Five Essential Ayurvedic Herbs for Managing Type II Diabetes

5 potent Ayurvedic herbs that have been found to be highly effective as adjuvant therapies in Type II Diabetes.

1] Gurmar or Madhuvinashini (Gymnema sylvestre)- ‘Gurmar’ in Hindi (National Language of India) or ‘Madhuvinashini’ in Sanskrit literally means ‘one that vanquishes sugar’. It is so called because it temporarily abolishes sweet taste by anesthetizing our taste buds. Its leaves and almost all parts are used for medicinal purposes. Gurmar not only helps in regulating blood sugar levels in type II diabetes; it also helps in regeneration and repair of the beta cells in our pancreas (gland which secretes insulin).
2] Bitter Gourd/bitter melon (Momordica charantia)- Bitter gourd or ‘karela’ as it is called in Hindi is an extremely bitter tasting fruit which lives up to its name. However, despite of its bitter disposition, it is still one of the tastiest vegetables in Indian cuisine. Bitter gourd helps in reducing the blood sugar levels in type II diabetes. It has powerful antioxidants which make it an ideal supplement and essential dietary component for diabetic as well as pre-diabetic individuals.
3] Jamun (Syzygium cumini/ Eugenia jambolana)- Jamun (Hindi) is an evergreen green tree native to India, that ripens at the beginning of rainy season. Jamun fruits are sweet, slightly sour and extremely astringent in taste. They are very popular in India for their deep purple-black color and unique taste. The fruits, seeds, bark and even leaves of jamun tree are used for their anti-diabetic and antioxidant qualities.6 Jamun helps in regulating the blood sugar levels and is also found to boost the secretion of insulin.
4] Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)-The seeds and leaves of Fenugreek, commonly known as ‘Methi’ in Hindi and ‘Methika’ in Sanskrit are an integral part of Indian cooking. Fenugreek also has powerful anti-diabetic properties. It helps in keeping blood sugar levels in check and improves insulin resistance in Type II diabetes. A popular way of taking fenugreek seeds is to soak 1 tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water at night and eat them early next morning on empty stomach.
5] Turmeric (Curcuma longa)-Turmeric or ‘Haridra’ (Sanskrit) or ‘Haldi’ as it is commonly known in India, is the most preeminent Indian spice, an integral part of Indian cuisine and an auspicious component of Hindu Religious ceremonies. Turmeric has been extensively used in Ayurveda for the treatment of Prameha.Whole turmeric is more effective than using its individual active constituents like curcumin.