Ayurvedic Herbs for Blood Sugar: Uses, Diet, Lifestyle & Wellness Facts

Diabetes (high blood sugar) is a chronic metabolic and lifestyle health problem. It occurs when blood sugar levels in your body remain constantly higher. You are not alone. According to the World Health Organization, India has more than 77 million people suffering from high blood sugar. 

When it comes to managing blood sugar naturally, there are various herbs mentioned in the classical Ayurvedic texts that help boost your metabolism and bring down the sugar levels much more naturally, working alongside your regular diabetes medicine.

• Ayurvedic View on Diabetes 
• Key Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Medicines for Diabetes
• Sheopal's Best Ayurvedic Medicines for Diabetes   
• How to Use Sugar Control Medicine   
• How to Control Blood Sugar Levels Naturally (Lifestyle Tips)    

Ayurvedic View on Diabetes 

Ayurveda calls diabetes Madhumeha, which means sweet urine. Madhumeha is one of 20 types of urinary disorders. Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes takes a holistic approach to restore the balance of the body's three energies (doshas) via dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, herbal supplements, and detoxification.  

• Role of Doshas - An imbalance in any of the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) plays a key role in disrupting blood sugar levels. Imbalanced Kapha, which has a direct link to metabolism, leads to obesity, fatigue, slow metabolism, and tiredness. All these increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. In advanced stages, an imbalanced Vata dosha causes health complications like weight loss and blurred vision. 
• Ama (toxins) and Agni (digestive fire) - Ayurvedic health experts believe that a weak digestive system leads to the collection of toxins. These toxins work as a barrier in the body's channels, contribute to insulin resistance, and affect metabolic function. 
• Ojas - Ojas is the body's crucial essence. A disease or health problem reduces Ojas. It results in a weakened immune system, fatigue, and long-term complications.  

According to modern medical sciences, there are several types of diabetes. These include prediabetes, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, type 3c diabetes, LADA, MODY, etc. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are more common. 

In Ayurveda, the most common types of diabetes are:

• Type 1 Diabetes - It is insulin-dependent diabetes. Ancient Ayurvedic texts call this form hereditary or congenital. 
• Type 2 Diabetes - It is a lifestyle-related type and occurs due to bad eating habits, lack of physical activity in daily life, and poor metabolic function.    

Key Herbs Used for Blood Sugar

Ayurveda has recognised several herbs that help control blood sugar levels naturally. Based on modern scientific studies, here are some effective Ayurvedic herbs for diabetes:   

1. Methi (Fenugreek)

Methi is rich in the amino acid 4-hydroxyisoleucine and soluble fibre. It helps improve insulin secretion and reduce glucose absorption in the body. Further, it regulates blood sugar levels and supports lipid metabolism. Due to the presence of natural antioxidants, it safeguards pancreatic cells from oxidative stress.

2. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

Punarnava acts as a natural rejuvenator and diuretic. It helps remove toxins and excess sugar from the body. Due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, this natural herb helps improve digestion, lower insulin resistance, and maintain fluid balance. These properties make this herb a key ingredient in most Ayurvedic products for diabetes.  

3. Gurmar/Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestre)

Highly acknowledged as a sugar destroyer, it has gymnemic acids. These acids instantly lower sugar absorption in the body through the tongue and intestines and cravings for sugary food items. Consuming type 2 diabetes medicine made with this herb helps regenerate new pancreatic beta cells, enhance insulin production & use, and keep blood sugar levels healthy.    

4. Sudh Guggal (Purified Commiphora mukul)

Sudh Guggal improves metabolism, cleanses the blood, and enhances lipid health. It helps fight obesity, manage cholesterol levels, and improve insulin sensitivity. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this natural herb helps lower inflammation. Used as a key ingredient in diabetes tablets or capsules, this herb helps improve overall well-being by lowering all sugar-related symptoms and addressing root causes. 

5. Kalonji (Nigella sativa / Black Seed)

Kalonji is rich in natural thymoquinone, antioxidants, and anti-diabetic compounds. Its regular use as a diabetes Ayurvedic medicine helps improve insulin sensitivity, reduce fasting glucose levels, and enhance pancreatic function. Further, it helps lower oxidative stress and strengthen liver and kidney health. With time, it helps keep blood sugar healthy.  

6. Bael Fruit (Aegle marmelos)

Bael fruit is a rich source of flavonoids, tannins, and coumarins. These compounds help enhance digestion and control blood sugar levels. Consuming bael fruit pulp, drinking juice made with it, or taking an Ayurvedic diabetes tablet/capsule regularly helps lower all sugar-related symptoms and address root causes. It gradually results in a better and worry-free life.

7. Shilajit (Mineral pitch)

Shilajit has a rich content of essential minerals and fulvic acid. Sugar control medicine made with it helps improve cellular energy, enhance insulin sensitivity, and strengthen pancreatic function. Further, it helps regulate blood sugar levels, lower fatigue, and improve overall vitality. 

Sheopal's Best Ayurvedic Support for Diabetes Alongside Medicine 

Sheopal's offers a wide array of Ayurvedic supplements that help people manage sugar levels and helps improve metabolism. Here are some of our best products:

Herbal Diabdex Caps

Our Herbal Diabdex Capsules are prepared with seven natural herbs like punarnava, kalonji, etc. It helps in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels & improves insulin sensitivity & secretion while promoting overall well-being.

DiaJeevan Amrit Juice 

10+ Ayurvedic ingredients like methi and punarnava make our juice very effective for healthy sugar management. Helps to improve insulin sensitivity & secretion, keep blood sugar levels healthy, reduce food cravings, and improve pancreatic function.

How to Use Sugar Care Products?

Having the best products at bay is not enough. Knowing how to use it matters a lot to maximise positive results and have long-lasting effects. Here are some tips you should follow in your sugar management routine while taking respective medicines:

• Always consult an experienced doctor and avoid self-medication.
• Stick to the prescribed dosage. The dosage could be once or twice a day before or after meals.
• Be consistent, whether you are taking supplements for type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes. It could be in the form of capsules, tablets, powder, juices, or a combination of these.
• Read the instructions mentioned on the pack. 

How to Manage Blood Sugar Levels Naturally? (Lifestyle & Diet Tips)    

Keep in mind that no Ayurvedic medicine for diabetes works alone. It works better with a healthy lifestyle. Here are lifestyle tips you should follow:

Always Eat a Balanced Diet  

Eating healthy is the basic requirement for every individual. It becomes crucial for people with diabetes. So, you should have an idea about what food you should eat and what you should avoid for your blood sugar management.

• Foods to eat - Whole grains, leafy green vegetables, and fruits
• Foods to avoid - Sugary drinks, processed/fast foods, and refined carbs

In addition, you need to take care of your meal portion. Instead of taking a large meal on a big plate, prefer taking meals in small portions 4 to 5 times a day.    

Be Physically Active for the Whole Week

Regular physical activities help reduce weight. And a slight decrease in body weight helps lower glucose levels. So, be more physically active from today itself. Here is what you can do to be physically active:

• Walk or jog for at least 30 minutes a day
• Do light exercises like cycling and swimming   
• Execute your hobbies like gardening

Manage Stress

Chronic stress for an extended period triggers glucose levels in the body. It can happen at any time of the day. Managing stress can help you keep your blood sugar stable. Here is what you can do to reduce your stress and anxiety:

• Have enough rest by sleeping for 7-9 hours a day
• Meditate for 10-15 minutes once or twice a day
• Practice deep breathing techniques like anulom vilom and lion’s breath

Stay Hydrated     

In Ayurvedic treatment for diabetes, experts state that hydration helps enhance digestion and body detoxification. So, pay attention to hydration. Here are some things you can do to stay hydrated:

• Drink 7-8 glasses of water a day. 
• Try to start your day with a glass of lukewarm water for detoxification
• Take herbal tea like green/tulsi tea and drink homemade juices without adding sugar

Monitor Blood Glucose Regularly   

Your effort made on how to control blood sugar levels can go in vain if you avoid monitoring your glucose levels. Regular monitoring helps you know what strategies are working and what are not working. Based on it, modify your strategy to get better and more positive results. To monitor your blood sugar levels:

• Use a glucometer at home
• Visit a doctor to get it done well  

Final Words 

Managing blood sugar levels requires patience, time, and consistency. Apart from taking the best Ayurvedic supplements for blood sugar as per the recommended/prescribed dosage, strictly follow the lifestyle modifications your doctor instructs. Over time, you will have a healthy and risk-free life.

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