According to the National Institutes of Health, over 30 million people in the United States have diabetes.
Of those people, around 7 million rely on insulin to manage their diabetes. Even with this medication, managing diabetes can be difficult and expensive. As a result, people with diabetes are always looking for new ways to manage their disease. Recently, there has been interest in using insulin plants for diabetes.
But does it work, and can it be used to treat diabetes naturally?
This article will discuss everything related to insulin plants for diabetes.
The insulin plant has been around for centuries. Some evidence suggests that it does help with diabetes, but more research is needed. The insulin plant works by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. It works best with other treatments, such as diet and exercise.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin to process the sugar in your blood, or the insulin produced doesn’t work properly.
This can cause your blood sugar levels to become too high. Type 2 diabetes, the most common form, is often caused by genetic and lifestyle factors.
Types of Diabetes
There are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes, formerly called juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the body produces little or no insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, formerly called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the body doesn’t use insulin properly.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes. About 95 percent of people with diabetes have type 2 diabetes in the United States.
Type 2 diabetes usually develops slowly; the symptoms can be so mild that you might not notice them. But, over time, the condition can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation (removal of a body part, such as a foot or leg, because of damage from diabetes).
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone that helps the body to control blood sugar levels. The pancreas produces it, and it helps to convert sugar into glycogen, which is then stored in the liver and muscles. When blood sugar levels are high, insulin is released into the bloodstream and cures the condition by helping to lower the levels.
In other words, insulin is a hormone that helps the body process sugar. It is made in the pancreas and released into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels rise. Insulin helps the body use glucose for energy or store it for future use.
What is an Insulin Plant?
Costus Igneus, commonly known as the insulin plant, is a perennial herb used to treat diabetes for centuries. The plant belongs to the family Costaceae and is an herbaceous plant.
Costus igneus Nak (syn. Costus pictus D. Don, Costus mexicanus or Costus congenitus), also known as fiery costus, step ladder, spiral flag, or insulin plant. Insulin plant is native to South and Central America. With over 150 species, Costus is the family’s largest and is predominantly found in tropical regions.
It was not too long ago introduced to India as a herbal treatment for diabetes, hence the name ‘insulin plant.’ The insulin plant in India is frequently cultivated in South Indian gardens as a decorative plant and grows wild in many locations in India.
In India, it is used to manage diabetes, and it is known that people with diabetes should consume one to two leaves of insulin plant daily to maintain normal blood glucose levels. The tribal inhabitants of Kolli hills in Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, India, were reported to use C. igneus leaves to treat diabetes effectively.
The plant has long been used in Ayurveda to treat diabetes. The insulin plant leaves are rich in a compound called gurmarin, which is thought to have anti-diabetic properties.
Insulin plants can now be found in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Insulin plants are typically around 1-2 meters tall and have large, green leaves. The plants produce yellow flowers and a fruit that looks like a small, yellow-orange berry.
What’s interesting about insulin plants is that they contain insulin.
What Are the Benefits of Insulin Plants for Diabetes?
The insulin plant is a wonder plant that has been used to control blood sugar levels in diabetes for centuries.
The insulin plant is known to contain insulin. The leaves of the plant are rich in corosolic acid, which is known to help control blood sugar levels. The plant is also known to help control insulin resistance. The leaves of the plant are used to make a powder, which is then consumed. The powder is known to help lower blood sugar levels.
Insulin Leaves: Nutritional Value
The leaves of Costus igneus plant are rich sources of various nutrients, including protein, iron, and antioxidant components such as ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, triterpinoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids.
It is believed that the primary components responsible for the hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects of the Insulin plant are the triterpenoids, which include corosolic acid, alpha-amyrin, and beta-amyrin.
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Can the Insulin Plant Help Control Diabetes?
When it comes to managing diabetes, insulin is a hormone that plays a very important role. The pancreas produces it and is responsible for converting sugar into glycogen, which is then stored in the liver and muscles. When the body cannot produce insulin, insufficient insulin, or the body cannot use it properly, blood sugar levels rise, leading to type 2 diabetes.
Many plants are known to help control blood sugar levels; one is the insulin plant or Costus igneus.
The leaves of this plant are what contain the insulin, and it is these leaves that are used to help control blood sugar levels. The leaves are believed to work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. The leaves can be consumed fresh, dried, or ground into a powder and then taken with a glass of water.
The insulin plant contains gurmarin, which is thought to work by inhibiting glucose absorption in the intestine, leading to lower blood sugar levels. Several studies have been conducted on the insulin plant and its effect on diabetes, but the results have been mixed.
Some studies have found that the plant can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, while others have not found any significant effect.
However, the plant is safe to consume, and there are no known side effects.
Many people living with diabetes have found that regularly consuming the leaves helped them control their blood sugar levels. The leaves have also been found to help reduction in fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels.
Many studies have been conducted on the insulin plant leaves, and it has been proven that the leaves help lower blood sugar levels. The leaves have also been found to help reduce insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.
The insulin plant leaves have also been found to help reduce postprandial blood sugar levels. The leaves can be consumed fresh, dried, or ground into a powder and then taken with water.
Many people living with diabetes have found that the regular consumption of the insulin plant leaves has helped them control and lower blood glucose levels.
Insulin Plant Antioxidant Properties
Recent studies have shown that insulin also has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and lead to inflammation.
The researchers found that insulin protects cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals. This discovery could lead to new treatments for diabetes and other conditions characterized by cell damage and inflammation.
How Can Insulin Plant Leaves Be Used to Treat Diabetes?
If you’re interested in using insulin plants to help manage your diabetes, there are a few different ways you can do so.
One of the most popular ways to use insulin plants is to make tea. To do this, you can grind up the plant’s dried leaves and add them to a cup of boiling water. Let the tea steep for 10 minutes, then strain it and drink.
In India, they are grown in home gardens, dry the leaves, and store them for later use. You can also take insulin plant supplements. These are typically available in capsule or tablet form.
When consuming the dried plant, starting with a small dose and increasing gradually as needed is important.
Available Forms of Insulin Plant for Human Consumption
1. Insulin Plant Leaf.
2. The Insulin Plant Tea.
3. The Insulin Plant Powder.
4. The Insulin Plant Capsules.
Best Time to Consume Insulin Leaves
The insulin plant leaves can be consumed fresh, dried, or ground into a powder and then taken with water. It is recommended that the leaves be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning and then again in the evening before bedtime. As a remedy for diabetes, It is also recommended that the leaves be consumed every day for a month regularly to see the best results.
Is Insulin Plant for Diabetes Safe?
The insulin plant is a safe and effective treatment for diabetes. The plant is safe for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The plant is also known to be safe for both pregnant and lactating women.
What Are the Risks of Over-Consumption of the Insulin Leaves?
There is a risk of over-consumption of insulin leaves. If the leaves are consumed in large quantities, it can lead to insulin resistance. This can be dangerous for people who are suffering from diabetes.
It is important to note that the consumption of insulin plant leaves should be done in moderation. If you are a diabetic, consult your doctor before consuming the insulin plant leaves.
Fresh insulin leaves (two leaves are enough) or 10 to 15 g of powdered dried insulin leaves may be consumed daily.
Other Health Benefits of the Insulin Plant
The insulin plant has many other health benefits besides its hypoglycemic effect. The plant is a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. It can treat arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions.
The insulin plant is also used as an immunostimulant, meaning it helps to boost the immune system. This can help treat colds and flu. The plant’s antibacterial properties make it useful in treating wounds and skin infections. Typically, these medicinal properties of the insulin plant have earned its name as a “wonder plant.”
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Where to Buy Insulin Plant?
The insulin plant can be purchased from many online retailers. However, purchasing from a reputable source is important to ensure the plant is safe to consume. The plant should be dried before consumption, as fresh plants can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
How Does an Insulin Plant Grow?
The insulin plant is quite easy to grow. The plant does not require much care and can be grown in moderate soil quality.
It is easy to grow insulin plants at home.
The spiral flag can also be grown in full sun or partial shade. It requires rich, moist soil and is typically planted near water. The plant can be propagated by dividing the clumps and seeds, taking cuttings, or separating the offsets or plantlets beneath the flower heads.
Risks and Side Effects of Insulin Plant?
Insulin plants are generally considered safe and have few side effects. However, talking to your doctor before taking supplements is important, as they may interact with your other medications.
It’s also important to note that insulin plants may only suit some.
Final Thoughts
The insulin plant leaves are a potentially very effective diabetes treatment. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety. If you consider using this plant to treat your diabetes, speak with your healthcare provider first.
FAQs | Does Insulin Plant Really Work in Curing Diabetes?
How Do I Take the Insulin Plant Leaf Powder?
You can take insulin plant leaf powder in a few different ways. One way is to mix it with water and drink it like tea. Another way is to mix it with food or a smoothie. You can also take it in capsule form.
Why is the Insulin Plant Leaf Powder Taste So Bitter?
The bitterness of the insulin plant leaf powder is due to alkaloids. Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that contain nitrogen and are often bitter. Some examples of alkaloids include caffeine, nicotine, and quinine. The bitter taste of alkaloids is a defense mechanism to deter animals from eating them.
Should I Take Insulin Plant Leaf Powder Over the Capsules?
It depends on the individual’s specific situation. However, taking insulin plant leaf powder in capsule form is generally more effective than taking the powder directly. This is because the capsules help protect the insulin plant leaf powder from being broken down by stomach acids, reducing its effectiveness.
Can I Take Insulin Plant With My Blood Sugar Medication?
There is limited research on the matter. However, it is generally advised that people with diabetes consult a healthcare professional before taking new supplements, including insulin plant leaves. This is because insulin plant leaves may interact with blood sugar medications and cause potentially harmful side effects. Therefore, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid taking insulin plant leaves with blood sugar medications.
Sources
- Phablecare: All You Need to Know About Insulin Plant for Diabetes
- NCBI: Effect of the insulin plant (Costus igneus) leaves on dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia
- Flower Aura: How To Grow Insulin Plants At Home To Cure Diabetes
- SUGAR MDs: Insulin Plant For Diabetes – Are There Insulin Plant Side Effects?
- Plantlet: Insulin Plant: Our Home Remedy for Diabetes
- JCDR: Blood glucose, Diabetes, insulin plant leaves
- Times Now: Chew leaves of the Insulin plant to control blood sugar, keep diabetes in check
Featured photo by Rajalakshmi Elango (Registered under creative commons)
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