Type 2 diabetes
In North America, Type 2 diabetes is common due to unhealthy diet. Type 2 diabetes is an acquired syndrome of which insulin is still produced but it becomes ineffective at controlling glucose level in blood. This increases insulin production and later pancreas stops producing insulin. It is not serious in modern medicine as there are medications but it is a gateway to all the other diseases such as hypertension and circulatory disease.
Diabetes in Traditional Chinese Medicine has another old name. It is called “The Disease for the rich”. You may predict why. It is because only rich people ate lots of different delicacies and those developed diabetes. This shows nature about diabetes. Mostly it affects those who consume different nutrition in large bulk. Body has too many different energy sources to use. Therefore the insulin becomes ineffective because there are too many other nutrients to absorb than glucose.
In TCM, there are some herbs that help with the diabetic conditions. Of course it won’t cure the diabetes but alleviates the conditions. Only way to control diabetes is controlling diet and taking insulin if you are insulin dependent.
The herbs that are good for diabetes are:
- Yu Mu Xi : This is corn silk which helps with urinary problem in diabetic patient
- Huang Jing : This herb helps gradually by adding all the nourishments slowly into the body.
- Niu Xi : This herb strengthens bones and sinews and increase Liver and Kidney function.
- Shan Yao : This is Chinese yam and it is rich in protein which helps to maintain energy in the body.
- Sang Ye: This Chinese herb reduces glucose level in blood and decreases body temperature.
- Sheng Di Huang: This Chinese herb moistens body and reduces excessive body heat.
There are many more herbs and fruits to help diabetic patients. One utmost important aspect to cure diabetes is controlling diet. It would be the best to contact your local TCM practitioner to further discuss about controlling your glucose level in blood.
