aspartame) public relations firm at $1,000 a day.
Aspartame carries a plethora of disease symptoms associated by its name: aspartame fibromaylagia, aspartame restless leg syndrome, aspartame and migraines, aspartame and vaginal irritation, aspartame and tumors, aspartame allergy, aspartame multiple sclerosis, bladder cancer aspartame, aspartame and central nervous system, aspartame & infertility.
That is how the Healthcare Industry makes its billions – at the cost of your health. But, it is up to you, you can refuse to become a victim of the Healthcare Industry and chose to heal and strengthen your body naturally.
Natural Healing
Natural and Herbal remedies, on the other hand, work to eradicate the root causes of the ailment – with no side effects. The philosophy in the natural healing process is to take the body as a whole – stimulating body’s own healing energy, providing it with all the right kind of nutritions, and letting the body eliminate the disease itself. Once the disease is eliminated, the body returns to it’s natural state of “ease“.
But, the point to consider here is that the natural healing process requires a lot of discipline and commitment on your part – It is not like administering an injection or popping a pill. You need to have a resolve – resolve to adopt a healthy and wholesome life style. There are no short cuts.
Also note, if you already have an ailment, and are under the supervision of a medical professional, before embarking upon any program – change in diet, exercise regimen, or medication, make sure to thoroughly discuss with your health care professional.
Be gentle on yourself, and make any adjustment in your life style gradually and systematically.
Remember, health is a holistic thing – You have to work to heal and support yourself from all angles; Nutritious Food, Exercise, Herbal Remedies, and Meditation – to connect with yourself and to invoke your inner healing energy.
Natural healing and the prevention and treatment of diabetes is a multi step process:
First of all, stop the onslaught of poisonous substances on your body.
Incorporate a Natural Diet consisting of health promoting and Nourishing Foods.
Adopt an active lifestyle – Regular Exercise, with focus on internal organs – think Yoga.
Provide Herbal support to body to help it heal itself and rebuild its immune system.
We have already discussed the factors that are responsible for causing diabetes (and many other debilitating diseases) in Part-II of this series, Diabetes: The Real Causes. Guard your body against exposure to those factors – avoid commercially prepared, preserved and refined “foods”. You should not consume any thing “refined”. Say NO to white sugar, white flour, common table salt (use sea salt instead), and fried foods – consumption of oils exposed to high temperatures is considered to be one of the culprits in causing the type-II diabetes.
Alcohol is a poisonous substance – highly promoted by the Healthcare Industry. For the diabetic people, the liver deteriorative properties of alcohol are devastating. Unless you are heavily invested in the Healthcare Industry, stop it – drain that bottle in the toilet – it will disinfect the bowl.
Stop patronizing the fast-food joints and wasting money on packaged foods. Incorporate fresh and wholesome natural foods in your diet – Enjoy the home prepared meals.
Healthy Diet & Natural Foods:
The following quote is attributed to Hippocrates, whose existence, honestly, we cannot prove. However, there is truth in it:
“Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine And Thy Medicine Be Thy Food”
A healthy diet is a balanced diet, consisting of healthy fats and oils – a balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, carbohydrates in small portions, proteins in moderation, and adequate amount of fiber. A healthy diet not only promotes overall health, it is also a major factor in offsetting the complication arising out of diseases like diabetes.
Pastured Raw Milk, Cream and Butter from grass-fed healthy cows are nature’s best foods. Raw milk has all the 8 essential amino acids in varying amounts. It is the only food that has extensive built-in safety mechanisms and numerous components to create a healthy immune system. It supports the healthy cholesterol production – essential for maintaining good health, and guards against the onslaught of diabetes. When the diabetes has already set in, drinking pastured raw milk – small sips over the course of the day, helps in maintaining a healthy blood sugar level, and provides sustained energy.
Note that the Real Milk has no relationship to the commercially produces white fluid that is sold in the name of milk. You will find more information on the benefits of Pastured Raw Milk at Raw Milk – Hazardous to Healthcare Industry
Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil is perhaps the healthiest oil that helps stabilize blood glucose levels and aids in shedding excess body weight, it is probably the only oil a diabetic should eat. It is, in fact, another of nature’s perfect food. It helps protect from heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative diseases, improves digestion, strengthens the immune system, and has numerous benefits for people effected with diatribes.
It’s saturated fat is made up primarily of medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) – also known as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), MCFAs are known to increase metabolism – burning calories at a faster rate, and promote weight loss. you can actually lose excess weight by adding coconut oil to your diet. The MCFA in coconut oil are sent directly to the liver for conversion into energy and not into body tissues as fat
One of the consequences of diabetes is a lack of energy. Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil helps supply energy to cells because it is easily absorbed without the need of enzymes or insulin. It has been shown to improve insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose. Virgin Unrefined Coconut oil can also raise basal body temperatures while increasing metabolism – good also for people who suffer with low thyroid function. For more information I will suggest reading the article Virgin Coconut Oil – Like Mother’s Milk
Please take note that the Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil and the commercially available coconut oil – extracted from dried fruits via heat-chemical extraction, are two different things – commercial grade coconut oil is outright unhealthy and bad for your body.
Virgin unrefined Coconut Oil is available online from a variety of sources.
The Flaxseed (Linseed) Oil is one of the highly regarded oils for promoting general health, prevention of cancer, diabetes and heart disease. The essential fats in flaxseed oil cause a gradual release of nutrients into the small intestine giving a physiological effect of feeling full and satisfied. Consumption of Flaxseed oil also helps maintain a stable blood sugar level – good for diabetes management.
A teaspoon of Flaxseed oil should be taken along with the food. I suggest taking the flaxseedsDr. Johanna Budwig (a German biochemist and expert on cancer management) way – with a slight variation – Mix 1 to 2 teaspoon fresh ground flaxseeds in a 1/2 cup of organic yogurt and 1 tablespoon of virgin cold pressed olive oil – take it after the meal. You can grind a week’s supply of Flaxseeds and in a coffee grinder and store covered in the fridge.
Fish Oil has been shown to be beneficial in preventing insulin resistance – a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Fish oil is a very rich source of omega-3 fatty acids essential for the brain health, heart health, cancer and diabetes protection, and immune system.
Note: Due to contamination of fish with mercury and other carcinogens, make sure to purchase only certified fish oil from unpolluted waters. There are not very many such sources, so do a thorough research.
Sea Algae (sea vegetables) are the source of the most nutrient rich foods on the planet. Algae are known to have a high concentration of beta-carotene, antioxidants, amino acids, minerals and many vitamins. They are the richest source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (beside the mother’s milk). Algae are known to treat diabetes, anemia, liver disease, ulcers, allergies, radiation and chemical poisoning. Its concentrated sugar helps to stabilize blood sugar levels in people with high or low blood sugar.
The high density of nutrients found in algae are extremely important for many reasons. Perhaps the most important of them all is that these nutrients help strengthen the human cell’s membrane, and the cellular function. Algae contain high levels of antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory micro-nutrients to fuel metabolism and the detoxification process. Also, sea vegetables strengthen the function of Mitochondria – the power plant where cells make energy required to carry out their functions. Due to these qualities, sea algae helps prevent the diabetes and cancer.
Bitter Melon (Indian: Karela) Extract has also been used in ayurvedic system to treat type 2 diabetes. It contains a polypeptide, which is similar to the polypeptide present in insulin. Its juice is found to have positive effects on elevated blood sugar levels in the body. You can take a small quantity (1/4 cup) bitter melon juice twice a day. Or you can cook it as a usual vegetable preparing your daily dishes or salads. Be warned, though, its juice is really bitter.
Honey: A 2010 human study found that long-term consumption of honey might have positive effects on the metabolic derangements of type 1 diabetes, including possible beta cell regeneration as indicating by increases in fasting C-peptide levels.
Nigella Sativa (black seed): A 2003 animal study found that black seed consumption lead to partial regeneration/proliferation of the beta-cells. A 2010 human study also found that the consumption of one gram of black seed a day for up to 12 weeks had a broad range of beneficial effects in diabetics, including increasing beta cell function.
Stevia: A 2011 human study found that stevia has anti-diabetic properties, including revitalizing damaged beta cells, and compares favorably with the drug glibenclamide but without the adverse effects.
Juice fasting is another important step to curing diabetes. Juicing is a quick and tasty way to consume large amounts of fruits and vegetables each day. Two weeks should be long enough for most people. It is generally wise to also eat one small, pure protein meal each day of the fasting (e.g. white meat or eggs – pastured raised ).
Regular Exercise for Overall Fitness:
A regular exercise regimen is also an important factor in the prevention and management of diabetes. Human body is designed to be active to maintain its health and vigor. By keeping your muscles toned, and the oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood flowing in the body system, you help the body to remain strong to fight off infections and diseases. Strong muscles, especially in the abdomen area, are essential for stimulating the liver and pancreas, and in helping the digestive system perform optimally.
For detailed information on a complete workout regimen, please review the Complete Workout Regimen.
Herbal and Natural Remedies:
Type 1 diabetes is considered to be the more stubborn one. Unlike type 2 diabetes, where the body becomes resistant to its own insulin, type 1 is characterized by the inability of the body to produce enough insulin, as the beta cells within the pancreas which are responsible for the production of insulin (and the proinsulin from which it is made) are either destroyed or seriously impaired.
The fact that the Healthcare Industry doesn’t want to come out is that the Phtochemicals (Plant compounds), including many found within commonly consumed foods, are capable of stimulating beta cell regeneration within the pancreas, and as a result may be potentially provide a cure.
There is a multitude of herbs that have been recognized to help manage, control, and prevent diabetes. You don’t need to take all of them in together, even if it were practical. Read and review all of them, and chose only a few that more fit to your specific condition. You can rotate them as needed.
Please take note: Herbs are strong phytochemicals – they are not designed to be taken as food. Some of the herbs are very strong and should be taken in a controlled manner. Always buy from a reputable source – check for the potency, and take the in recommended doses only.
Turmeric ( Active compound: Curcumin) is one of the nature’s most potent herbs. It stimulates beta cell regeneration in type 1 diabetic. Additionally, curcumin preserves pancreatic islet cell survival and transplantation efficiency.
Note: Turmeric is fat soluble, and should be taken with fatty foods for better absorption. Use it in food, or mix it with milk or yogurt. [An essay on health benefits of Turmeric will be posted soon.]
Borage Seed Oils is very rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid (24% GLA). The results of GLA supplementation in diabetics are truly astounding. In a clinical study it is shown to reverse the Diabetic Neuropathy – a painful nerve disorder resulting from reduced blood flow and subsequent oxygen depravation of the limbs or organs. Borage oil also helps tone arterial muscles, responsible for blood pressure and optimal circulation.
Take the Borage seed oil in dosages as recommended on the package – in small quantities.
Fenugreek Seeds (Indian name: Methi) is a very effective herb (seeds) to control diabetes. Fenugreek seed powder is known to significantly reduce blood glucose levels, and also reduce triglycerides. It contains an amino acid called 4-
hydroxyisoleucine. This amino acid is known to stimulate the secretion of insulin by the pancreas. Fenugreek also reduces insulin resistance. This way it is effective in both types-I and type-II diabetes.
My way of taking the Fenugreek seeds: Grind the seeds in your coffee grinder and store couple of weeks’ supply in fridge. Soak a teaspoonful of the seed powder in 1/4 cup of warm water an hour before the meal – it will get soft like pudding. Take it along with your meal.
Ceylon Cinnamon is a marvelous and delicious herb that support our body in numerous ways. It helps to increase the conversion of glucose into energy and also blocks out the free radicals. This means that cinnamon retards that diabetic complications.
Recommended dosage is 1/4 teaspoon in water along with meals or with milk (real milk).
Warning: There are two types cinnamon one is the Casia Cinnamon (common cinnamon) – that is the variety that is commonly found in stores, and the Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum, which simply translates as “true cinnamon.”) – It is the real cinnamon.
Both the Casia Cinnamon and Ceylon Cinnamon are effective in cases of gas (flatulence), muscle and stomach spasms, preventing nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, and loss of appetite. Both cinnamons are known to kill all the stomach bugs, including e coli.
But, the Casia Cinnamon has a bad side; it contains high levels of Coumarin, a naturally occurring ingredient that, when eaten in large enough amounts, can cause reversible liver toxicity in a small group of individuals sensitive to it – it also a very potent blood-thinning effect that can be dangerous in some situations. But, the dangers of Coumarin arise only when consumed in large quantities. In my opinion, Casia Cinnamon should not be taken more than 1/2 teaspoon a day – this can be safely increased up to 1 1/2 teaspoon for a brief period when one is exposed to a stomach bug.
Ceylon Cinnamon, on the other hand, contains a small, negligible amount of Coumarin- and, hence, carries no bad effects associated with the Casia variety. Ceylon Cinnamon is the variety that is effective in managing and controlling the diabetes.
Gymnema Sylvestre (Indian: Gurmar or Gular) is a herb native to the tropical region of southern and central India where it has been used as a naturopathic treatment for diabetes for a long time. It is a very effective and potent herb in managing and controlling diabetes.
Scientific researches done since 1990, has shown that it can help in controlling both the diabetic type-I and type-II. Its active component, GS4 – Gymnema sylvestre extract, acts by raising the number of beta cells in pancreas. Thus, the internal production of insulin is enhanced. The other hypoglycemic action of Gymnema Sylvestre is that it lowers the high blood sugar levels due to its component called gymnemic acid – It is shown to slow the transport of glucose from the intestines to the blood stream. By this mechanism, it reduces the intestinal glucose uptake, and, thus, brings down the blood sugar levels.
Dosage: Recommended dosage is 400 mg of Gymnema sylvestre extract (GS4) daily. It is available from many online sources.
Goat’s Rue is a bushy perennial shrub native to Europe and some parts of Asia. This plant has a chemical structure similar to the conventional diabetes drug Metformin and works in much the same way, but without the side effects of the Metaformin.
It is used as an alternative therapeutic treatment for diabetes as well as in the prophylactic role to prevent the onset of diabetes mellitus in individuals vulnerable to developing the disease. It restores the insulin sensitivity in the cells, and boosts their ability to take up glucose from the blood to use it more efficiently.
The recommended dosage for goat’s rue is 200mg (in vegetarian capsules) daily.
Prickly Pear Cactus has been a staple of the Mexican and Central American diet for thousands of years. Its ability to lower blood sugar has been well documented by many studies. In traditional Mexican medicine, Nopal (the pad of the cactus) is used for treating type-2 Diabetes. Prickly pear fruit and other elements of the cactus are edible as a jelly or jam, as a fruit or as a cooked dish.
Banaba is a variety of crepe myrtle that grows in the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Australia. It is commonly known as plant-insulin. Its active ingredients include corsolic acid and tannins, including lagerstroemin. These components improve the glucose transport in the body cells, increasing the in-take of glucose. Also they have an insulin-like action and activators of insulin receptors.
No adverse effects have been reported with its use. Take in extract form as recommended on the package.
There are many other common food, herbs and spices that helps the body’s immune system, and also have positive effect on diabetes. They include; Garlic, Cayenne Pepper, Green Tea, Artichokes, Sage and Broccoli.
Biotin is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. This vitamin is known to help liver in the conversion of glucose into energy. The recommended dosage for biotin is 10 mg daily.
Trace Minerals
Trace minerals are essential for the energy management at the cellular level, electrical signal flow in the body, and in the metabolism of sugar. If the diet is lacking in these mineral, which is the case due to the fact that most of our foods are grown on depleted soil, it is prudent to take minerals supplements. Lack of trace elements is a common cause of many diseases, including diabetes. Chromium and Magnesium are two elements essential in controlling the diabetes.
Chromium has been found to be a very effective therapy in improving the conditions of diabetes. Whole grains – organically grown on rich soil – are a natural source of chromium.
I would recommend daily supplements of 400-800 mcg of GTF (glucose tolerance factor) chromium or chromium chelate daily.
Magnesium is another element essential for proper functioning of the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular systems. It can be called a miracle mineral in its healing effect on a wide range of disease. Magnesium deficiency creates resistance to insulin, paving the way for type-II diabetes. Additionally, insulin resistance by itself can disrupt intracellular magnesium levels. That makes it necessary to maintain an adequate level of magnesium to control the diabetes.
Recommended dosage of 270-400 mg daily. Look for magnesium citrate, chelate, or glycinate.
Caution: Never ever take Magnesium Oxide – which is the most common form of magnesium sold in stores.
And, to wrap it all up, learn to enjoy a natural and stress free life. Take the things easy – relax a bit. Be at peace with yourself – understand that stress is a silent killer. Enjoy a Wholesome Life Naturally.