Treatment of Diabetes in Unani Medicine

Diabetes or high blood sugar is a health condition where human body does not control the quantum of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. If not controlled, the high glucose levels will lead to the serious damage of vital organs like kidneys, heart, nerves, blood vessels, etc. In this article we will discuss how to control diabetes using the Unani treatment.

Types of Diabetes:

Diabetes is classified into 2 categories– Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. When the human body is unable to produce the hormone insulin is termed as Type 1 diabetes. Whereas when the body is unable to use hormone insulin efficiently, it is known as Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes in Unani Medicine:

The word diabetes mellitus is originated from the Greek word Diabanmo which means siphon. Whereas the Latin word mellitus means honeyed or sweet. It is highlighted by signs like enhanced thirst, frequent urination, occurrence of sugar in urine, increased appetite, gradual loss of body weight, etc. The Unani system of medicine (USM) uses the term Ziabetus for diabetes, whereas diabetes mellitus is known by the name of Ziabetus Shakri.

Unani system of medicine says that Ziabetus is caused by anxiety, strain, stress and tension (Infaalat-e-Nafsania). Another major cause of diabetes is excessive consumption of alcohol, obesity, and physical inactivity.

Treatment of Diabetes in Unani System of Medicine:

Diabetes or Ziabetus is a lifestyle disease that can be managed by the lifestyle correction. If a patient corrects his/her lifestyle or maintain balance in the six essential factors (Asbab e Sitta Zarooriyah), then diabetes can be easily managed. But in today’s mechanical life, where nothing is certain, lifestyle correction is not everybody’s cup of tea. Hence, there are multiple Unani formulations that can help treat Diabetes or Ziabetus.

Unani Drugs:

Note: Diabetes is a complex medical condition so don’t use any medical treatment on your own.

Below is the list of single used Unani drugs that are prescribed by Unani medicine practitioners.

  • Magze Tukhme Jamun: The seed of jamun fruit is quite helpful in diabetes management. You just need to take out the seeds, dry them and make it into a powder form. Drink everyday by mixing 5-10 gram of jamun seed powder with water.
  • Karela: You can eat it in the vegetable form or in the form of juice.
  • Neem: The tender bark as well as leaves of the neem tree can be consumed for diabetes management.
  • Fenugreek seeds: A daily dose of 10 grams of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water may help control type 2 diabetes.
  • Bael leaves: Consumption of 4-5 bael leaves every morning on an empty stomach helps control diabetes.
  • Kalonji: Kalonji seeds, oil and powder help immensely in managing blood sugar levels. Consume 1-4 grams every day for the best results.
  • Gurmar booti: Renowned for its exceptional medicinal properties, the gurmar booti could lead to blood sugar reduction. Consume half a teaspoon a day of gurmar powder for diabetes control.
  • Giloy: Giloy also acts as a hypoglycaemic agent that helps manage diabetes well.

Unani Drug Formulation:

1. Qurs Gulnar 2 BD with meal with water.

2. Tab. Dulabi 2 BD(Hamdard) with water.

3. Cap diabetic 2 BD(Hamdard) with water.

4. Safoof Aijaz 5 gm BD with water (New Shama)

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why select Unani Medicine for Diabetes Management?

Unani medicines are extremely beneficial in diabetes management. As we all are aware of the fact that diabetes is a lifestyle disease, a managed diet followed by Unani medicines can help bring down the blood glucose level to a great extent. Always consult a certified Unani practitioner before starting medication. Never start the treatment on your own. It is a strict no-no for self-medication.  

What steps are prescribed by the Unani Practitioners to Treat Diabetes?

First and foremost, we need to check our diet. A healthy diet is mandatory for the diabetes management. Eat fresh vegetables and whole grain wheat. You need to drink plenty of water as it helps flushing out excess glucose from the blood. Don’t be afraid of frequent urination. Go for a morning walk at least for half an hour. Walking 30 minutes post evening meal is also quite helpful. Consult a qualified Unani practitioner for medical prescription.

What are the different Unani formulations for the diabetes management?

We must not compromise on the health front. Diabetes is a silent killer as it affects the vital organs like Kidneys, Heart, Veins and Liver. Take an appointment with the qualified Unani practitioner for proper prescription. Religiously work on correcting your lifestyle. If you are able to correct your lifestyle then you win the half battle against the diabetes. There are many formulations available in Unani medicine system like Qurs Gulnar, Tab. Dulabi, Safoof Aijaz, and others. Don’t start self-medication, always take medicines after consultation.

How Unani Medicines Can Help Treat Diabetes?

Based on herbal formulations, the Unani medicines are quite helpful in treating lifestyle many lifestyle diseases including the diabetes. Unani medicines formulated using karela bark, neem leaves, jamum seed and other herbs are quite effective and helpful in treating diabetes.

Are there any myths associated with diabetes?

There are lots of myths associated with this popular lifestyle disease. Touted by some as a disease impacting the affluent class, diabetes in fact is affecting people from all walks of life and ages. The reason being why it is referred as a disease of rich people is because of the fact that only educated masses, who can afford a good health practitioner, were first declared as infected with diabetes.

Conclusion:

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease that can be controlled and managed using diet control and lifestyle correction. Medicines prescribed by medics including the Unani practitioners are also quite helpful in diabetes control and management. Even though lot of advancement has been made in medical sciences to treat diabetes. But, still a large chunk of population living in developing countries including India is unaware of this lifestyle disease. Therefore, the need of the hour is to educate the masses regarding diabetes, its prevention and control using various tools like social media, traditional media and mass media.

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