Natural Methods of Treatment for Diabetes and Herbal Medicines

I have been reading lately about some alternative medicines, those which we call herbal medicines or natural alternatives, to treat type 2 diabetes. For a while now, the following natural remedies are being explored.

These natural methods of treatment are also known as “Naturopathy.” It is the system of healing in which diseases are cured by means of natural remedies such as light, water, air, heat, exercise, diet and other physiological measures.

May I remind you, however, that if you are interested in trying a natural treatment in addition to standard treatment, be sure to do so only under the close supervision of your doctor or qualified health professional.

These are some of the various types of natural methods, which are being currently explored:

1. Treatment based on Nutrition and Diet

The dietician decides a menu for healthy diet for diabetic patients. Regarding Nutrition and dieting, what are considered include: The foods that control diabetes, the so called diabetes food pyramid, the foods to avoid, meal planning, anti-oxidant foods, foods which are rich in potassium and fibres, etc.

2. Hydrotherapy

In this natural method of treating diabetes, the water is used. It is one of the oldest therapeutic methods for managing physical dysfunctions. The solvent property of water and its ability to absorb and conduct heat shows a beneficial effect on the human body. Studies have shown that regular uses of hydrotherapy provide lots of benefits for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes. It provides better and improved sleep, reduces blood sugar level in the body and boasts the moral and well being of diabetic patient. It also provides support to individuals who find exercise difficult. It is also known as “hut tub therapy.”

3. Detoxification

It consists of the use of short periods of fasting or controlled diets and supplements to aid the natural process by which the body rids itself of toxic substances.

4. Methods to control and reduce stress including exercise, relaxation techniques, modification of diet and the use of supplements particularly to support the adrenal gland.

5. Mud Therapy

During treatment by natural methods, person makes full use of element earth in the form of mud or clay packs. Even mud baths are used for preventing and treating various diseases, by bringing out poisons from the body, for cooling the nervous system and for activating various organs of the body. In diabetes there is disturbance of the metabolic process of the entire body. When the digestive system, and endocrine glands do not work fully, the result is accumulation of impurities and toxemia in the body. Hence, improving elimination and removal of the toxins are very important. In such a condition Mud bath is used.

6. Massage

Massage is a “hands-on” therapy in which muscles and other soft tissues of the body are manipulated to improve health and well-being. Generally, massage is an excellent form of passive exercise. Massage is highly beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. Although, massage affects the body as a whole, but it particularly influences , the activity of the musculoskeltal, circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems. It helps in relieving muscle tension, reduces stress and arises/develops the feelings of calmness. Massage has been practiced in treating diabetes for centuries and various other diseases, for centuries, in near about every culture of the world. Massage also helps in elimination of poisons and waste material through the various eliminative organs, such as the lungs skin, kidney, and bowels. It also helps in improving blood circulation and various metabolic processes.

7. Herbal Medicines

Herbal Medicines using plants and their natural products were also used as natural method of treatment for diabetes. The following are some of these known herbal medicines:

a. Ginseng

Although there are several different types of ginseng, most of the promising studies on ginseng and diabetes have used North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Those studies have shown that North American ginseng may improve blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin ( a form of hemoglobin in the blood used to monitor blood glucose levels over time) levels.

b. Chromium

Chromium, as we know, is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in carbohydrate and fat metabolism and helps body cells properly respond to insulin. In fact, studies have found low levels of chromium in people with diabetes.

There are many promising studies suggesting chromium supplementation may be effective, but they are far from conclusive.

c. Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral found naturally in foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.

Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar levels and is needed for normal muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, immune function, blood pressure, and for bone health.

Some studies suggest that low magnesium levels may worsen blood glucose control in type 2 diabetes. There is also some evidence that magnesium supplementation may help with insulin resistance.

d. Cinnamon

A couple of studies have found that cinnamon improves blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes.

e. Zinc

The mineral zinc plays an important role in the production and storage of insulin. There is some research showing that people with type 2 diabetes have suboptimal zinc status due to decreased absorption and increased excretion of zinc.

Food sources of zinc include fresh oysters, ginger root, lamb, pecans, split peas, egg yolk, rye, lima beans, almonds, walnuts, sardines, chicken and buckwheat.

f. Aloe Vera Gel

Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, recent animal studies suggest that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes.

A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels.

(Source: http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/conditionsatod/a/Diabetes.htm)

8. Chromotherapy

Chromotherapy is a natural method of treatment of various diseases, which make use of colour, to help the body and mind to find again their natural balance. Hence, we can say, it is therapeutic method, which acts on the base of the unbalance. Every colour has got a spectrum with specific curative properties. By using the curative property of every single colour in an appropriate way, the person is able to region the harmony and order of the organism. The color illuminations, therefore acts on the emotive states of mind and thus helps in physical well-being.

Chromotherapy works best as a supportive therapy as it is used in combination with correct diet, adequate rest and relaxation, exercises, and other basic treatments.


(Source: http://diabetesmellitus-information.com/diabetes_treatment.htm)