Herbal Remedies

Ampalaya (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter melon is an herb that has long been known in as one of the best anti-hyperglycemic herbs and has proven itself beyond doubt as effective against diabetes. Ampalaya has a potent mix of flavonoids and alkaloids that are believed to make the pancreas either produce more insulin, make the body more sensitive to insulin already produced, and/or generate new beta cell populations at the Islets of Langerhans.

Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa), is now gaining momentum and widespread acceptance, even in the western medical circles. Medical research and clinical trials performed on this miraculous herb show that Banaba possesses the powerful compound corosolic acid that lends itself to the treatment of diabetes.

Billberries are rich in flavonoids, the pigment that gives plants their color and is very beneficial for treating diabetes. Billberries are help retinopathy and micro vascular abnormalities. It strengthens capillaries in the body and protect them from damage. Since complications of long-term diabetes include damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, and tips of the toes and fingers, bilberry is often recommended.

Fenugreek Seed has been shown to reduce glucose levels in type 2 diabetes and may help do so in type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes. Modern research indicates that fenugreek seeds not only lower blood glucose, but also reduce insulin levels, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL (the “good” cholesterol). Fenugreek seeds contain 50 percent fiber, which serves to slow down the rate at which food is emptied from the stomach. This delays absorption of glucose by the small intestine, resulting in lower blood sugar.

Ginkgo Biloba extract protects the vascular lining and improves blood flow to the extremities. Beneficial to treat and prevent neuropathy and foot ulcers.

Ginseng (Panax, Korean, American) has been shown to moderate levels of blood sugar (glucose). Ginseng improves the ability of insulin to properly regulate in our system. Because it is an adaptogen, this allows ginseng to help the body cope with all sorts of adverse conditions.

Grapeseed extract is a systemic antioxidant that can help guard against retinopathy and high blood pressure.

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) This Ayurvedic remedy is one of the most common herbs used in the treatment of both Types 1 and 2 diabetes. Gymnema appears to stimulate the pancreas, prompting it to produce more insulin. Gymnemic acid, a constituent of the herb, acts directly on the tongue receptors (taste buds), blocking their ability to sense sweetness.

Hawthorne Berry are flavonoids rich and help retinopathy and micro vascular abnormalities. They are used in maintaining good heart health and stabilizing blood pressure.

Stevia is a South American shrub whose leaves have been used by native people in Paraguay and Brazil to sweeten their stimulant beverages. Stevioside, the main ingredient in stevia, has no calories but has actions similar to several currently used medications. It stimulates the release of insulin and normalizes the response to glucose, especially in type 2 diabetes.

Herbal Combinations and Formulas

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.

Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers (under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.

Brain Food Ginkgo, Gota Kola, Blessed Thistle, Siberian Ginseng.

Blood Purifier Pau D’ Arco, Red Clover, Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Cascara Sagada & Buckthorn.

Ginseng Energy American, Korean, Siberian & Tienchi Ginseng.

Nerve Strength Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Top Diabetic Supplements

This is one of my favorite areas and should be differentiated for our specific purposes. For overall diabetic maintenance it is important to maintain optimum balance. This can be done by the following:

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble, which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is important for the production of energy inside the cell by utilizing sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and physical stamina, reducing muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Chromium is a trace element that seems to help insulin work properly. research on the mineral for a 1998 article in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition and found at least 25 studies suggesting that it can benefit diabetes patients. Start with 200 micrograms of chromium three times per day, and then reducing the dose to twice per day if blood sugar levels improve.

Folic Acid is essential for the synthesis of adenine and thymine, two of the four nucleic acids that make up our genes, DNA and chromosomes. Diabetes patients tend to have high homocysteine levels and folate is especially important for them. Folic acid needs the catalysts vitamins B12 and B6 to carry out its functions effectively it is usual to supplement with a combination of the three. Dosage recommendations for folic acid vary between 0.4 mg/day and 10 mg/day or more depending on the severity of the deficiency and the health problem to be overcome. The RDA for adults is now 0.4 mg/day and 0.6 mg/day for pregnant women. Recommendations for vitamin B12 generally range from 0.5 to 1.0 mg/day and for vitamin-B6 from 10 to 250 mg/day.

Guggul (gum guggul) is a resin produced by the mukul mirth tree. Guggulipid is extracted from guggul and contains chemicals called “plant sterols” (guggulsterones E and Z), which are believed to be active in the human body. Guggul is a resin known to increase white blood cell counts and possess strong disinfecting properties. A wide range of actions makes this plant very helpful not only in protecting against the common cold, but also in various skin, dental and ophthalmic infections. In addition, Guggul has long been known to lower cholesterol and triglycerides, while maintaining or improving the HDL to LDL ratio. Guggul helps to improve insulin function. Standard guggul extracts contain 5% guggulsterones, which tanslates to a dose of 500mg three times a day.

Omega-3 : This fish oil has been shown in many studies, to reduce your bad cholesterol levels and reduce plaque buildup in your blood. By reducing your bad cholesterol, you are helping your body to fight off stress and relieve anxiety, tension and even prevent heart disease! Fish that are high in Omega-3 are excellent ways to help your blood stream.

Pycnogenol Pycnogenol ® is the patented trade name for a water extract of the bark of the French maritime pine ( Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica ), which is grown in coastal south-west France. Pycnogenol, contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs) as well as several other bioflavonoids. Preliminary human data suggests that supplementation of Pycnogenol with conventional diabetes treatment may lower glucose levels and improve endothelial function.

Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been shown to promote insulin secretion are a very potent inhibitors of glycation and sorbitol accumulation. Consider an apple.

Vitamin C acts primarily in cellular fluid. Vitamin C scavenges free radicals and cleans up waste products. In addition to its anti-oxidative activities, vitamin C benefits many other body functions. Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which is an important component in the structural make up of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood. Vitamin C, even in small amounts, can protect molecules in the body, such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by free radicals. Vitamin C helps in the fight against free-radical formation caused by pollution and cigarette smoke and also helps return vitamin E to its active form.

Vitamins B6,12 Foods rich in the B vitamins, which help regulate metabolism, are also beneficial, as diets high in sugar tend to burn these vitamins at a faster rate. These foods include wheat germ, yogurt, and liver.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise seems to be the single most important way that adult-onset diabetics can control their disease, even more important than diet. Thirty minutes of daily aerobic activity may prevent onset of the disease in those at risk and may cause complete disappearance of symptoms in those who have it.

Weight loss is the number one priority. Eighty percent of Type II diabetics are overweight. They tend to live a sedentary life and eat a lot. Obesity may obliterate insulin receptors so sugar can’t enter the cells and remains in your blood. If you’re overweight, diet and exercise will almost certainly help you lose some weight and get your blood sugar back to normal, and that may be all you need. Sometimes, all you have to lose is 5 to 10 pounds and it will make all the difference.

The benefits of regular exercise for everybody, diabetic or not, are well recognized. But diabetics have even more reason to get their arms and legs moving and their hearts pumping. Exercise strengthens the heartbeat, helps control blood sugar levels, and increases circulation to the body’s extremities.

Exercise can cut the level of cholesterol and triglycerides while raising the level of high-density lipoproteins (the “good” cholesterol that protects against heart disease). It helps you control your weight, increases your stamina, and lets you sleep more soundly.

Regular exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on mood, especially for depression.

There’s also some evidence that exercise increases the number of insulin receptors on cell surfaces, which means insulin can find a place to put glucose where it’s needed inside the cells. In fact, to a person with diabetes, exercise is like a dose of insulin. Repetitive, rhythmic movements involving your large muscles arms and legs are best for diabetics. That means walking, jogging, swimming, rowing, or bicycling. You have to exercise regularly and at least four times a week for 20 to 30 minutes. Your doctor may even prescribe exercise five to seven times a week. Studies show that even a two or three day layoffs from exercise reverses its beneficial effects in diabetics.

The second best exercise, next to aerobic activity, is brisk walking. It’s the safest, least stressful, and most productive of all exercises. It improves the efficiency of every unit of insulin taken in or produced by the body. That means you get more effectiveness out of every grain of food you eat than you would without exercise. It also gives you a great sense of well-being and requires no equipment. If you walk a mile a day, burning 100 calories, in a year you’d shed more than 10 pounds.

Check with your doctor. If your diabetes isn’t under control or you have complications, high blood pressure, that also needs to be controlled first. Your doctor may want you to take a stress test. He’ll want to judge the effects of any medication you’re taking.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, an imbalance of energy or Qi in a particular meridian or organ system can cause physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. When emotions are held on to over long periods of time, or when they result from a particularly stressful or traumatic event, they can become causes of illness. Emotions also can result from an imbalanced flow of Qi or blood. Therefore, emotions can be the cause or the symptom of a disorder.

In Chinese Medicine, diabetes is considered to be a condition of disharmony in the body called Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome. Diabetics can often experience symptoms of severe thirst and hunger while losing weight.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be an effective complement to your diabetes treatments. Acupuncture redirects your Qi or vital energy into a more balanced flow. It provides support to the underlying energetic spheres affected by poor digestion and lack of movement. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the stress experienced by you. Diabetics often have nerve pain or uncomfortable nerve sensations that can be alleviated with acupuncture.

The specific course of herbal treatment depends on the pattern and severity of your symptoms. Herbs are use to alleviate nerve tingling or pain. Research done in China has shown herbs such as Mai Men Dong, Tian Hua Fen, Bittermelon, (momordica charantia) and Rehmannia can potentially stimulate regeneration of cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. These pancreas cells are responsible for the proper production of insulin, and the proper processing of blood sugar in the body. Many of the herbs work best when combined into a synergizing formula.

Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment or call Andrew at 917 843 3623 to schedule an appointment.

Emotional Aspect:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or “excess emotions” that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self are exceptional tools on your healing journey.  Here are some suggestions:

The Building Blocks of Change

Change is inevitable and possible.

Our lives are made up of the building blocks of change. Change creates the person we must grow to be. Change happens for a reason. That reason is to allow us possibilities we may not have seen in the first place. This can be traumatic or it can be less so.

The single most important point you can make about change is that in most cases it’s not what faces you that’s the problem, it’s how you react to it.

Music As Therapy

Vibrational medicine, which validates that everything in the universe is in a state of vibration and the frequency at which an object or person most naturally vibrates is called resonance. The chakras, bones, and organs in the body all possess a different resonant frequency. When an organ or part of the body is vibrating out of tune or non-harmoniously, it is called “dis ease” or disease. A body is in a healthy state of being when each cell, each organ creates a resonance that is in harmony with the whole being.

Music is a powerful tool that can be used in so many ways. It has been proven that the type of music that makes a person relax or become receptive is not any one kind. It all depends on the individual and their affinity with it.

Crystal Reference

Let’s be clear. Crystals are not going to healing your diabetes. BUT, they are great as meditation tools and tools for directing your intention to your purpose.  There are a large variety of “tools” made available to you for bringing about awareness and change.
All you have to do is pay attention.

Crystals have both piezoelectric and pyroelectric properties. This means that the polarities of the crystal will change when subjected to pressure or heat (even body heat from the hands). This will radiate energy from the crystal due to this reversal of polarities. It provides the transfer, storage and transformation of energy.

Offering a balanced energy field, energy modification, amplifies both energy and thought, clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment with the chakra energy areas.

The Complete Chakra Kit stimulates the seven main energy sources which govern all the major organs and psychologically alters and clears the body’s energy in order to allow healing to take place.

Crystal Medicine Pouches are based on the Native American Medicine Pouches, each suede pouch comes with several crystals, sage for cleansing negativity and the best way to use, cleanse and energize them in order to get what you want out of life!!

Crystal Empowerment Pouches are individually filled with several crystals to strengthen and enhance the best energy for each situation. Each suede pouch comes with several crystals and best way to use, cleanse and energize them in order to get what you want out of life!!

Crystal Elixirs are wonderfully scented oils come in .05 ounce roll-on bottles and contain genuine crystals in vibrationally compatible essential oil blends. They are fantastic for Chakra work, energy healing, as an Aura Balancer, as a balancing perfume oil or simply as a “refresher” for your Gem Potpourri. Crystal Elixir oil blends are used externally.

Gem Essence are the infusion of crystals, spring water and the power of the sun/moon in a bottle! These essence work in harmony with the body by interacting with our bio-sheath and are natural and self-adjusting. When crystals are activated by natural sunlight, they transfer their vibrational signature into water, creating a remedy that is safe, effective and used in conjunction with all modalities of healing. Gem Essence waters can be used internally.

The Body Crystals^tm: Stone massage is a popular form of relaxation dating back thousands of years. The Body Crystals are tools used to deliver deep relaxation, helping with detoxification, melting tension and reducing pain. Learn more about these amazing stones!