Diabetes friendly herbs

Garlic

Garlic has been long known to lower blood sugar. Recent research by Dr. Y.M. Lee has revealed some more amazing aspects of this herb. High blood sugar causes oxidative stress and free-radical damage to the cells. Being rich in anti-oxidants, garlic helps to prevent several renal and cardiac complications that arise from high blood sugar. Another revealing fact is that aged, black garlic has greater proportions of anti-oxidants compared to regular garlic. Thus, it is more effective against the damage done by diabetes. Onther ancillary benefits in battling diabetes include lowering bad cholesterol in the blood, promoting blood flow and thus regulating blood pressure.

 

Ginseng

Ginseng has long been used to promote body vigor, vitality and to prolong life. Ginsenosides which are found in ginseng have recently been credited with anti-diabetic activity. Dr. J.Z. Luo and Dr. L. Luo have found that these ginsenosides battle diabetes in two ways. Firstly, they reduce the insulin-resistance of the body. They also support and assist the beta cells in the pancreas which produce insulin and release it into the blood stream. They do this by increasing aerobic glycolysis through the stimulation of the beta-adrenoceptor. This direct effect of the ginseng root on the pancreas helps in combating diabetes.

 

Holy Basil

The holy basil has been extensively used in Indian systems of medicine like Ayurveda to treat diabetes. Dr.M.Bhat, the lead author for a paper on complementary and alternative medicine, reported that basil was extremely effective in relieving the condition of postprandial hyperglycemia. This is the excessive rise in blood-sugar levels immediately after eating. Basil prevents this by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for breaking down starch into sugars. Thus, it inhibits the activity of a-amylase in the saliva and the other glucosidases in the intestines and pancreas.

 

Onion

Recent research suggests that more than the apple, it is onion and garlic that help to keep the doctor away! Onion, like garlic, is rich in sulpha compounds. One chemical, allyly propyl disulphide also called as APDS, is of particular interest in treating diabetes. The liver is home to many insulin-deactivating sites that render insulin ineffective. Allyl propyl disulphide has a structure that competes with insulin in binding with the sites at the liver. This ensures that a greater number of insulin molecules are available in the blood to breakdown sugars. Apart from this, onion is also known lower the blood lipid levels and inhibit aggregation of platelets which results in a better overall blood circulation.

 

Bitter melon

Bitter melon is an important part of Chinese medicine. Research teams from the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Garvan Institute of Medical Research in China have discovered how bitter melon helps diabetics. It contains four different bio-active compounds which activate the enzyme known as AMPK. This enzyme enables glucose uptake by regulating fuel metabolism in the body. Also, charatin and momordica present in bitter melon act as hypoglycemic agents in the bloodstream by mimicking the behavior of insulin.However, care should be taken and a physician consulted before taking this herb in conjunction with other anti-diabetic herbs to prevent possible cross-reactions.

 

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has traditionally been used for a treating a variety of problems including gastro-intestinal disorders, colds, flu and urinary infections. James.A.Duke, a doctorate from the U.S. Department of Agriculture says that even one eighth of a teaspoon of cinnamon triples the efficacy of insulin in the bloodstream. This is because in many cases, though the body produces sufficient insulin, it does not utilize it efficiently. Cinnamon helps by enhancing insulin's ability to metabolize sugar. It contains the anti-oxidant glutathione and the the flavanoid, methylhydroxy chalcone polymer. These make even the fat cells more responsive towards insulin.

 

Olive

In a paper published in the British Journal of Nutrition in 2009, lead author Dr. T. Cvjetićanin, reports an amazing antidiabetic property of the olive leaf extracts. The extract interferes with the production of cytokines in the body. The cytokines are chemical molecules which produce inflammation. This reduced inflammation successfully blocks the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. These beta cells are actively involved in the production of insulin. Thus, the insulin levels in the blood increase and diabetes is controlled.

 

Fenugreek

This is another herb that has been used in Ayurveda against diabetes. The oil extracted from its seeds is a potent insulin stimulant, a powerful anti-oxidant and a modulator of the immune system. Dr. K.Hamden has also discovered that fenugreek oil improved kidney and pancreatic damage in animals. Thus, fenugreek helps in lowering the blood sugar levels in diabetics. The herb can be ingested by drying and grinding then seeds into powder which is then taken in as a paste. However, fenugreek is also known the cause breathing difficulties, facial numbness, swellings, gas and dizziness.

 

Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo has been used in medicine for centuries now. New research has revealed many important aspects of this herb which are medically useful. Research at the University of Texas Health and Science Center by Dr.Kudolo has shown that ginkgo reduces pallet aggregation. This results in increased circulation of the blood and thus prevents complications of diabetes that are circulation-based. In diabetics with falling insulin levels, ginkgo was also found to boost insulin production. However, the dosage of the herb is yet to be determined. Excessive use of the herb is known to cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, stomach upsets, diarrhea and even allergic skin reactions.

 

Lingonberry

In the northern climes of the world, lingonberry has been used medicinally by people for centuries. Dr. L.P. Beaulieu in his article in Phytotherapy Research has shown how lingonberry extract was used successfully in history to treat diabetes and the complications arising out of diabetes. The ability to treat diabetes was because of the flavonoids thatare present in the lingonberry extracts. Copper is an essential mineral that is used in the treatment of diabetes and lingonberries have good concentrations of this mineral. Being rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, these berries also have associated anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Bliberry

A Japanese study on mice has shown that bliberry consumption reduces glucose levels in the blood and thus reduce the risk from diabetes. These berries are high in anthocyanin which affects the action of different proteins that are involved in fat metabolism and glucose transport. The anthocyanin activates a protein which in turn stimulates lipid breakdown (in muscles and liver) and modulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK).The net effect is an increased sensitivity towards insulin which enhanced the hormone's efficacy. Bliberry leaves are also known to reduce risks of long-term and chronic diabetic problems such as diabetic cataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

reference: .diyhealth.com

Herbal Treatment for Gastrointestinal Disorders

Home remedies for Nausea and vomiting

Ginger
Ginger is the herbal supplement most commonly employed to relieve nausea and vomiting. Ginger can be used to treat vomiting due to morning sickness, sea sickness, chemotherapy and surgery.
Although ginger is found to be effective in controlling nausea and vomiting

* some potential side effects. It increases the risk of bleeding especially in those who take medications like aspirin and clopidogrel. Anecdotal reports say that it can cause mutation and affect the growing fetus. But this is not proven by studies.

Home remedies for Functional dyspepsia

Dyspepsia is pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen.

Banana
promotes gastric mucus secretion and has been found to relieve symptoms of ulcer disease.
Capsaicin
is derived from the dried fruit of red pepper. It blocks the signal conduction in nerve fibers that carry the sensation of pain from the abdominal organs to the brain. It has been found to improve symptoms like upper abdominal pain, nausea and bloating.
Greater Celandine
which is also called as tetterwort has the property of relaxing smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract. It can be used for the relief of colicky pain. It can cause side effects like dryness of mouth, sleeplessness, diarrhea, fatigue and liver toxicity.
Liu Jun Zi Tang
which is also called as TJ 43 is a Chinese herbal medicine that has been frequently used to treat functional dyspepsia. It provides relief from abdominal bloating, acid reflux and nausea. The only adverse effect noted with it is the development of interstitial pneumonitis in which the lungs are affected.
Peppermint and Caraway
prevents smooth muscle contractions. Several studies have shown that they provide relief from abdominal bloating and pain. The side effects include diarrhea, allergic reactions and worsening of asthma. Among the herbal supplements used to treat functional dyspepsia, these two supplements are the extensively studied supplements.
Shenxiahewining
is a Chinese herbal preparation which contains many Chinese herbs like Ginseng, Pinelliae, Zingiberis and Glycyrrhizae. It provides relief from functional dyspepsia.
Tumeric
has been found to provide relief from the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. It increases secretion of bile, promotes contraction of gallbladder and act as an antispasmodic providing relief from colicky pain. It can cause fatigue and headache.

 

Home remedies for Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is defined as abdominal discomfort and altered bowel function in the absence of structural and biochemical abnormalities.
Psyllium
Psyllium is the most commonly prescribed supplement for patients with irritable bowel syndrome. It adds to the bulk of the stool and facilitates bowel evacuation.
Peppermint oil
Peppermint oil prevents smooth muscle contractions and can be used for relief from abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome.
STW 5
STW 5 is an herbal preparation that contains bitter candytuft, chamomile, peppermint, caraway fruit, licorice root, lemon balm leaves, celandine and milk thistle. It has got antispasmodic properties and has been found to be effective in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Home remedies for Inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease is a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract of which ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the common types.
Curcumin
Curcumin is extracted from turmeric. Studies have shown that it has got antioxidant properties and provides symptomatic relief in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant. Studies have shown that oral intake of aloe vera for 4 weeks provide clinical relief in patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.
Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is an extract from the bark of French maritime pine tree. It has got antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that Pycnogenol provides symptomatic relief and can be used as a supplement in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Home remedies for Diarrhea and constipation

In complementary and alternative medicine constipation and diarrhea are grouped together under the term colonic health.
Aloe
Aloe acts as a stimulant laxative. It promotes intestinal motility and relieves constipation.
Apple pectin
Apple pectin is rich in fiber and it adds to the bulk of the stool and helps in evacuation of bowel.
Cascara
Cascara is a stimulant laxative. It promotes intestinal motility and relieves constipation.
Fennel
Fennel has got intestinal motility promoting and antispasmodic properties and helps to relieve constipation.
Ginger
Ginger promotes intestinal motility and relieves constipation. But it can cause bleeding especially in those taking aspirin and similar group of medications
The other supplements which promote colonic health include hibiscus, Oregon grape, psyllium, raspberry, rhubarb, senna, spirulina and yellow dock.

Home remedies for Liver disease

Complementary and alternative medicine is commonly used to treat hepatitis B, hepatitis C and alcohol induced liver disease.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is the most commonly used herbal preparation in the treatment of hepatitis due to viruses, alcohol and medications. Silymarin is the active ingredient of milk thistle and it has got antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and also slows down the scar formation in liver.
TJ -9
TJ-9 also known as xiao- chai- hu- tang in China is a combination of seven herbs. This herbal preparation has got antioxidant properties and also prevents scar formation in the liver.
Phyllanthus amarus

Pylllanthus amarus inhibits the multiplication of hepatitis B virus. It acts by inhibiting the enzyme HBV DNA polymerase.
The other herbal supplements that have been found to be effective in the treatment of viral hepatitis include fuzheng jiedu tang, kurorinone, Jianapi Wenshen, thymic extract, licorice and Picrorrhiza kurroa.

Home remedies for Gastrointestinal cancers

Estimates are that up to 64% of the adults with cancer employ complementary and alternative medicine at some point during their treatment.
Green Tea
Studies have shown that green tea help prevent adenomatous polyps in the colon and chronic atrophic gastritis. Adenomatous polyps lead to colon cancer and chronic atrophic gastritis leads to stomach cancer.
Garlic
Garlic has been found to prevent the development of stomach cancer. It is found to have antibacterial effect against the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Helicobacter pylori has been proved to cause stomach cancer.
Lycopodium clavatum
Lycopodium clavatum is a type of fern moss. There are reports that it is effective in the treatment of rectal cancer pain.

Reference: steady health.com

Health Benefits of Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Part used:

leaves

Uses

Edibility

In foods and beverages

Treatments Using Basil

• Healing: Sharpen memory, use as a nerve tonic, and remove phlegm from your bronchial tubes. Repeat up to once an hour. Leaves can strengthen the stomach and induce perfuse sweating. The seeds can be used to rid the body of excess mucus.
• Fevers: Basil leaves are used for quenching fevers, especially those related to malaria and other infectious, eruptive fevers common to tropical areas. Boiling leaves with some cardamom in about two quarts of water, then mixed with sugar and milk, brings down temperature. An extract of basil leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours; between doses you can give sips of cold water. This method is especially effective for reducing fevers in children.
• Coughs: Basil is an important ingredient in cough syrups and expectorants. It can also relieve mucus in asthma and bronchitis. Chewing on basil leaves can relieve colds and flu symptoms.
• Sore Throat: Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as a tonic or used as a gargle when you have a sore throat.
• Respiratory Disorders: Boiling basil leaves with honey and ginger is useful for treating asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, and influenza. Boiling the leaves, cloves, and sea salt in some water will give rapid relief of influenza. These combinations should be boiled in about two quarts of water until only half the water remains before they are taken.
• Kidney Stones: Basil can be used to strengthen your kidneys. In cases of stones in your kidney, the juice of basil leaves mixed with honey and taken daily for 6 months will expel them through the urinary tract.
• Heart Problems: Basil can be used to strengthen those weakened by heart disease. It can also reduce your cholesterol.
• Children’s Illnesses: Pediatric complaints like colds, coughs, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting have been know to respond to treatment with the juice of basil leaves. Also if the rash associated with chicken pox is delayed, basil leaves with saffron will bring them to the surface more quickly.
• Stress: Basil leaves can be used as an anti-stress agent. Chewing 12 basil leaves twice a day can prevent stress. It will purify the blood and help prevent many other common ailments.
• Mouth Infections: Chewing a few leaves twice daily can cure infections and ulcerations of the mouth.
• Insect Bites: Basil can be used preventatively and as a curative. A teaspoonful of the basil leaf juice taken every few hours is preventative. Rubbing the bites with juice can relieve the itching and swelling. Also a paste of the root is effective for treating the bites of insects and leeches.
• Tooth Problems: Dry basil leaves in the sun and grind into powder for a tooth cleansing powder. You can also mix with mustard oil to make herbal toothpaste. Both of these methods will counter bad breath and can be used to massage the gums, treat pyorrhea, and other dental health problems.
• Headaches: Basil is a good headache remedy. Boil leaves in half a quart of water, cooking until half the liquid remains. Take a couple of teaspoons an hour with water to relieve your pain and swelling. You can also make a paste of basil leaves pounded with sandalwood to apply to your forehead to relieve headache and provide coolness in general.
• Digestive Tract Health
  The enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil certifies basil as an anti-inflammatory food providing important healing benefits as well as relief from inflammatory bowel conditions.
  It can also provide immediate relief from the gas in your stomach and intestines, treat constipation, stomach cramps, indigestion and flatulence.
• Skin and Hair Health
  When used as a skin and hair moisturizer, the essential oils of basil enhance the luster of dull looking skin and hair. Basil is also effective in treating acne and psoriasis.
• Bone and Connective Tissue
  The essential oil of basil contains a liquid called eugenol, which can inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase, an enzyme which causes swelling in joints and bones among other places. Aspirin and ibuprofen work by blocking the same enzyme. This enzyme-inhibiting power makes basil an anti-inflammatory food that can heal and give relief for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Anti-Bacterial
  The essential oil of basil has been shown to provide impressive protection against unwanted bacterial growth of many types, including the ability to inhibit several species that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. Studies have shown that washing produce in a solution containing just 1% essential oil of basil resulted in killing such bacteria, so it makes good sense to include basil in salads.
• Immune System
  Evidence shows that the antioxidants and volatile oils in basil make it of great assistance to the immune system. The leaves and oil both have antibacterial properties, and can even be used to eliminate infectious diseases from surfaces. Applied topically to wounds, basil leaves may eliminate bacterial infections, while enjoying basil in food can help combat viral infections, including colds, flu, and herpes.
• Cancer Prevention
  The natural antioxidants found in basil can protect the body against damage from free radicals, thereby combating most forms of cancer.
  Basil also contains flavonoids, which protect cell structures from radiation and oxygen-based damage.
  Basil is a rich source of beta-carotene, which helps protect cells from free radical damage
• Eye Disorders: Basil juice is a good for night-blindness and sore eyes. Two drops of black basil juice in each eye at bedtimes each day is soothing.
• Skin Disorders: Basil juice applied directly to the effected area is good for ringworm and other common skin ailments. Some naturopaths have used it successfully in the treatment of leucoderma (patches of white or light-colored skin).

Botany

http://www.photographersdirect.com/buyers/stockphoto.asp?imageid=2109942

Make a cup of Basil Tea;

http://www.herbal-howto-guide.com/herbal-tea.html

Clove 丁香

Syzygium aromaticum

 

Clove is a natural antiviral, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal agent. It also holds aphrodisiac and circulation-stimulating capacities. The oil of cloves has been used in a variety of health conditions including indigestion, generalized stress, parasitic infestations, cough, toothaches, headache, and blood impurities. In fact, the expert panel German Commission recently approved the use of its essential oil as a topical antiseptic and anaesthetic.
Part used: 
People use the oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems to make medicine

Uses
Edibility
In foods and beverages, clove is used as a flavoring.

• Antioxidant

  Although most spices are excellent sources of antioxidants, cloves rank as the richest source of them all.
• Powerful germicidal properties:
  Clove is used extensively in dental care for relieving toothache, sore gums and oral ulcers. Gargling with clove oil can also aid in soar throat conditions and bad breath.1
• Anti-bacterial:
  An effective aid for food poisoning, clove oil effectively kills many forms of bacterial infections from contaminated foods.
• Indigestion: Clove oil offers a powerful action against gas and bloating. It reduces gas pressure in the stomach, aiding in the proper elimination of food and toxins. It also relieves the discomfort of peptic ulcers. Effective for stomach related conditions including nausea, hiccups, motion sickness and vomiting.
• Antiseptic:
  Clove oil can be used to reduce infections, wounds, insect bites and stings.1
• Anti-fungal:
  Clove is also effective in reducing fungal infections such as athlete's foot.1
• Skin:
  Excellent aid for skin disorders, such as acne.
• General stress reliever:
  Clove oil stimulates the circulatory system, clearing the mind and reducing mental exhaustion and fatigue. It has also been used to aid insomnia, memory loss, anxiety and depression.
• Anti-inflammatory:
  Clove oil clears the respiratory passages, acting as an expectorant for treating many upper-respiratory conditions including colds, eye styes, bronchitis, sinus conditions, cough and asthma.
• Blood Purifier:
  Not only purifies the blood, but also aids in stabilizing blood sugar levels, and may have benefits for diabetic individuals.
• General Immune System Booster:
  Clove's antiviral and cleansing properties purify the body, augmenting our resistance to disease.
• Cancer Prevention:
  Preliminary studies suggest that clove oil may play a chemopreventative role, particularly in cases of lung, skin and digestive cancers.
• Cardiovascular Health:
  The active essential oil in clove, eugenol, has been shown to act as a an effective platelet inhibitor, preventing blood clots.
• Premature Ejaculation: Some research has shown that clove may be useful as a aid for premature ejaculation.
• Prevention from toxic exposure:
  Studies show that clove oil can prevent toxicity related to exposure to environmental pollution.

Botany

Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...

• Toothache.
• Vomiting.
• Upset stomach.
• Nausea.
• Gas (flatulence).
• Diarrhea.
• Hernia.
• Pain and swelling (inflammation) of the mouth and throat.
• Cough.
• Other conditions.

 

 

 

Clove Cookies recipeshttp://www.foodreference.com/html/clovecookiesr.html

 http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com/benefits-of-cloves.html

Coleus amboinicus Lour.

Suganda  

Coleus aromaticus Benth.

OREGANO

Zuo shou xiang

Part used: 

leaves

Uses 

Edibility

As condiment, provides fragrance to salads and strong-smelling meat dishes.    

Sometimes, used as flavouring for drinks.    

Folkloric

•  Leaves in infusion or as syrup used as aromatic and carminative; used for dyspepsia and also as a cure for asthma.
• The Malays used the plant juice or decoction for pains around the areas of the heart or abdomen.
• Decoction of leaves given after childbirth.
• In Indo-China, given for asthma and bronchitis.
•  The juice of the leaves for dyspepsia, asthma, chronic coughs, bronchitis, colic, flatulence, rheumatism. The dose is one tablespoonful of the fresh juice every hour for adults and one teaspoonful every two hours, four times daily, for children. As an infusion, 50 to 60 grams to a pint of boiling water, and drink the tea, 4 to 5 glasses a day. For children, 1/2 cup 4 times daily.
• For otalgia (ear aches), pour the fresh, pure juice into the ear for 10 minutes.
• For carbuncles, boils, sprains, felons, painful swellings: Apply the poultice of leaves to the affected area, four times daily.
• For sore throats, a decoction of two tablespoonfuls of dried leaves to a pint of boiling water, taken one hour before or after meals.
• In India, leaves are used traditionally for bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, epilepsy, nephro-cystolithiasis, fever, indigestion and cough. Also used for malarial fever, hepatopathy, renal and vesicle calculi, hiccup, helminthiasis, colic, and convulsions.
• The Chinese used the juice of leaves with sugar, for cough in children, asthma and bronchitis, epilepsy and convulsive disorders.
• Leaves are applied to cracks at the corners of the mouth, for thrush, headaches; against fever as a massage or as a wash.
• Used for bladder and urinary afflictions, and vaginal discharges. 
• Used as carminative, given to children for colic.
• In Bengal, used for coli and dyspepsia.
• Expressed juice applied around the orbit to r
• Relieve conjunctival pain.

Recent uses and preparations

Respiratory ailments like cough, asthma and bronchitis: Squeeze juice of the leaves. Take one teaspoon every hour for adults. For children above 2 years old, 3 to 4 teaspoons a day.

On Skin

• In the Philippines, macerated fresh leaves applied externally to burns.
• Leaves are bruised and applied to centipede and scorpion bites. Also, applied to temples and forehead for headache, help in place by a bandage.

Botany

Other Studies
Fresh leaves rubbed on clothing or hair at the time of bathing for its scent.

• Insecticidal / Anti-Termite:
• Antibacterial:
• Antioxidant
http://stuartxchange.com/Oregano.html

Creeping tickfoil, desmodium triflorum

Creeping tickfoil

desmodium triflorum

KaliskisDalag- Common names in Philippine

Part used:

Roots, leaves and whole plant.

Uses Edibility In Burma, leaves reportedly eaten as vegetable.

Folkloric Leaves used in children for diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion and also for convulsions.

Leaves used as a galactagogue,and ground with cow's milk.

Roots used for asthma and coughs.

Malays drink the root decoction for stomach aches.

Plant used for fever with catarrh.

In Haiti, tea decoction used for rheumatism.

In India, leaves used for dysentery and diarrhea.

On Skin

• Leaf paste or fresh leaves used for skin eruptions, wounds and abscesses.

• Paste of the bruised leaves mixed with kamala applied to indolent sores and itches.
• Expressed juice from a well macerated plant, is applied to abscesses and wounds that do not heal readity.
• In Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos and India the crushed plant or a poultice of the leaves is externally applied on wounds, ulcers, and for skin problems in general, apparently for its antiseptic properties.

Botany

Other Studies

Antioxidant

Anti-Ulcer

Stachydrine / Pyrrolidine Alkaloids

Analgesic / Antiinflammatory

* All information is only for your reference.

Curry Leaves

 – a common herb in our daily life.

It contains Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Nicotinic acid and vitamin C. This bitter herb is a potent blood-purifier and a restorative of the degenerated blood cells.

 

It is a good digestive , especially after fatty and fried food. Indigestion, nausea, sour belching, heartburn, morning sickness and other digestive disorders such as diarrhoea, dysentery, bilious vomiting and hemorrhoids also respond well to treatment with curry leaves.

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