Diabetes Mellitus and Bitter Melon
Karela, a prestigious Ayurvedic contribution to the world to fight the terror known as diabetes mellitus. Its wonderful properties make it a worldwide remedy to cure and treat diabetes mellitus. The unique constituents of karela are very effective in eradicating the root causes of diabetes and also help maintain the proper environment in the body necessary to get away with creating circumstances that lead to imbalance of insulin (a necessary protein in glucose metabolism). But before knowing more about karela and its action on diabetes mellitus, we first need to know how and what causes diabetes and how karela plays a very important role in removing unwanted elements created in the body that lead to diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus has been a very heinous disease affecting our life for a long time. Known as sugar in normal terms, it is a disease present worldwide that affects all races and societies of human existence. DM causes a lot of problems for humans as it has many complications if left untreated. Generally, DM is a silent disease, which becomes known only by chance, such as during routine check-ups or through blood tests performed for other reasons. It can also enter the scene when a patient presents a complication such as peripheral neuritis, retinopathy, nephropathy, recurrent anthrax, etc. Blood sugar should never rise from 80mg to 130mg per 100cc fasting and never rise more than 180mg per 100cc after meals. Furthermore, the balance between carbohydrates, proteins and fats must be such that it must never contain acetone bodies. More about the benefits and uses of bitter melon
A pancreatic disorder that causes an uncontrolled increase in the level of glucose in the bloodstream leading to many complications, thus disrupting the homeostasis of our body. DM is considered a vata disorder in Ayurveda and is called madhumeh. Ayurveda mentions diabetes under prameh roga, which is an accumulation of disorders related to urine. The theses are 20 in number. Madhumeh is ranked 20th in the sequence. According to Charak Samhita (ancient Ayurvedic medical text) it is also known as ojomeh, which means excretion of energy (glucose) in urine. Sage Charak (considered as one of the originators of Ayurvedic herbal medicine system) has mentioned many symptoms by which we can easily diagnose whether a person is suffering from diabetes or not.
The onset of diabetes is insidious, but very rarely it can present acutely.
There are two types of diabetes mellitus
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. Dry mouth and throat
6. Constipation
7. Intense itching
Now coming back to our discussion about karela and its role in diabetes mellitus and our body.
Karela is one of the few rare herbs that helps regulate blood sugar levels in our body. It is a powerful hypoglycemic agent. Karela has laghu (light) and ruksh (dry) properties and is ushan virya in potency. It has tickt and katu rasa. Karela chemically contains saponins known as charantin, momordicin, and vicine, insulin-like peptide, and alkaloids. A hidden compound present in karela, chemically unknown to date, has also been found to be effective in inhibiting guanylate cyclase, which is highly beneficial in normalizing glucose metabolism. Several modes of action have been suggested for the antidiabetic action of karela which includes inhibition of glucose absorption from our intestine, helps to stimulate insulin secretions from the beta cells of the islets of langerhans and also stimulation of the synthesis of liver glycogen.
More about the benefits and uses of bitter melon
Karela has also been found to be very effective in suppressing edema and pain due to its ushan virya potency. It is a good digestive agent and helps in the secretion of digestive enzymes during digestion. Karela has blood purifying actions that help it contribute a very important role in diseases that are caused by impurity in our blood, such as acne and eczema. Due to its properties and the rasa present in it, it shows good results in abdominal disorders such as abdominal spasms, bile duct infections and constipation. Helps increase the peristaltic movement of the gastrointestinal tract. It is a strong antiemetic agent which is also useful in controlling the secretion of acids in the stomach, therefore it is very useful in hyperacidic conditions. Good results have been seen in improving liver conditions and also in liver diseases like jaundice, hepatomegaly, etc. Karela has also shown its value in skin diseases and leprosy and is of great use in wound healing in diabetic patients. As it helps relieve constipation, it is quite effective on hemorrhoids. Due to the presence of kashaya rasa, it helps to lower blood pressure and relieves tension caused by arterial blood flow. Karela has been found useful in menstrual disorders and other problems related to the female genital tract. Karela has properties that promote wound healing, faster than normal. A highly recommended herb in obesity and related disorders that help reduce excess body fat.
Well, now you can judge for yourself that taking karela regularly will help you not only lower and normalize your sugar levels, but also stabilize your body’s homeostasis.
For more information visit Ayurvedic Natural Health Supplements, Herbal Remedies by Ayurveda http://www.morphemeremedies.com
