Diabetes, a chronic lifestyle disease, necessitates careful management of blood sugar levels to prevent complications and associated risks. Alongside medications, a well-balanced diet plays a crucial role. Giloy, also known as ‘Madhunashini’ in Ayurveda, can be a valuable asset in controlling blood sugar levels. This herb is no less than medicine and witnessed a surge in demand during the Corona period, primarily due to its immunity-boosting properties. Both the juice and tea made from Giloy leaves are considered extremely beneficial for overall health.
Managing Diabetes: The Role of Giloy as a Blood Sugar Regulator
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, diabetes claims the lives of 1.6 million people worldwide each year. The organization further projects that diabetes will become the seventh leading cause of death globally by 2030. Managing blood sugar levels effectively can be achieved by adopting a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Giloy in Ayurveda: The ‘Madhunashini’ – Destroyer of Sugar
Giloy has earned its name as ‘Madhunashini’ in Ayurveda, meaning ‘destroyer of sugar.’ When diabetic patients consume Giloy tea, it aids in increasing insulin production, helping to regulate blood sugar levels, both fasting and non-fasting. Ayurveda suggests that neuropathy is more likely to escalate rapidly, leading to the deterioration of cells and tissues. This can have adverse effects on the skin. Giloy plays a vital role in preventing this condition, reducing the risk of diabetic neuropathy, and safeguarding nerves from damage caused by high blood sugar levels.
The medicinal properties of Giloy are vast, encompassing glucosides, tinosphorin, palmarin, tinosphoric acid, as well as iron, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium. It possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Diabetes patients can consume Giloy in various forms.
Giloy Juice: Extract the juice from the stem and leaves of Giloy. Optionally, add neem, cucumber, and tomato to enhance its benefits. Drinking this juice on an empty stomach in the morning proves highly beneficial.
Giloy Tea: Create a normal tea by mixing half a teaspoon of Giloy powder with water, then consume it after lunch and dinner.
In addition to helping with diabetes, Giloy plays a significant role in mitigating liver and kidney issues that often arise in diabetic patients. It supports the proper functioning of the liver and kidneys, thereby preventing associated diseases.
