Studies have revealed that herbs and supplements have shown promise in lowering blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity and reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol. Along with Dr. Jaishree Bhattacharjee, Ayurvedic consultant with Satvikshop we give you a list of easily available herbs that will help you battle diabetes. But with any herbal treatments, it is also important to continue to closely monitor blood sugar and other results with your doctor.

Saptrangi: Regulates kapha dosha (stability and structure) due to its astringent, heating and dry nature which is the primary cause of diabetes. It also have good effect on functioning of liver and pancreas

Direction of use: Root powder: 1-2 gms, decoction: 10 ml-20 ml

Gurmar: Assist in the regeneration of insulin and producing Beta Cells. It contains Gymnemic Acid whose molecular arrangement is similar to glucose molecules. Gymnemic Acid molecules fill the receptor locations on the taste buds thereby preventing activation of taste buds by sugar molecules present in the food, thus, curbing the sugar craving.

Direction of use: Powder of dried leaves 3-6gms, decoction of roots 50 – 100 ml

Neem: Apart from regulating kapha dosha it also regulates metabolism due to shot potency.Neem enhances insulin receptor sensitivity and are also helpful in reducing the need for hypo-glycaemic drugs.

Direction of use: Dried leaves powder- 3-6 gm

Jamun: Due to its kashay (astringent) taste and absorptive quality it balances kapha and helps control the frequency of urine and lowering the urine and blood sugar level

Direction of use: Powder of dried seeds 3 – 6gms

Vijaysaar: Due to its kashay (astringent) taste and light and drying nature It balances kapha and regulate glucose level and due to katu vipak, balance metabolism in the body. Works also well for diabetic complications

Direction of use: Heart wood as decoction 50- 100 mland 3-6 gm as powder.

Bilva: Bilva is kaphashamak by ruksha, laghu, Kashaya and bitter properties. These properties makes it effective to regulate the blood sugar and combat diabetic complications.

Direction of use: Powder of dried unripe fruit 3-6 gm.

Methi (fenugreek): Tikta ras (bitter taste) and ushna virya of methi makes it kapha shamak, which fights the root cause of diabetes

Direction of use: Seed and whole plant, Powder – 2 to 6 gm

Haridra: Because of Katu, tikta, ushna properties Haridra balances kapha which is the primary dosha involved in diabetes. Antiseptic properties of haridra makes it useful in curbing the infections in diabetic patients. It also is beneficial in Boils of skin and urinary tract infections.

Direction of use: Powder of dried Haridra – 2-4 gm , juice of fresh Haridra rhizome is 10-20 ml.

Karela (Bittergourd): Tikta, laghu, ruksha gunas of karelapacify aggravation of kapha. It stimulates pancreas, liver and spleen and regulates blood sugar level. Ruksha guna and katu vipak improves absorption of food and better metabolism.

Direction of use: Juice of fresh fruit- 10-20ml, dried fruit powder 3-6 gm

by State Times