What is Type 2 Diabetes?

It has been conclusively proved that there has been a steady increase of diabetic patients. Earlier Diabetes was the sole reserve of the middle aged patients. However of late there have been an ever increasing number of patients in the 20 and 30’s age group. The most common reason could be erratic life style and heavy pollution in the atmosphere. Coupled with the erratic and fast life style have all contributed to the ever increasing number of Diabetics.  Another common cause of worry is the increase in numbers of pediatric diabetics.

Diabetes has been rightly called the silent Killer since it affects almost every major organ of the body. This includes, Heart, Kidneys, Retina, Liver and even the arteries and the veins. Increase in sugar in the blood has the most debilitating effect on the kidneys. The function of the kidneys is severely affected and leads to a complete loss of functions of the kidney.

Natural Remedies for Type 2 Diabetes

There has been some very effective treatment for the Type 2 diabetes. Diabetes has to be controlled or else it will have a very debilitating effect on the body. If you are taking any medications l, it is important to inform the Doctor about the use of anti-diabetic herbs by you.

1) Ginseng

The North American Ginseng has been found to be very effective in the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and considerably controls the levels of blood sugar control and glycosylated hemoglobin.

2) Chromium and Magnesium

Chromium has a very big role in the formation of insulin and also plays an important role in the metabolism of carbohydrate and fat. Magnesium also plays a very important role in the fat and carbohydrate metabolism.  Magnesium has a role to play in more than 300 metabolic reaction of the body. Food containing Magnesium and Chromium include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains and in nutritional supplements.

Arthritis in its literal sense means irritation of joints. It is made up of two Greek words ‘Athron’ which means joints and ‘itis’ means inflammation. The human joint is a complex structure and is covered with a synovial membrane which releases a juice known as the synovial fluid. This fluid keeps the joints well lubricated and makes movements smoother and less gritty. However in arthritis this vital function of synovial membrane is interrupted. The joints start to crumble due to the lack of lubrication. The joints become swollen due to inflammation and soon lose their mobility. Arthritis is of two types Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is caused due to wear and tear due to old age, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is a more complex ailment and a number of other organs like muscles and tendons are also involved.

Symptoms of arthritis include pain and inflammation at the joints, cardiac ailments, anemia, colitis and constipation. Conventional treatment includes NSAID, Steroids and calcium supplements. However all these remedies are handicapped by the by the side effects which goes with the treatment. Regular consumption of steroids can cause a number of ailments like hypertension, kidney failure, retinopathy etc. The better alternative is to go for natural treatment which takes a longer time but is not handicapped by side effects.

Arthritis treatment by means of Potato Juice

This is a very old and very effective treatment. It basically envisages cutting a potato into thin slices without removing the skin and then putting it in a big glass filled with water. The mixture is left overnight and in the morning the water is decanted and drunk. This is one of the best remedies for arthritis.

Arthritis treatment with Other Raw Juices

Vegetable juices are basic and help to restore the pH of the body. 250 ml of green juice which has been extracted from green leafy vegetables, carrot, celery, and red beet root is a very good treatment for arthritis.

Natural medicines are often tried based on past experiences. Many may not be supported upon credible and scientific facts. However that does not mean that the natural remedy stated loses its reliability. People have been using natural remedies and herbal treatment for hundreds of years and the efficacy cannot be wished off. There is a great deal of reliability in most of the natural treatments knowledge of which has been given generation to generation.

Grapes have been known for its clinical and medicinal value for years. The human body is a very complicated machine and there are a number of metabolic reactions which take place in the body and a number of toxins are produced in the body. These toxins start collecting in the body and cause a number of diseases. Grape juice extracts have been used for ages to detoxify the body.

Grape juice extract has been found very useful in preventing heart ailments, varicose veins, bleeding piles, and atherosclerosis, edema caused by injury or surgical procedure, cerebral infarction. Grapes have laxative and carminative properties. Grape juice is a very good treatment for anemic women. Wine made of grapes is a very good appetizer and can be given to patients who have just recovered from a serious ailment.

Grape seed extracts also have a number of uses and this includes use in many chronic ailments such as Diabetes, aging skin, retinopathy, muscular atrophy associated with old age, cirrhosis, and rhinitis. Dried grape and raisins are very effective in liquefying the mucus and helping the expectoration of mucus.

Grape leaves also have a number of use such as fatigue syndrome and other mental states, heavy bleeding during periods, canker sores and uterine bleeding. Grape leaf extract can also be used as a vaginal douche since it has strong antibacterial properties.

Eczema is a chronic disease which has not been fully understood by the modern medicine practitioners. Eczema is caused by the over activity of the lower layers of the skin. There is a natural rate of skin formation, maturation and death. The dead skin cells are shed from the top layer of the skin. In eczema the rate of the cell formation and maturation is hastened. The top layer of the normal skin is made of dead skin. However in eczema living cells become exposed and it is seen as reddish patches which looks cosmetically very ugly.

The eczema can become infected by both fungal and bacterial strains. The fungal eczema is characterized by extreme itching while the bacterial eczema is characterized by fluid oozing out of the eczema. Steroids have been the mainstay of treatment of eczema and have to be used for infinite periods. However steroids are very harmful and should not be used for long periods.

Infant eczema is also a very common occurrence and the symptoms starts to appear only a few months after birth. Infant eczema often gets infected since the child scratches the affected site and it becomes infected by pathogens mostly bacteria and sometimes fungal. Eczema can also be precipitated by contact with certain fabrics. Such type of eczema is known as contact eczema. Housewife eczema is also very common and is caused due to the prolonged contact of the skin with detergent.

Herbal Medicines

• Boil a bucket of water with the bark of Neem or Margosa tree. Clean the affected part with this water to preempt any secondary pathogenic infection.
• Prepare a paste of Neem leaves and bark. Apply this paste on the affected part and let it dry before it is washed off.
• Neem Oil in the dosage of 2 to 4 drops in a cup of Milk should be taken for at least six months.

Muscles are an important component of the human body. Muscles are of different types. The muscles which are under our control are known as striated muscles. The other form of muscles is known as smooth muscles and they are also known as involuntary muscles since they are not under control. Muscles have got enormous capacitor of contraction and relaxation. Energy for contraction and relaxation and contraction need energy which is obtained by Glucose from the body. Both aerobic and anaerobic forms of respiration take place in the muscles.

Muscles have got enormous capability of contraction and relaxation. When the muscles become tired due to constant and prolonged use it can go into a spasm or cramps can occur. When the muscle gets cramped it becomes agonized and severe pain occurs which becomes excruciating and the muscle cannot be used.

Causes

Common causes of cramps can one or more than one of the following causes.

• Repeated and continuous stretching of the muscles beyond the capabilities of the person
• Shortage of fluids in the body
• Shortage of calcium and potassium in the body
• Sudden exposure to changes in weather
• Excessive exercise without proper warm-up
• Side effects due to certain medicines
• Excessive consumption of alcohol

Treatment

• Massage is the best treatment for the cramped muscles
• Alternate hot and cold compress helps to relax the cramped muscles
• Muscle relaxants both topical and oral can provide relief if the problem is severe
• Garlic oil prepared by heating 50 gms of garlic paste in 100 ml of mustard oil and applied on the affected part will give immediate relief from cramps and associated pain

Application of 50:50 mixtures of slaked lime and turmeric relieves inflammation and swelling associated with cramps

Measles is a viral ailment which normally occurs in children. The disease is very contagious and the attack gives immunity for life. Measles are caused by a virus and the disease is spread by coughing, sneezing or close physical contact. Since it is a virus attack, therefore it is obvious that only symptomatic relief can be provided since there are very few anti-viral and they are very expensive and has some serious side effects also.

The symptoms start appearing 7 to 14 days after the infection by the virus. The ailment starts as a mild fever which soon aggravates into running nose and sore, watery eyes. Often Measles is accompanied with cough and sore throat. One week post infection, rashes are formed all over the body. These rashes are small, round and red in color. The slowly spread all across the body and later these red spot lightens and turns into pink color.

Since measles is a viral disease there is little which can be done to stop it. However the symptoms can be controlled to a large extent. Viral infections take at least a week to resolve sometimes longer. Most Doctors prescribe anti-biotic as a precaution to prevent any opportunist infection which can attack the body in its distressed state.

Neem, lemon, tulsi and Turmeric, are the well-known remedies for measles. Turmeric contains circumin which has strong antiseptic and anti bacterial activities. Tulsi or Ocimum leaves are also a very good antiseptic and anti bacterial properties. A mixture of Tulsi and Turmeric mixed in equal proportion is a perfect remedy for measles. It not only reduces the severity of the diseases, but also considerably lowers the number of days of the infection.

Fresh Margosa or Neem leaves are crushed into a fine paste. This is mixed with turmeric and sandal wood and applied all over the body. Neem is an excellent antiseptic as well as anti pruritic properties and will ensure that there is minimum itching on the rashes which has formed on the body. Sandalwood would cool and soothe the rashes.

Goiter is a deficiency disease which is caused due to the deficiency of iodine in the diet. It is caused due to the enlargement of the Thyroid gland. Thyroid is an endocrine gland in the neck of the human body. The thyroid gland secretes a hormone which contains Iodine. When there is a deficiency in Iodine, the thyroid glands become enlarged to increase the absorption of the deficient iodine in the diet. The hormone which is released by the Thyroid glands is important for the growth of the body and the mind. Children who are deficit in Iodine suffer from irreparable physical and mental anomalies.

There are many causes which can precipitate an episode of Goiter. The major causes include-

• Deficiency of Iodine in diet
• Tumors or Malignancy of the Thyroid gland
• Use of certain medicines
• Pregnancy

The symptoms of Goiter vary from person to person. In children this may manifest as stunted growth and lack of IQ while in adults it can lead to the enlargement of the thyroids. This is visible as a large swelling on the neck. At times the thyroids swell so much and make swallowing and even breathing difficult.

Treatment

• Use of unpolished rice is beneficial in treating Goiter
• Use iodized salt
• Barley water is a very good source of Iodine and can be taken twice daily to prevent Goiter
• Cucumber is a good source of iodine and can be consumed daily raw

It has been seen that the soil conditions have a role to play in the incidence of Goiter. Goiter is also seldom seen in the coastal region, thus pointing that the consumption of sea food si one of the reasons for the prevention of Goiter. Enlarged thyroid glands are usually irreversible. Surgery can be resorted for cosmetic reasons.

The exact causes of Kidney stones or as a matter of fact, stones in different parts of the body is still not clear. However it is most prevalent in the central and the desert regions of Thar. One of the reasons for a high prevalence of stones in the kidneys is the high calcium content in the underground water sources in these regions.

The composition of the kidney stones is often varied and depends upon the region. However Calcium is an essential component in most stones. The stones are usually the organic salts of Calcium such as phosphates and oxalates. The calcium phosphate stones are usually formed after an episode of urinary tract infection. Persons suffering from metabolic disorders like Gout are particularly prone to kidney stones.

The size of the stones is also a very important since it will decide the method treatment. Smaller stones can be dissolved and removed from the urinary tract. Larger stones would have to be removed surgically.

One of the common causes of kidney stones is the failure of persons to drink sufficient quantity of water which can precipitate an episode of kidney stones.

Kidney stones give both types of symptoms. While some kidney stones are quite benign and hardly cause any discomfort, there are kidney stones which can cause excruciating pain. He pain can happen especially if there is a urinary tract infection.

Herbal Medicines

• One of the best treatments for kidney stones is coconut water. Coconut water is a very good natural diuretic and helps to flush out the kidney stones.
• Another very good natural diuretic is barley water which is also helpful in washing out the kidney stones.
• Water Melon has a high percentage of Potassium which induces dieresis which helps to flush out the kidney stones.
• Grate onions and extract the extract and eat it with a little amount of honey. It is one of the most ancient treatments for Kidney stones.
• Soda water is contains carbonic acid and it is very effective in removing the kidney stones.

Hypertension or blood pressure is one of the most common ailments which afflicts the rich and the poor alike and usually transcends the social barriers. Hypertension or High blood pressure can be caused by a number of factors.  Some of the factors include diet, hereditary, age and family history etc. Diet constitutes the most important causes of hypertension. The typical Indian diet is composed heavily of unsaturated oils which take a heavy toll on the vascular system of the human body. The arteries of the human body are the lifeline of the body with the arteries carrying oxygen and nutrient rich blood to different parts of the body. Any hindrance in this supply of blood will cause hypertension and many other related circulatory disorders. The faulty eating habits also ensure that the excess cholesterol is deposited on the arteries and this leads to a narrowing of the arteries leading to blood pressure.

Hypertension can be caused by a number of causes and the major causes are detailed below-

• Excessive consumption of Alcohol
• Renal ailments
• Pregnancy
• Hormonal imbalances
• Certain drugs such as contraceptive pills, steroids, pain-killers etc
• Sedentary life style

Herbal Medicines

• Diet plays a very important part in the management of hypertension. Along with diet there are a number of herbs which can have a very positive impact on the prognosis of hypertension. The common herbs which are beneficial in resolving hypertension is as follows-
• Crushed garlic mixed with buttermilk into a fine paste and taken with food is a very effective means of controlling Hypertension.
• Another very effective treatment is the consumption of Almond oil. The recommended dosage is one tsp daily with milk just before going to bed.

A salt restrictive diet is one of the best remedy for treating the symptoms of Hypertension.

It is one of the most chronic and debilitating diseases. The exact cause of cervical arthritis still remains a mystery. The skeletal system of humans is made up of more than 200 bones of varying sizes and shapes. The vertebral column is one of the most important set of bones since it joins the central nervous system with the nerves scattered over the body. The joints of the skeletal system are complex structures with the ends which articulate over one another being covered with a special membrane known as synovial membrane. This membrane releases a fluid which keeps the joint ends lubricated and helps to make the movement of the joints smooth and free.

With constant use the synovial membrane becomes degenerated and the movements of the join become painful and jittery. The vertebrae of the vertebral column are made of plate like structures interspersed with disc made of soft tough tissue. With constant use these discs gets prolapsed and bulged making neck and back movements extremely painful. Fast and unremitting desk job with long hours of driving all makes the situation more difficult.

The pain which radiates towards the neck and sometimes also to the back and the shoulders make normal chores impossible. The pain is excruciating and unbearable. NSAID’s and steroids are usually given. However the relief is short-lived and the pain returns with double force once the medication is stopped.

Boswellia Serrata extract also known as Sallaki(Made by Himalaya company) is one of the best treatment for chronic cervical spondylosis. Sallaki helps to control leucotreines which are often indicted as the precipitating factors of Cervical Spondylosis.

Wheat grass juice is also been effective in relieving the symptoms of cervical spondylosis. Wheatgrass is loaded with anti oxidants which have a role to play in numerous degenerative diseases like arthritis and Cervical Spondylosis.