Benefits of Bitter Melon - Proven Herbal Treatment for Diabetes

Bitter melon is a valuable herb gifted to us by Mother Nature. It is also commonly known as bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, karolla and Karela. It is rich in iron, beta-carotene and potassium. It also contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C, phosphorous and fiber.

Benefits of Bitter Melon

- Bitter melon is worldwide known for its effectiveness in treating diabetes. Bitter melon chemically contains a compound that is very much similar to insulin and sometimes also referred as p-insulin. Researches have shown that when it is taken continuously for some period has the ability to substitute the insulin in the body. It also contains steroidal saponins called charantin, peptides similar to that of peptides and certain alkaloids that effectively control sugar level in blood.

- Bitter melon is also good digestive agent and helps in stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. It is very helpful in stimulating liver for secretion of bile juices that are very essential for metabolism of fats. It helps in improving the peristaltic movements hence it is very helpful in avoiding gastric disturbances.

- Taking bitter melon juice also helps in the treatment of constipation. Constipation is mainly caused due to faulty eating habits and unhealthy dietary practices. Bitter melon not only relives from the indigestive condition but also helps in combating the constipation. It improves peristaltic movements of gastro intestinal tract and also improves the absorption in the intestines.

Bitter Melon Recipes for Treating Diabetes

Bitter Melon Juice:

- Wash the bitter melon leaves and chop them


- Add 6 tablespoon of the chopped leaves in 2 glass of water


- Boil it for approximately 15 minutes in a uncovered pot


- Allow it to cool and then strain


- Drink 1/3 cup of it thrice a day

Above recipe is found to be very effective in the treatment of diabetes type 2. If taken regularly will make your sugar level under control. It is the most effective natural way to cure diabetes.

Bitter Melon with Egg:

- Cut a bitter melon in lengthwise, scoop and scrap the inner white pulp leaving only the outer green parts.


- Now finely cut the bitter melon. Pour a lot of salt to them and leave them for a while to get rid of its bitterness.


- Rinse thoroughly to remove the salt. Fry it with garlic, anchovies and knock two eggs to make a dish.

Above dish is very beneficial, especially for those with diabetes. Bitter melon is an herb with lot more health benefits other than treating just diabetes.

Bitter melon is used in solving menstruation problems in girls. It is also used in the treatment of sores, eczema, leprosy and large wounds. It is also used to cure hypertension, malaria, fevers and headaches. It also has good results in expelling worms and parasites in adults and children if taken internally. It is also effective against numerous viruses, herpes and HIV viruses.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright (C) Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

Read more about the Benefits of Bitter Melon. Also know how Shilajit helps men to boost their libido. Visit Natural Cures Guide for easy and effective home treatment for common ailments.

Diabetes and Food Style - Turn Your Food into Your Medicine

Fast paced life of modern world has necessitated us to give only lower priority to nutrition. This is at a time when nutrition awareness of everyone is high. Instead of taking well cooked food items, fruits and juices, people go after carbonated drinks, fast 'junk' food, frozen and preserved food, microwave food. People also don't take the time to enjoy and appreciate the food they eat. Today most of us just need any food that fills the belly for sometime.

This food habits have given rise to a variety of health problems. Significantly important one among them is diabetes.

Ayurvedic principles tell us food is one important element that keeps a person in a balanced state of body, mind and soul. Taking healthy food translates into healthy body.

Ayurvedic view on diabetes is no different. There are times when diabetes can attack without any warning sign. Ayurvedic food style combined with certain herbal applications helps one effectively manage his or her condition of diabetes.

High sugar level is the most dreaded thing about diabetes. Ayurveda recommends food items that don't release excess sugar into the blood. Food items that are too sweet, ice cream, chocolate, friend food items, white flour, preserved food, fast food, junk food etc are to be avoided. Bad habits like smoking and drinking should be given up.

Ayurveda recommends Ayurvedic herbal tea for diabetic patients. Replace sugar with honey or jaggery (thickened molasses - sarkkara) or better still palm jaggery (thickened palm molasses - karippatti).

The advantages or drinking more than eight glass of water everyday is not easily told in an essay. Drink a minimum of 8-15 glass of water in the day time. After sunset take only minimal quantities of water. Another thing is to drink plenty of water an hour before a meal and an hour after the meals. Drinking water close to meals dilute the digestive fire (in Ayurveda it is called pitta) and makes the process of digestion difficult.

Take fruits like grapes, fig, pomegranate, citrus fruits etc. Bitter melon (bitter gourd, Karela) is used as medicine for diabetes.

The point about Ayurvedic management of diabetes is never a hard task. All you will have to do is to incorporate Ayurvedic principles as your daily routine. Having healthy food and exercise regime itself can help one control his or her diabetes to a great extent.

Include turmeric and garlic as spices, bitter gourd as vegetable, Triphala as a laxative and drinking lot of water as daily habit. These are not very difficult to follow. You can't eat or drink all the food items you have. But living a sweeter life sometimes means giving up some sweet for tongue food items.

Dev Sri provides insider information about Ayurvedic herbal medicine practices and Ayurveda in Kerala. Find more about Ayurvedic medicines at http://www.KeralaAyurvedics.com/.

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Diabetes

Prologue and Rationale

When the level of blood glucose rises above normal it gives rise to a condition called diabetes. The food we eat gets converted into glucose or fat in our body to provide energy for work. The organ lying near the stomach known as pancreas secretes a hormone, insulin that helps the glucose to get stored in the body cells. When pancreas are not able to produce insulin in required amounts or is not able to use insulin the glucose is not able to get store in the cells, as a result the sugar gets stored in the blood causing diabetes. The cases of diabetes are much higher these days as compare to the past. It occurs in all age groups but the most common sufferers are obese people in middle or older age. The most commonly used screening tests are the determination of the fasting blood glucose level and the blood glucose level tested two hours after a meal. The normal fasting blood sugar content is 80-120mg.per 100 ml of blood, this can go up to a level of 160 mg. per 100 ml of blood two hours after meals. Anything above these levels can be termed as diabetic levels.

Types of diabetes

- Type 1 diabetes

In this type 1 diabetes the body stops producing insulin or produces less to regulate the level of blood glucose. It was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile onset diabetes. The people suffering from types 1 diabetes require insulin treatment daily to sustain life.

- Type 2 diabetes

In this type of diabetes the pancreas secrete insulin but the body is not able to use the insulin. This condition is also referred to as insulin resistance. This insulin resistance results in type 2 diabetes when enough amounts of insulin is not secreted to cope up with the higher demands. It was previously known as non-insulin dependent mellitus (NIDDM) or adult onset diabetes. It doesn't occur in younger people. It can be controlled with proper diet, weight loss and exercise.

- Gestational diabetes

It usually occurs during the second half of pregnancy. It can cause problems for the mother and babies if proper medication is not done. It disappears after the delivery. The women who suffer from this diabetes in pregnancy have more chances to suffer from type 2 diabetes in the later years of life.

Symptoms

The various symptoms of diabetes are:


- Dry skin


- Slow recovery from an injury


- Frequent urination


- Fatigue


- Blurred vision


- Excessive thirst and hunger


- Sudden weight loss


- Intense hunger


- Weak appearance


- Numbness of hands and feet


- Stomach pains

Causes

Systematic overeating and obesity mainly cause diabetes. This overeating is just not if sugar and refined carbohydrates but also high intake of proteins and fats. Grief, worry and anxiety are also the causes of diabetes that affects the metabolism and cause sugar to appear in the urine. It may also be caused due to some disorders like cancer, tuberculosis and cerebral disease. Diabetes is a heredity disease, which can affect many generations. It can also be caused due to many nutritional deficiencies and use of certain medicines for longer period of time.

Treatment

1. Soybean is a very good source of emery for diabetic patients. It is full of proteins, iron, calcium, vitamin A and fibre


2. Fenugreek seeds are very useful in diabetes. Soak about 90-100 seeds in 250 grams of water and leave it overnight. Mash them in the morning and sieve in a cloth and drink mixture regularly. Use for at least 2 months to cure diabetes.


3. Fruit, leaves, seeds and juice of jamun are also useful. Its seeds prevent conversion of starch into sugar. Drink half cup of water mashed with 3-4 leaves of jamun tree. Take it for 5-10 days.


4. Roast barley, make its powder and eat chapatti made out of it.


5. Bitter gourd ( Karela) is one of the best options. These can be simply fried with salt and other condiments and can be taken 2-3 daily.


6. Regular moderate exercise helps to control diabetes.


7. Diabetes can be controlled with specific yogaasana like shashankasana.


8. Juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in equal parts, 2 teaspoons taken twice a day also helps in the reduction of sugar.


9. Half-cup Karela juice can also be taken.


10. Regular juice of grape fruit cures diabetes.


11. Patola (snake gourd) and bimbi are also beneficial for diabetic patients


12. Leaves of mango tree also fight diabetes. Boil 3-4 fresh leaves of mango tree in the morning and drink.


13. Chew 3-4 leaves of jamun morning and evening in the early stages.


14. Supplementation of cereals with gram is highly beneficial. Make a chapatti of gram flour and barley flour.


15. Regular intake of two tender leaves each of neem and bilva in the morning reduces blood sugar.


16. Soaked almonds are also beneficial.


17. Take 60 grams of fresh ripe fruit of jamun and dip in 300 grams of boiling water and then cover it. Mash it after half an hour and sieve. Divide into three parts and drink each part thrice a day.

Diet

Celery, cucumbers, string beans, onion and garlic are highly beneficial for diabetes patients. Onion and garlic have been proved beneficial in reducing blood sugar in diabetes. Upon arising the patient must have a glass of Luke warm water with fresh lemon juice. In the breakfast the patients should include any fresh fruit except bananas. Steamed or lightly cooked green vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, cauliflower, turnip and mushrooms are the best for the lunch. Cooked starchy foods should be avoided as in the process of cooking the cellulose envelops of the starch granules burst and the starch is easily absorbed in the system. Emphasis should be on raw foods as they stimulate and increase insulin production

Herbal Medicines For Type II Diabetes

Diet and Nutrition Undertake a weight-loss diet; this encourages the body to take up insulin. Change your diet by introducing high-fiber foods and cutting down on sugar and fat. Replace saturated fats with mono saturated oils such as olive oil.

Scientists are in the process of creating "functional foods" specifically for diabetic control. These contain natural, therapeutic ingredients that can help to lower swings in blood glucose levels after meals. Guar gum, oat bran, and different Nigerian beans are being studied, as well as plants such as "Karela" which is used in India.

Some everyday foods - for example onions, cabbage, potatoes, garlic, and fenugreek seeds - contain natural plant chemicals that play a part in lowering blood glucose levels. The problem is that very large amounts of these foods must be consumed in order to provide this benefit. Research has shown that supplements of evening primrose oil can be an effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy, and that vitamin E supplements can produce small improvements in metabolic control.

Living With Diabetes The recommendations for a diabetic diet are much the same as those for the rest of the population, but there are a few extra rules that should be observed. Eat a high-fiber diet. Reduce intake of sugar. Eat little but regularly. Maintain your ideal body weight. Reduce fat intake.

Relaxation Therapies Meditation, autogenic training, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy can all help sufferers to regain a sense of control and promote well-being. (Diabetes can be aggravated, or triggered, by stress.)

Aromatherapy Massage with essential oils can be useful for healing wounds such as leg or foot ulcers. Oils for managing the complications of diabetes include sage (circulation), orange blossom (stress), lemon (circulation and high blood pressure), frankincense (skin problems and stress), and lavender (to soothe). A bath oil containing camphor, eucalyptus, geranium, juniper, lemon, and rosemary can help balance secretions from the pancreas.

Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:

Homeopathy Homeopaths will prescribe to suit the individual case. Although remedies can be prescribed to boost overall health and treat diabetic complications, nothing can restore insulin-producing cells.

Yoga Sessions of yoga have a positive impact on blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and weight. Specific abdominal exercises and yoga breathing are useful �consult your medical practitioner first and then seek advice from a qualified Hatha yoga teacher.

Read out for home remedies. Check out pregnancy and homeopathic remedies

Effective Home Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common disorders in which either the pancreas produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin or the body cells become resident to the hormone's effects. Managing diabetes is not very tough if you are quite sincere to your health. Plan your routine and diet and you will wonder how easy it is to tackle diabetes.

1. Eat green vegetables, coriander, cucumber, cabbage, coconut, chenopodium album (bathu), creeper of pumpkin, cucumber, cabbage, bitter guard, carrot, tomato, lemon, radish, onion and ginger.

2. Eat fibre rich food like apple, figs, guava, lemon and orange. Grains rich in fibres are barley, oatmeal, maize, wheat flour, jowar, bajra, whole wheat, rice flakes, refined wheat flour (without husk) and puffed rice. Other sources of fibre are coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dry pepper and turmeric.

3. Soak 90-100 seeds in 250 gms of water in the evening. Mash them in morning, sieve in a cloth and drink mixture regularly. Take daily for two months to cure diabetes.

4. Take juice of bilva and parijataka leaves in equal parts for natural remedy of diabetes. Take two teaspoons of it twice a day.

5. Eat grapefruits regularly for diabetes natural remedy.

6. Boil 3-4 fresh leaves of mango tree in the morning and drink. It is also very effecting in curing diabetes.

7. Take soyabean in your diet. It does not contain sugar and is a good source of energy for diabetes.

8. Do regular exercises to reduce the chances of developing coronary artery disease and also improves control over diabetes.

9. Avoid exertion and always try to stay free from tension.

10. Avoid sweets, chocolates, rice, banana, grapes, mangoes, dry fruits, oils, cakes and pastries.

11. Drink half-cup Karela (bitter gourd) juice daily. It is an effective natural home remedy for diabetes.

12. Avoid drinking alcohol (including beer, gin, wines and whisky).

13. Lower your fat intake for obese diabetic patients. Do regular morning walk and exercises to reduce weight.

14. Avoid infections, burns and injuries as they develop ketosis in such stressful conditions.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Copyright (C) Nick Mutt, All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your website or in your ezine, make all the urls (links) active.

Read more about Home Remedies for Diabetes. Also know some effective Home Remedies for Sore Throat. Visit Natural Cure Health Guide to find some easy and effective Home Remedies for common ailments.

Most Commonly Ignored Vegetables And Health Benefits

There should be plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables in our diet which are necessary for healthy body. Minimum five serving of vegetables and fruit must in daily diet. Different vegetables have different nutritional property as well as medicinal value. Generally by name of vegetable people take potato, tomato, green peas, or sometime corn. Other vegetables get ignored from meal. People make faces after sight of vegetables on dining table.

Vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, okra (bhindi), lauki (bittle gourd) have lots of nutritional value as well as helpful in preventing and treating different diseases.

Some commonly ignored vegetables with lot of health benefits are as follow

Cabbage is blood purifier .It contains numerous anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds. Helps block breast cancer and suppress growth of polyps, a prelude to colon cancer. Cabbage juice helpful in ulcers. It also helps in weight reduction and hence an excellent food for obese persons. A bowl of cabbage salad fills the stomach if you eat before meals. Therefore you tend to eat much less food than you are used to. It is also good for diabetes, blisters, joint pains, burns, sores and migraine

Cauliflower also has cancer-fighting, hormone-regulating compounds as its cousins, broccoli and cabbage. Eat raw, or lightly cooked. Reduces risk of cancer, particularly of the colon, rectum and stomach. Excellent for diabetes. Rich in vitamin C, potassium and fiber.

Karela (Momordica charantia) is used as laxative, anthelminthic and ant diabetic.. It is also useful in gout, rheumatism and sub-acute cases of the spleen and liver. It is also helpful in controlling obesity.

Eggplant (Baingan) it contains lot of vitamins and minerals. Eggplant also contains important phytonutrients, many which have antioxidant activity.

According to research it contains it contains chlorogenic acid which have antimicrobial, anti-LDL (bad cholesterol) and antiviral activities

Bottle gourd(Lauki) is cooling, diuretic, sedative and anti�bilious. It gives a feeling of relaxation after eating it. . It is rich in essential minerals, iron, protein and trace elements and fibre so it is very useful in constipation and hemorrhoid.

So try to enjoy different type of vegetables in daily diet for utmost health benefits. By just some creativity and different flavors the "boring vegetable" will give pleasant look and enjoyable taste and keep us healthy.

Dr.Tabassum Patel

(Homoeopath)

http://moinhealthcare.com

Momordica Charantia and Diabetes Control (Facts about Bitter Melon)

Doctors and researchers have been studying the relationship between momordica charantia and diabetes control for many years. Since it is eaten fairly commonly in Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean, one medical concern has been over possible momordica charantia side effects. Here, we provide a description of the plant and an overview of its historical and modern day uses, as well as highlights of research about momordica charantia and diabetes.

Momordica charantia, commonly known as Bitter melon, bitter gourd or Karela, is a vegetable that grows on a vine and is similar looking, at least on the outside, to a cucumber. The flavor, as the common names imply, is very bitter, becoming more so as the fruit ripens and eventually becoming impossible to eat.

In China, it is sometimes used as an ingredient in stir fries, soups and teas. In Pakistan and India, it is prepared with potatoes and served with yogurt or stuffed with spices and fried in oil. In the Philippines, where the shoots and leaves are used for salad greens and the melon is served in various dishes, it is known as ampalaya. Also, in the Philippines, bitter melon tea is used among the poor for controlling high blood sugar levels and diabetes.

The understanding that there was a relationship between momordica charantia and diabetes control likely began with an ancient system of medicine known as Ayurvedic. This system of medicine dates back to at least 1000BC and is widely practiced throughout much of India today. Doctors of Ayurvedic Medicine take a holistic approach to the treatment of all diseases, focusing on mind, body and spirit, rather than the body alone. Thus, they do not consider momordica charantia a "cure" for diabetes, but simply one element used in treating the disease and its complications.

In any system of medicine, it is important that doctors and patients discuss diet and the use of over the counter remedies. Concerns over momordica charantia side effects are due largely to a lack of communication between many doctors and their patients. Also, there is a lack of understanding about natural remedies for diseases, i.e. momordica charantia and diabetes control.

Published Research

Over the years, researchers studying the relationship between momordica charantia and diabetes, blood sugar levels, glucose tolerance, hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, etc. have noted the following:

- In 1981, "These results show that Karela improves glucose tolerance in diabetes," was published in the British Medical Journal.

- In 1981, in the Journal of Natural Products, "A hypoglycemic peptide, polypeptide-p, has been isolated from fruit, seeds and tissue of momordica charantia...is a very effective hypoglycemic agent when administered subcutaneously to gerbils, langurs and humans."

- In 1985, at the Foundation for Diabetes Research in Edinburgh, it was found that the only momordica charantia side effects in normal mice were improved glucose tolerance. In diabetic mice, "the level of hyperglycemia was reduced by 50% after 5 hours.

- In 1986, in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, "The fruit juice of Momordica charantia was found to significantly improve glucose tolerance of 73% of patients investigated.

- In 1988 at the Department of Biochemistry in Asarva, India, it was found that along with lowering blood sugar levels, positive momordica charantia side effects included delayed formation of diabetic cataracts in an animal study. A later study in 2002 confirmed these results.

- In 1993, a study concerning momordica charantia side effects indicates that there is no hypoglycemic affect in non-diabetic controls, food intake is normal, growth and weight are normal, i.e. no negative side effects.

Between the years of 1989 and 2006, there have been at least 40 different animal studies similar to the ones mentioned above concerning momordica charantia and diabetes control, all with positive results. As the years have gone by, focus has shifted from whether or not it works to how it works and what is the proper dosage. In the latest published research, in 2007, scientists asked for additional large scale placebo controlled clinical trials. Whether or not these studies will become a reality is unknown, but is unlikely, since the plant extract is already widely available in over the counter dietary supplements.

Additional positive momordica charantia side effects that have been noted over the years include lowering total cholesterol, protecting the kidneys and other organs from damage through anti-oxidant activity, stimulating amino acid uptake into muscles, improving energy levels and improving appetite. Researchers have mentioned that momordica charantia may "favorably impact the aging process".

In Ayurvedic Medicine, it is sometimes referred to as plant insulin. Scientific evaluation has confirmed the presence of a protein similar to bovine insulin and that, in the laboratory; it "acts" like insulin.

Of all the studies that have been conducted concerning momordica charantia and diabetes, only one showed no effect, and one was inconclusive. Even though conventional practitioners may consider the evidence inconclusive, there is a large amount of supportive evidence and no negative momordica charantia side effects have been noted.

To learn more about new dietary supplements that contain momordica charantia and other natural extracts designed to lower blood sugar levels, please visit the Diabetes Type II Info Guide.

Patsy Hamilton was a health care professional for over twenty years before becoming a health writer. Currently she is writing a series of articles about type 2 diabetes, a subject of personal interest. Read more at http://diabetes-type-two-info-guide.com.

Diabetes and its Management

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most costly burdensome chronic diseases of our time and is condition that is increasing in epidemic population in the whole world. The complications resulting from the diseases are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are associated with failure of various organs such as the eyes, kidneys and nerves. Diabetics are also at a significantly higher risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke and they have a greater likelihood of having hypertension dyslipidemia and obesity.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious disorder of the glands, of pancreas to be exact, called Madhumeha in Ayurveda. It is one of the most insidious disorders of the metabolism and, if left undiagnosed, may lead to rapid emaciation and ultimately death.

What are the types of Diabetes?

According to Ayurveda Diabetes is of two types: Diabetes Mellitus- Insulin dependent Juvenile Diabetes (IDDM-Type I) in which the body is unable to produce insulin and Non Insulin Dependent Adult Onset Diabetes (NIDDM-Type II) in which the pancreas produces insulin, but it is insufficient for reducing the blood glucose to normal levels.

What are the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes?

Some of the common symptoms of Type- 1 Diabetes are:

• Excessive Thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Irritability
• Weakness
• Fatigue

What are the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes?

Some of the common symptoms of Type- 2 Diabetes are:

• Loss off weight
• Numbness in hands or feet.
• Uncontrolled infections
• Pain in the limbs
• Inflammatory chest infections
• Dimness of vision, contrast
• Excessive thirst
• Body weakness

What are the different tests for Diabetes?

Urine Test: Some chemicals are added to a few drops of urine. Colour change indicates presence of glucose in urine.

Blood Test: In this, blood is taken to test the glucose level. This is more accurate test to confirm diabetes

Which parts of my body are affected by Diabetes?

Blood Vessels: Higher level of glucose damage the blood vessels. As a result of this most of the diabetic complications occur in blood vessels.

Heart: Diabetes affects the heart by: Increasing the amount of fat in blood and increasing the amount of homocysteine in blood.

Kidney: In diabetes because of increased levels of glucose, kidneys have to do extra work to retain essential substances and separate waste products to produce urine. This affects the small blood vessels and their capacity to filter. After many years of work, it leads to kidney failure.

Eyes: Diabetes affects blood vessels of the eyes. Damage to these blood vessels leads to eye problems like: Damage to retina, Cataract or total loss of vision

Foot: Damage to blood vessels reduces blood flow to the feet and increases risk of developing foot ulcers and infections.

Nerves: High glucose level for a long time damages nerves. Nerve damage reduces sensation in some parts of body which may lead to: Numbness and tingling, Fainting and dizziness

How do I know if my diabetes medicines are working?

Learn to test your blood glucose. Ask your doctor about the best testing tools for you and how often to test. After you test your blood glucose, write down your blood glucose test results. Then ask your doctor teacher if your diabetes medicines are working. A good blood glucose reading before meals is between 70 and 140 mg/dL.

Ask your doctor about how low or how high your blood glucose should get before you take action. For many people, blood glucose is too low below 70 mg/dL and too high above 240 mg/dL.

One other number to know is the result of a blood test your doctor does called the A1C. It shows your blood glucose control during the past 2 to 3 months. For most people, the target for A1C is less than 7 percent.

Home Remedies for Diabetes:

The best remedy for this disease is the bitter gourd, better known as 'Karela'. Eat this vegetable as often as you can or have at least one tablespoon of Karela juice daily to reduce blood sugar levels in your blood and urine.

Amla, due to its vitamin C content is effective in controlling diabetes. A tablespoon of its juice, mixed with a cup of fresh bitter-gourd juice, taken daily for two months will secrete the pancreas and enable it to secrete insulin.

Take ten tulsi leaves, ten neem leaves and ten belpatras with a glass of water early morning on an empty stomach. It will work wonders in keeping your sugar levels under control.

The leaves of Butea tree are very useful in diabetes. They reduce blood sugar and are useful in glycousia.

Take two teaspoons of powdered Fenugreek seeds with milk. Two teaspoons of the seeds can also be swallowed whole, daily.

Eat 10 fresh fully grown curry leaves every morning for three months. It prevent diabetes due to heredity factors. It also cures diabetes due to obesity.

More on http://www.ayurvediccure.com/diabetes.htm

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Bitter Melon - Benefits, Uses, and Research for Diabetes and HIV

Bitter Melon - Benefits, Medicinal Properties

Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been reported that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV

Bitter Melon is the English name of Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon is also known by the names Karela and Bitter gourd. Bitter Melon grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine. It is a green cucumber shaped fruit with gourd-like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly, light green cucumber. The fruit should be firm, like a cucumber. And it tastes very bitter. Although the seeds, leaves, and vines of Bitter Melon have all been used, the fruit is the safest and most prevalent part of the plant used medicinally. The leaves and fruit have both been used occasionally to make teas and beer, or to season soups in the Western world.

Does bitter melon have medicinal properties?

Bitter Melon was traditionally used for a dazzling array of conditions by people in tropical regions. Numerous infections, cancer, leukemia, and diabetes are among the most common conditions it was believed to improve. Bitter Melon is reported to help in the treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. It has also been thought that Bitter Melon may help in the treatment of HIV, but the evidence thus far is too weak to even consider. The ripe fruit of Bitter Melon has been suggested to exhibit some remarkable anti-cancer effects, but there is absolutely no evidence that it can treat cancer. However, preliminary studies do appear to confirm that Bitter Melon may improve blood sugar control in people with adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.

Is it true that bitter melon capsules are effective in lowering blood sugar of diabetics?

The blood lowering action of the fresh juice of the unripe Bitter Melon has been confirmed in scientific studies in animals and humans. At least three different groups of constituents in Bitter Melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. It is still unclear which of these is most effective or if all three work together. Nonetheless, Bitter Melon preparations have been shown to significantly improve glucose tolerance without increasing blood insulin levels, and to improve fasting blood glucose levels.

Rich in iron, bitter melon has twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, twice the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C and B 1 to 3, phosphorus and good dietary fiber. It is believed to be good for the liver and has been proven by western scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.

At least 32 active constituents have been identified in bitter melon so far, including beta-sitosterol-d-glucoside, citrulline, GABA, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Nutritional analysis reveals that bitter melon is also rich in potassium, calcium, iron, beta-carotene, vitamins B1, B2, B3 and C.

Even more effective than a conventional drug in lowering blood sugar!

Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. And multiple clinical studies have clearly established the role of bitter melon in people with diabetes. Scientists have now identified three groups of constituents that are thought to be responsible for its 'blood sugar lowering' action.

One of these, a compound called charantin, which is composed of mixed steroids, was found to be more effective than the oral hypoglycaemic drug, tolbutamide, in reducing blood sugar.

Another, an insulin-like polypeptide, called polypeptide P, appears to lower blood sugar in type I (insulin dependent) diabetics, while alkaloids present in the fruit have also been noted to have a blood sugar lowering effect. As yet, researchers are unclear as to which of these compounds is most effective or if it is the synergistic effect of all three. Further research is required to understand how these compounds actually work.

Compounds known as oleanolic acid glycosides have been found to improve glucose tolerance in Type II (maturity onset) diabetics by preventing the absorption of sugar from the intestines. Bitter melon has also been reported to increase the number of beta cells (cells that secrete insulin) in the pancreas, thereby improving your body's capability to produce insulin (insulin promotes the uptake of sugar from your blood by cells and tissues).

Evidence:

A two-day Indian study published in 1999 examined bitter melon's effect on 100 people with type 2 diabetes. On both days, researchers tested the participants' blood sugar levels in a fasting state and after drinking glucose. Participants took 150 to 200 mi of bitter melon extract on the second day. That day, researchers found that 86 percent of the participants experienced an average 14 percent drop in blood sugar after fasting and after drinking glucose.

The most appropriate quality product is in Vegetable Capsules: Morpheme Karela (Bitter Melon) Supplements

For More information about Bitter Melon and Its Benefits, Bitter Melon Supplements please read at http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm

100% Pure and Natural Bitter Melon Supplements: http://www.ayurvediccure.com/bittergourd.htm

Health, Nutritional and Herbal Vitamin Supplements Guide.

Health Guide featuring Home Remedies, Nutritional Herbal Supplements. Complete Guide and Online Health Store.

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Liver Detoxification - Best Natural Herbal Remedies To Heal And Detoxify The Liver

The liver, the largest organ in the body is also the most important in detoxifying the body of toxins. In fact if the liver shuts down, the body can only survive a couple of days. The liver processes food and medicines absorbed from the digestive tract into forms that are easier to use. It produces energy by storing vitamins, sugar and iron, regulates blood sugar and blood clotting and removes cholesterol, manufactures essential chemicals, hormones and enzymes, detoxifies internal and external toxins and even regenerates its own damaged tissue.

The following are some well known ayurvedic herbal remedies for cleansing, supporting and healing the liver:

1. Drink hot lemon juice in the morning. This is a age-old time tested ayurvedic therapy that helps detoxify not only the liver but also your digestive tract.

2. Triphala which is a blend of three herbs Amla (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki (Chebulic myrobalan) and Vibhitaki (belliric myrobalan) is also a very powerful detoxification product. Amongst its other extremely useful properties, it helps to cleanse the digestive tract. It is also a well known herb to treat liver disorders. It regulates bile secretion and supports liver functions.

3. Karela or Bitter gourd, is used for detoxification, blood purification, liver care and to treat diabetes. It helps to treat dyspepsia, liver dysfunction, jaundice, constipation and worm infestations.

4. Neem (Azhadirachta Indica) is a bitter tonic herb and is a well known detoxifying agent. It cleanses the blood and the liver of toxins and supports the immune system. Neem helps to cure blood morbidity, biliary diseases and skin conditions and ulcers. Neem has been shown to even suppress oral carcinogenic cells. Over 135 compounds of neem have been identified and studied for their benefits.

5. Liv 52 also known as Livercare is an ayurvedic formulation of herbs such as capers, wild chicory, arjuna, black nightshade, negro coffee, yarro and tamarisk. Liv 52 is very useful in detoxifying the liver and healing liver damage caused by alcoholism, cirrhosis and hepatitis. It helps to rapidly eliminate acetaldehyde, prevents the progress of liver disease and helps heal the liver. It improves

digestion and absorption.

Liv 52 or LiverCare from Himalaya Herbals is the world's #1 liver support formula. Liv-52 has been approved as an herbal drug for liver in Switzerland by its FDA equivalent. It is believed to be the first multi-herb remedy granted regulatory approval as a drug, which is an outstanding feat for an herbal product.

More information on Triphala for detoxification and cleansing.

Find out about the benefits of Karela or Bitter Melon.

Herbal Lifestyle To Fight Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease, in which skin is covered with dark red scaly patches. It is not contagious or infectious but a life style induced disease. Ayurveda treatment of psoriasis takes into account the ahara (diet), vihara (lifestyle) and aushada (medicines). Psoriasis can be considered as the imbalance of Vata and Kapha. (Two basic energies, maintaining our body equilibrium) Irregular food habits, eating of foodstuffs that cannot be taken together (E.g.: diary products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, salt, alcohol and tobacco may activate the disease.

Few points to be kept in mind regarding Diet and Lifestyle in Psoriasis are: -

1) Diet rich in green vegetables like cucumber, carrot, and grapes is very good.

2) Balanced diet, avoiding the following; cheese, caffeine, milk products, egg, spices, oil, chocolates, sugar is very effective.

3) Taking bath in sea water, Epsom salt or oatmeal containing water is good without using chemical based soaps.

4) Gentle massage over infected area using avocado/cashew nut oil is recommended; also can use green leafy cabbage for covering infected area.

5) Give body enough sunlight, vitamen D and E. Drinking buttermilk, Karela (bitter gourd) juice; taking lethicin, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin seed are very helpful.

6) Neem is one of the best blood purifier and detoxifier ,it enhances immune system, oil is an antiseptic, and neem leaf extracts are used in antiseptics for psoriasis. Guggulu is a resin from a small tree; it has anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering actions, an effective Kapha- and Vata-pacifying supplement.

7) Ayurveda does emphasize on effect of stress in Psoriasis, Having psoriasis is, stressful for the patient, as lesions are visible, people may stare and not want to come near. Yoga especially pranayama greatly relieves stress and speeds the process of healing.

Dr Rajesh Nair is a Web writer and ayurvedic researcher. Check out his favorite sources for ayurvedic medicines and herbal medicines

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Syzygium - Cumini, (Linn) Skeels

Family: Myrtaceae


Names: Hindi - Jamun


English - Black berry


Sanskrit - Jambul


Bengali - Kalijaam bija


Kannada - Koddanirlu kalu


Marathi - Jambhul chabi


Gujarati - Jambunu bija


Tamil - Sambal virat


Telugu - Naredu vittulu


Trade name - Jambul stone

Description: A large evergreen tree, leaves opposite, 8�20cm long, leathery. Fruit 1.5-4 cm long, violet black on ripe. Seed usually one. Fruits are eaten raw with salt, make tongue purple for hours.

Distribution: Grown throughout the plains of India.

Parts used: Fruits, leaves, seeds and bark.

Properties: Astingent, stomachic, diuretic (increases the amount of urine), anti-diabetic and anti-diarrhoeal.

Phytochemicals: Phenols, terpenes, glucoside.

Medicinal Uses

(a) In diabetes

The seeds are useful in diabetes. The fruit juice also has this property but the effect of preparations from seeds is more marked.

Aqueous extract of seeds produced marked fall in blood sugar in a single dose.

Jamun's vinegar is also useful in controlling diabetes. Regular use is recommended with both the meals.

Use of mixture prepared by mixing dried fruit of Karela (10g), Pterocarpus bark (10g) and Jamun seed (10g). After proper grinding take water extract of 2/3g of this powder to keep diabetes at bay.

(b) Other Uses

The bark is astringent and used in sore throats, indigestion, loss of appetite, leucorrhoea (A discharge of white from uterus and the vagina), bronchitis, asthma, ulcers and dysentry; it is also given for purifying blood, and" as gargle for spongy gum. The fresh juice of bark with goat's milk is given in diarrhoea. Ripe fruit can also check diarrhoea.

Doses

Juice - 50 to 100 ml


Bark Powder - 0.5 to 1.0 g


Seeds - 1.0 to 3.0 g

Read more on herbal remedies. Check out for volcano vaporizer and vitamins.

Bitter Melon - Natural Remedies For Diabetes

General Description

The bitter melon or bitter gourd is the bitterest of all vegetables known to humankind, but it is also the most medicinally effective. Though bitter, its fruit is eaten as a vegetable and is used to make several mouthwatering dishes especially in India. In India, the bitter gourd is known as the Karela. Its biological name is Momordica charantia.

Morphologically, the bitter melon is an herbaceous vine which bears tendrils and it creeps along supports. Leaves are simple and alternate, and flowers are yellow. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The fruit of the plant, which is known as the bitter melon, has an oblong shape with a warty exterior and is dark green in color.

Bitter melon possesses various chemicals such as charantin, peptides resembling insulin and several alkaloids. Due to these constituents, bitter melon is quite widely used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Properties

Bitter melon is a valuable vegetable. It is useful in most metabolic and physiological processes of the human body. It has the following properties:-

(i) Bitter melon is composed of various chemicals that have a hypoglycemic activity, i.e. they reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.


(ii) Bitter melon stimulates appetite.


(iii) Bitter melon helps in the entire digestion process. Hence it is used in treatment of digestive problems.


(iv) Bitter melon has emetic, purgative and anthelmentic properties. It is also anti-flatulent.


(v) Bitter melon is used in the dissolution of fats from the body. It is known to have anti-lipolytic properties.


(vi) Bitter melon possesses all the essential vitamins in good amounts, such as vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin C and also minerals like iron.


(vii) Bitter melon is anti-inflammatory and astringent. It has specific action on the movement of bowels.

Uses

(i) Anorexia

Bitter melon is an appetite stimulant. Hence it is used in the treatment of anorexia, a disorder in which a person is unable to eat the required amount of food.

(ii) Blood Impurities

Bitter gourd is used as a blood purifier due to its bitter tonic properties. It can heal boils and other blood related problems that show up on the skin. For treatment, a cupful of the juice of the bitter melon must be taken each day in the morning, with a teaspoon of the juice of the citrus lemon in it.

(iii) Diabetes Mellitus

A lot has been written lately about the very beneficial aspects of bitter melon in the treatment of diabetes. As already discussed above, bitter melon has a host of bitter chemicals in which, which are hypoglycemic in action. It also has at least one substance that is like the insulin secreted by the human pancreatic glands. Hence, bitter melon is extremely effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Doctors all over the world prescribe having either bitter melon juice early in the morning or to include it in some other fashion in the daily diet. Regular use of bitter melon over a period of time helps to bring the blood sugar level down.

(iv) Diarrhea

For diarrhea, the juice of a bitter lemon is mixed with the juice of the spring onions, both two teaspoons in quantity. This is then added with the juice of a lemon. This juice is given to the patient twice a day. This remedy is also effective in curing the diarrhea that is caused due to cholera.

(v) Hangovers

The juice of the bitter melon is excellent remedy for hangovers. It is also very beneficial in preventing the liver damage that occurs due to excessive alcoholism.

(vi) Piles

In case of piles, the fresh juice of bitter melons is prescribed to the patient with positive results. Three teaspoons of juice of the bitter melon leaves is to be extracted each morning, added to a glassful of buttermilk and then consumed on an empty stomach. Carrying on this routine for thirty days will treat piles completely. Even externally, the paste of the leaves of the piles can be applied over the hemorrhoids.

(vii) Pyorrhea

Pyorrhea is bleeding from the gums. Including bitter melon in the daily diet or having some of its juice every morning on an empty stomach helps to reduce this problem.

(viii) Respiratory Problems

The paste of the leaves of the bitter melon is mixed with equal amounts of the paste of tulsi leaves. This is taken with honey each morning as a treatment and prevention for respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis, common colds and pharyngitis.

(ix) Skin Infections

In case of scabies, ringworm and psoriasis, etc. one cup of bitter melon juice must be had each morning on an empty stomach. This juice can be made more potent by adding a teaspoonful quantity of the juice of the lime in it. It is also used in prevention of leprosy in vulnerable regions of the world.

Special Ayurvedic Preparations

Bitter melon is used mostly as a vegetable. It is incorporated in the daily diet. Its juice is also prescribed, generally mixed with other citrus juices like those of the lemon. There are no special preparations made out of the Karela, as it is generally consumed in its basic form.

Precautions

There has been some indication that the juice of the Karela may induce abortion of fetuses in pregnant women. More research on this is going on. At the same time, attempts are being made to extract the essential components of the bitter melon in a more acceptable and safe form for human consumption.

Read more about the benefits of Bitter Melon and also find Home Remedies for Diabetes at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Do Not Let Diabetes Control You

Diabetes is an affection that prevents the human body from using insulin in transforming the glucose from the blood, leading to an accumulation of glucose in the blood, also known as a high sugar level in the blood.

As a consequence of diabetes, the human body is unable to transform food into energy, and so, it develops other problems involving the heart, the eyes (leading to a blurred vision), and even blood clotting which is very dangerous because it can get you to a cerebral vascular accident (stroke).

By a recent estimate, in the US are known to be 17 million people suffering by diabetes, leading to the conclusion that diabetes is quite a common disease.

Nowadays, people affected by diabetes can use many home remedies to improve their living and to keep their blood sugar levels constant, leading to controlling the diabetes.

People suffering of diabetes are known as owners of a weakened immune system, causing them a lot of inconveniences, such as planter warts.

Planter warts are caused by the attack of a virus called The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), and they occur on the sole of the foot. Also, due to this weakened immune system, the planter warts will not cure so easily.

The doctor will inform the person affected by diabetes that this illness can not be cured, but it can be held under control by keeping the sugar lever in the blood within a limit. So, the patient will follow an appropriate diet, will self monitor his blood sugar concentration and will follow an active lifestyle.

Another solution to become insulin independent it to have a kidney-pancreas transplant, but this is costly and risky and not most people will opt for this.

Nowadays, researchers try to find a remedy for diabetes using stem cells, but their solution is not ready to be applied on humans yet.

One of the most reliable methods to control diabetes is to keep a proper diet. Patients with diabetes type I should eat 35 calories/kg of body weight daily, equalizing to 16 calories/ pound/ day. Patients with diabetes type II can eat 1500-1800 calories/day and even more if they are obese.

Carbohydrates are very important, because they keep the blood sugar levels low, and so, they should represent 50% of the daily calories.

Another effective home remedy is the bitter gourd, also known as Karela. One tablespoon of Karela juice/day can amazingly lower your blood sugar level, but it does not taste too good. A tablespoon of Amla juice taken daily for two months can stimulate your pancreas to secrete insulin. The leaves of Butea tree are also effective.

Another popular remedy is: ten Tulsi leaves, ten Belpatras and ten Neem leaves, with a glass of water taken on an empty stomach.

People suffering of diabetes must follow an active lifestyle. Doctors recommend 30 minutes of exercises daily and a supplement of vitamins and minerals.

One of the most important things in trying to control the diabetes is the support of the family and friends during the first weeks of the new adjustments in the patient's life.

So, if you want to find out more about type 1 diabetes or even about symptoms of diabetes please follow this link http://diabetes-info-center.com/

Bitter Melon (Karela) - Bitter Gourd for Diabetes Mellitus

An herb know world wide for its well-known results in diabetes mellitus. Known as Momordia charantia in biological terms is an herb that is a boon to mankind. Due to its miraculous properties, it is regarded as one of the best herb existing on this planet. A wonder of nature is that, it is not only beneficial in diabetes mellitus but is also very beneficial in many other disorders that have been troubling mankind. Karela not only gives relief but also cures the patient.

This wonderful herb commonly grows everywhere in India. It is generally found in places, which are damb and wet. It is a creeper and it climbs on other trees for supports. Generally whole plat is used but some people in India also uses outer layer of the fruit.

This exotic hear is ushan virya in potency, and possess laghu (light) and ruksh (dry) properties. It possesses tickt and katu rasa. Combination of these properties makes it the real natures wonder. Due to combination of these properties it makes Karela a magic stick by which many diseases can be eradicated. Karela's chemical constituents are lectin, charatin and momordicine. It also contains a polypeptide named gurmarin, which is similar to insulin in composition. Well exact action is still unknown but it is well established that regular use of Karela has very good results in diseases like diabetes etc

Indications of Karela

A very peculiar quality of Karela is that, it suppresses kapha and pitta but due to ushan virya potency it also don't let vata to increase.

- Widely used herb in treating diabetes mellitus as it has an action similar to insulin thus helping in glucose metabolism.

- Stimulates pancreas to work and secrete all the secretions properly.

- Helps in stimulating liver for proper secretions of bile juices.

- It helps in easier digestion of food as it promotes secretion of digestive enzymes.

- Helps in good assimilation of food.

- Works as an appetizer.

- Very useful in constipated stools and disease like hemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas.

- Help in destroying worms present in our gastro intestinal tract therefore works as deworming agent.

- Its property fades away the toxin named ama formed in the body due to non-recommended lifestyle and bad eating habits.

- It is a very good blood purifier as it contains tickt and katu rasa there fore helps in purifying blood and helps us from infection from microorganism and toxins that are created by there presence.

- Due to its actions it is very commonly used in skin diseases specially it finds it application in acne and black spots on face.

- It works as an anti-inflammatory agent thus helping in subduing any kind of oedema present on body.

- Good results have been seen in patients suffering from chronic cough as it has expectorant properties and helps in releasing the sputum accumulated in respiratory tract and lungs. Asthmatic patients are believed to have a very good relief if it is regularly taken.

- A very useful remedy in pyrexia of unknown origin.

- A highly recommended herb in patients suffering from obesity and metabolism related disorders.

- Works as a female tonic thereby helpful in menstrual disorders and female genital tract related problems.

- It also helps in secretion of milk during lactation phase after pregnancy.

- Due to anti bacterial properties its external application is very effective in healing wounds an injuries.

- It is supposed to stop excess blood flow from the wounded area.

- It is very helpful in external application on any kind of skin disease due to its anti microbial action.

- It's highly used in applying on external pile mass with pain relieving and swelling decreasing properties.

Know more about Bitter Melon (Karela) Bitter Gourd for Diabetes Mellitus, Blood Sugar, Bitter Melon, Momordica charantia, Ayurvedic Medicine by visiting http://www.morphemeremedies.com

Dr John Anne
Read more on Natural Home Remedies and Herbal Treatments

Diabetes Mellitus and Bitter Melon

Karela, a prestigious ayurvedic contribution to world for fighting against the terror known as diabetes mellitus. Its wonderful properties make it a global remedy for curing and treating diabetes mellitus. Unique constituents of Karela are very effective in eradicating the causes, causing diabetes and also help to maintain proper environment in body, needed to get away with the creation of circumstances which lead to unbalancing of insulin (a protein needed in glucose metabolism). But before knowing more about Karela and its action on diabetes mellitus, we should first know how and what causes diabetes and how Karela plays a very important role in removal of unwanted elements created in body leading to diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus has been a very stubboned disease affecting our life since a long time. Known as sugar in normal terms, is a disease present globally affecting every race and society of human existence. DM causes lots of trouble to humans as it has many complications, if it remains untreated. DM generally is a silent disease, come into notice only by chance, like during routine check ups or by blood tests done because other reasons. It may also come into picture when a patient presents with a complications like peripheral neuritis, retinopathy, nephropathy, recurrent carbuncles etc. The blood sugar should never increase 80 mg to 130 mg per 100cc in fasting condition and should never increase 180mg per 100cc after meals. More over the balance between carbohydrate, proteins and fats should be such that it should never contain acetone bodies in it. More on Benefits and Uses of Bitter Melon

A pancreatic disorder which causes unchecked increase in glucose level in blood stream leading to many complications thus rendering our bodies' homeostasis disturbed. DM is considered as a vata disorder in ayurveda and is called madhumeh. Ayurveda mentions diabetes under prameh roga which are collection of urine related disorder. Theses are 20 in number. Madhumeh stands at 20th in the sequence. According to Charak Samhita (ancient ayurvedic medicinal text) it is also known as ojomeh, which means excretion of energy (glucose) in urine. Sage Charak (considered as one creator of herbal ayurvedic system of medicine) has mentioned many symptoms by which we can easily diagnose whether a person is suffering from diabetes or not.

Onset of diabetes is insidious but very rarely there may be acute occurrence.

Two types of diabetes mellitus are there

1. NIDDM (non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)


2. IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus)

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES MELLITUS

1. Polyuria


2. Polydipsia


3. Polyphagia


4. Rapid emaciation


5. Dryness of mouth and throat


6. Constipation


7. Intense itching

Now coming back to our discussion on Karela and its role on diabetes mellitus and our body.

Karela is one of the few rare herbs which helps in regulating blood sugar levels in our body. It is a powerful hypoglycemic agent. Karela has laghu (light) and ruksh (dry) properties and is of ushan virya in potency. It possesses tickt and katu rasa. Karela chemically contains saponins know as charantin, momordicine and vicine, insulin like peptide and alkaloids. It has also been noted that a hidden compound present in Karela, not chemically known till date, is effective in inhibiting guanylate cyclase, which is very beneficial in normalizing glucose metabolism. Several modes of actions have been suggested for anti diabetic action of Karela which includes inhibition of glucose absorption from our gut, helps in stimulating insulin secretions from beta cells of islet of langerhans and also the stimulation of hepatic glycogen synthesis.

More on Benefits and Uses of Bitter Melon

Karela has also been seen very effective in suppressing oedema and pain because of its ushan virya potency. It is a good digestive agent and helps in secretion of digestive enzymes during digestion. Karela has a blood purifying actions which help it in contributing very important role in diseases that are cause due to impurity in our blood, like acne and eczema. Due to its properties and rasa present in it, it shows good results in abdominal disorders like spasms in abdomen, bilious infections and constipation. It helps in increasing peristaltic movement of Gastro intestinal tract. It is a strong antiemetic agent which is also helpful in controlling over secretion of acids in our stomach therefore very helpful in hyperacidic condition. Good results have been seen in improving liver conditions and also in liver diseases like jaundice, hepatomegaly etc. Karela has also shown its in worth in skin diseases and leprosy and is of good use in healing wound in diabetic patients. As it helps in relieving constipation, it is quite effective in hemorrhoids. Due to presence of kashaya rasa, it helps in lowering blood pressure and relives from strain cased in arterial blood flow. Karela has been found useful in menstrual disorders and other female genital tract related problems. Karela has properties that promote healing of wounds, faster than normal. A highly recommended herb in obesity and related disorder helping out in decreasing the excess fats from the body.

Well now you can yourself judge that taking Karela regularly will help you in not only decreasing and normalizing your sugar levels but also in stabilizing your bodies' homeostasis.

For more information visit Ayurvedic Natural Health Supplements, Herbal Remedies by Ayurveda http://www.morphemeremedies.com

Dr John Anne

Natural Health Care Through Bitter Melon

Bitter melon or Karela is now days very popular among people world wide. The reason for this is its potential to reduce the blood sugar levels. Karela has certain properties that are extremely helpful in curbing diabetes mellitus or commonly known as blood sugar. It is an herb that is very much helpful not only in maintaining the normal levels of sugar in the body but is also helpful in maintaining the normal functioning of the body.

The condition of hyperglycemia occurs when our body is unable to maintain the normal sugar level in the blood due to disturbances in sugar metabolism. Sugar metabolism is maintained by insulin, a protein that is secreting from islet of langerhans present in pancreas. This insulin disturbance can be metabolic or some or due to some other factors. Karela is very helpful in maintaining regular section of insulin in the body and also helps in proper maintenance of blood sugar level in the body.

Bitter melon is known as karvelak in Sanskrit and Momordica charantia in botanical terms language. It is a tendril vine that grows to 4 to 5 meters. The leaves are alternate and are parted by 3 to 8 lobes. The plant bears male and female flowers separately. The fruit is oblong in appearance and if or green color. The skin is rough and is of barrel shape. In the fruit, seeds are present that are 15 to 25 in number. These are highly bitter in taste.

Uses

- Diabetes - it is world wide accepted fact that bitter melon is very effective in treating diabetes. Hence it is popularly known as plant protein globally. Chemically Karela contains a compound that is very similar to that of insulin that is sometimes referred to as p-insulin. Researches have shown that when the extract of this p-insulin is given subcutaneously has been quite effective in substituting the insulin from the body. Hence is a good vegetable substitute for insulin. Karela has been an herb of choice to curb the blood sugar level in the body. It helps in stimulating pancreas to secrete insulin which other wise had been restricted. There has been about three such constituents that are really very effective in treating the raised sugar levels in the blood. These include steroidal saponins called charantin, peptides similar to that of peptides and certain alkaloids. To be frank is uncertain that out of these which is the compound that is actually regulating sugar levels but it is for sure that a person gets a good relief.

- Indigestion - it is a good digestive agent and helps in stimulating the secretion of gastric juices. It is also helpful in stimulating liver for secretion of bile juices that are very essential for metabolism of fats. It helps in improving the peristaltic movements hence it is very helpful in avoiding gastric disturbances.

- Dyspepsia - as the Karela is very helpful in maintaining the normal condition of the digestion hence it is useful in preventing condition like dyspepsia.

- Constipation - this is a condition that is affecting millions of people world wide and the main reason for this is the faulty feeding habits and unhealthy dietary practices. These all can be relived by consuming Karela juice on regular bases. It not only relives from the indigestive condition but also helps in combating the constipation. It improves peristaltic movements of gastro intestinal tract and also improves the absorption in the intestines.

- Heart burn - heart burn is common among people these days. It as condition of burning sensation in the chest region. This happens because of indigestion. Due to indigestion, excess of the hydrochloric acid is produced in the body thereby leading to this burning sensation. By regular consumption of Karela juice, the digestion in the body is kept to the optimized level hence the problem of heart burn is resolved.

- Anti inflammatory - Karela is a good anti-inflammatory agent. It helps in reducing any edematous condition in the body. It helps in regularizing the circulatory system thereby normalizing the blood flow. This helps in reducing any kind of inflammation that occurs in the body.

- Ulcers - Karela is very effective in treating the gastric as well as duodenal ulcers. It has the tendency to maintain the normal production of gastric juices and acids there by protect the mucus membrane from getting depleted due to exposure to these harsh condition.

Read more about the benefits of Bitter Melon and also find Home Remedies for Diabetes at http://www.ayurvediccure.com - World's Finest Portal on Ayurveda and Herbal Remedies

Momordica Charantia, Linn

Family - Cucurbitaceae


Names - Hindi - Karela


English - Bitter Gourd


Sanskrit - Karavella


Bengali - Karela


Marathi - Karle


Kannada - Hagal


Tamil - Pakal, Pavakka


Malayalam - Kaippakaya

Description: It is a climber, stem is slender pubescent with suborbicular leaves and single pale flowers. Fruits are 5-25 cm long, pendulous, fusiform, beaked and ribbed with many tubercles. Brown seed, 13-16 cm long compressed in bulb of fruit.

Distribution: Plant is cultivated during hot season and available in Indian market as vegetable.

Parts used: Roots, leaves and fruits.

Phytochemicals: Different types of compounds have been isolated viz., bitter glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, reducing sugars, phenolics, oils, free acids, polypeptides, sterols, 17-amino acids including methionine and a crystalline products named p-insulin.

Vitamins - B1, B2 and C

Minerals - Calcium, phosphorous, iron, copper and potassium.

Properties

Hypoglycemic (reducing sugar in the blood), astringent (arresting secretion), anti-haemorrhoidal (tending to arrest or prevent bleeding), stomachic (promoting digestion improve appetite), emmenagogue (inducing menstruation), galactogogue (increase the secretion or flow of milk), hepatic stimulant, anthelmintic (power to destroy worms) and blood purifier.

Forms of use: In form or juice, decoction (in liquid form after boiling), and powder.

Medicinal uses

(a) In Diabetes

Bitter gourd (Karela) is the most efficient drug found to be effective in controlling the blood sugar. A lot of work has been done to study hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic activity of Karela. Its root leaves and fruit extracts are used as folk remedy for diabetes mellitus from ancient times and proved to be powerful hypoglycemic agents. It is used in the various forms as written below:

100 gm. of fresh Karela powder in a divided dose two times for 2 weeks bring down sugar level consider�ably.

Juice of its leaves or concentrated extract has same hypoglycemic properties like tolbutamide. So juice of Karela two tablespoonfuls two times for a month controls diabetes.

A mixture of Jamun, Gurmar, Neem and Karela (leaves only) in the ratio 2:1:1:2 is found to be effective remedy for diabetes.

(b) Other uses

The roots are used as astringent and in piles. The fruits are stomachic and also used in gout, rheumatism and in liver and spleen diseases. Fruit juice with sugar used in stomatitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth) and as an emmenagogue in dysmenorrhoea (pain occurring in the back and lower abdomen at or about the time of the menses).

The juice of leaves is used as an emetic (producing vomiting), purgative (promotes evacuation of the bowel) in bilious affections and also in relieving burning of the soles of the feet. The fruits and leaves are used as anthelmintic and also in piles, jaundice and as vermifuge (any substance which causes the expulsion of parasitic worms). Leaves act as a galactogogue (secretion of milk). The leaf juice with black pepper is applied locally for night blindness. The fruit juice given for 3 days (25 ml) once in the morning is said to exert contraceptive effect.

Doses-Juice 10-15 mI, Powder 2-5 g.

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Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon, also known as Karela or karvellak. It is botanically known as Momordica Charantia. Karela is an ayurvedic herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps body functions operating generally. It possesses a compound Gurmarin, a polypeptide measured to be comparable to bovine insulin that has been shown in investigational studies to attain a positive sugar adaptable effect by hold back the neural response to sweet taste stimulus. Karela's or karvellaks principle ingredient are lectins, charantin and momordicine. The fruits have long been used in India as a traditional medication for diabetes mellitus or sugar related cases. Lectins from the bitter gourd or Karela have shown important antilipolytic and lipogenic behavior.

The fruits and leaves of Karela contain two alkaloids, one of them being the most famous momordicine. The plant of Karela has been reported to hold a glucoside, a saponin-like compound, a resin with an repulsive taste, an aromaticor good smelling volatile oil (VO) and a mucilage. The seed encloses an alkaloid that has a melting point of 236 degrees and an anthelmintic standard in the germ; they also hold urease. The fruits, leaves and extracts of Momordica charantia or Karela have pharmacological actions and therapeutic uses. It is useful as an emetic, purgative, in bilious affections, blazing or burning palms and soles, as an anthelmentic, in hemorrhoids, leprosy or skin related diseases, jaundice, as a vermifuge, astringent in hemorrhoids, as a stomachic, anti-spasmodic herb, anti-oxytocic, hypoglycemic, antipyretic, mild hypotensive in nature.

Clinical Studies p-Insulin was tested in a controlled clinical trial. In juvenile diabetics, the climax hypoglycemic effect was noticed after 1 to 8 hours; in patients with adulthood onset diabetes, utmost fall in blood sugar level was noted after twelve hours. Karela or karvellak or Bitter Melon has also been accounted to show hypo-cholesteroemic activity.

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Bitter Melon

Bitter Melon is a common name of Momordica charantia. Bitter Melon is also known as Karela and Bitter gourd in Asian countries. Bitter Melon is cultivated in tropical areas, where the climatic condition is warm and humid. It is a green in color having a shape of a cucumber having gourd-like bumps all over its surface. It is an ugly looking herb and is extremely bitter in taste. Though the seeds, leaves, and vines of Bitter Melon or Karela are also used but the fruit is the safest and most widespread part of the plant used for medicinal purpose. The leaves and fruit are seldom used to make teas or to season soups.

The blood sugar lowering property of the fresh juice of the unripe Bitter Melon or Karela has been established in technical studies conducted on animals and humans. This property of Karela has been also mentioned in ayurvedic texts. At least 3 different groups of ingredient in Bitter Melon or Karela have been accounted to have hypo glycemic (blood sugar decreasing) or i.e. beneficial in traeting diabetes mellitus (DM). These comprise of a mixture of steroidal saponins called charantin, insulin-like peptides and various other alkaloids. It is still uncertain that which of these is mainly effectual or all 3 work together. However, Bitter Melon or Karela preparations have been shown to considerably perk up glucose tolerance without raising blood insulin levels, and to recover fasting blood glucose levels.

Bitter melon or Karela is rich in iron. Bitter melon or Karela has two times the beta carotene of broccoli, two times the calcium of spinach, two times the potassium of bananas, and contains vitamins C or ascorbic acid and vitamin B1 or 1thiamine, phosphorus and good nutritional fiber. It is thought to be good for the hepatic conditions and has been proven by scientists to contain insulin, act as an anti-tumor agent, and inhibit HIV-1 infection.

No less than thirty two active constituents have been recognized in bitter melon or Karela so far. This includes Beta-sitosterol-d-glucoside, citrulline, GABA particles, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin. Dietary analysis exposes that bitter melon or Karela is rich in potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), beta-carotene, and vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2, B3 and C or ascorbic acid.

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