Diabetes is a growing concern in the world, with an estimated 30.3 million Americans suffering from it. What’s worse is that about 84.1 million Americans are thought to have prediabetes, which means their blood sugar levels are high enough to pose a risk of diabetes.1 Over time, high blood sugar can cause a range of problems from heart disease and eye problems to kidney disease and nerve damage.
So what can you do to deal with diabetes? Conventionally, medication to lower your blood sugar, insulin treatment, as well as lifestyle changes like having a healthy diet and exercising regularly are recommended to help manage this condition. Natural and alternative remedies can be used to fight diabetes as well. For instance, homeopathy, an alternative medical system that originated in Germany over 200 years ago, offers many solutions for dealing with diabetes.2 Here’s a detailed look at what homeopathy recommends.3 4
Homeopathic Treatment Is Tailored To The Individual
In a departure from conventional medicine, homeopathy uses a process known as “individualization” for treatment. According to this concept, a homeopathic doctor will first draw a detailed pathophysiological profile of the patient and then select a remedy based on that. They take a detailed history covering various factors like individual preferences, emotions, family history, sleep habits, and the way a person reacts mentally as well as physically to things. In other words, homeopathy treats the patient not the disease. And since treatments are tailored for each individual, different people suffering from the same medical condition may be prescribed different treatments.
There is some scientific evidence that individualized homeopathic treatment can be a helpful supplement to conventional treatment for people suffering from diabetes. One study found that it was associated with improved glycemic control when compared with the use of standard conventional treatment alone. However, it’s important to consult with a homeopathic doctor before adopting homeopathic remedies so that an appropriate treatment plan can be tailored to suit you individually.5
Jambol Seeds, Uranium Nitricum, And Insulinum To Control Blood Sugar
Homeopathy offers various remedies aimed at controlling your blood sugar levels.6
Jambol seeds (Syzygium) are usually given in a mother tincture to control blood sugar levels. Animal studies have shown that it improves the action of insulin by activating insulin signaling molecules.7
Uranium nitricum, a salt, is another medicinal preparation recommended for diabetics in homeopathy. It is used when people experience increased urination, excess sugar in the urine (glycosuria), excessive thirst, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of sexual power, and increased appetite. It is said to lower glucose levels and reduce urination.
Insulinum, a solution of an active compound from the pancreas that can affect the metabolism of glucose, is also used to treat diabetes in homeopathy. It helps restore your ability to store glycogen in your liver and oxidize carbohydrates. This remedy is typically recommended by homeopathic doctors when diabetics have skin problems like boils, itchy eczema that’s persistent, or varicose ulceration. It helps keep your blood glucose at normal levels.8 9
Other medicines or a combination of medicines may also be prescribed by your homeopathic doctor for dealing with high blood sugar levels.
Conium, Plumbum, And Calendula For Neuropathy
Nerve damage or neuropathy is a common complication that develops in people with diabetes. And it’s estimated that around 60–70% of those with diabetes suffer from neuropathy in some form.10 This can be quite dangerous as nerve damage can stop you from feeling minor injuries like blisters. These may then go untreated and become infected ulcers. Homeopathy offers helpful remedies here.
[pullquote]It’s important to remember that homeopathy should be used as a supplementary treatment here. Conventional treatment like the use of antibiotics may still be essential to prevent the development of gangrene.[/pullquote]
Conium (hemlock) is used to treat the numbness that occurs with neuropathy. This remedy is particularly useful if you also have weakness of the mind and body and trouble walking due to weakness, trembling, and dizziness.
Plumbum (lead) may be used if you experience hypersensitivity and neuralgic pain along with numbness. The pain may improve with rubbing and worsen during the night.
Calendula (marigold) can be used as a lotion to heal infected ulcers. Your doctor may also prescribe the oral use of this healing plant.11 12
Helonias And Kreosotum For Diabetes-Linked Thrush
Recurring thrush is another problem that diabetics have to contend with. Controlling your blood sugar levels can help reduce instances of this fungal infection. Some homeopathic remedies can also aid the process.
Helonias (unicorn root) may be recommended if you have profuse, creamy, thick discharge as well as extreme itching as a result of this infection.
Kreosotum (wood tar) may be advised if you have a yellowish, smelly discharge accompanied by itching.
Healthy Diet And Exercise To Prevent And Manage Diabetes
Like conventional medicine, homeopathy recognizes that a healthy diet and regular exercise can go a long way in managing your blood sugar levels. Some helpful tips in this regard are:
Have smaller meals more frequently. Instead of having 3 large meals consume small meals with a gap of 2 to 3 hours in between.
Reduce your intake of fatty foods, sugar, and alcohol. Have fiber-rich pulses, whole grains, and vegetables and reduce the amount of sugar and fat you consume. Try steaming your vegetables instead of frying them to cut down on oil.
Get half an hour of exercise in a day. But keep in mind that you don’t need to keep aside a large block of time to get your daily quota of exercise. Take short breaks from desk work and go for a walk. Take the stairs instead of the elevator and start ticking items off your household chore list to remain physically active.
Homeopathy Does Not Have A Substitute For Insulin Injections
Homeopathic remedies may not be suitable for everybody who has diabetes. Some people with diabetes may require insulin injections to control their blood sugar. This is usually the case for those who suffer from type 1 diabetes. In this autoimmune form of diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys healthy cells in the pancreas and makes it unable to produce insulin. It is important to remember that homeopathy does not offer a substitute for insulin.
Also, do keep in mind that you shouldn’t stop conventional medicines prescribed by your doctor without their go-ahead. In some cases, your doctor may recommend continuing conventional medicines that treat high blood sugar and using homeopathic remedies as a supplementary treatment.13 14
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