In This Guide

Madhumeha: Managing Diabetes the Ayurvedic Way
Diabetes is described as Madhumeha (Sweet Urine) in Ayurveda, classified under 20 types of Prameha (Urinary disorders). It is primarily a disease of excess Kapha and fat (Meda).
Why does it happen?
Charaka Samhita (the ancient text) explicitly states the cause: "Asyapakhya" (Sitting too much) and "Dadhi Navanna" (Excess intake of curd, sweets, and new grains).
The 3 Pillars of Treatment:
- Ahar (Diet): Reducing Kapha-aggravating foods.
- Vihar (Lifestyle): Increasing physical activity (Vyayama).
- Aushadhi (Medicine): Bitter and astringent herbs to reduce sugar.
Dr. Arti
B.A.M.S.
The Silent Sugar Spike
Top 4 Anti-Diabetic Herbs
Bitter taste (Tikta Rasa) is the antidote to sweetness. Almost all diabetic herbs are bitter.
1. Methi (Fenugreek)
Rich in soluble fiber 'galactomannan', it slows down the absorption of sugar in the blood.
2. Jamun Seeds
Often thrown away, the seeds contain 'Jamboline' which checks the conversion of starch into sugar.
3. Karela (Bitter Gourd)
Contains 'Charantin' and 'Polypeptide-p' (plant insulin). It mimics human insulin to lower blood sugar.
4. Nisha-Amalaki
A classic combination of Turmeric (Nisha) and Amla. Turmeric prevents inflammation of the pancreas, while Amla repairs cells.
The Diabetic Plate
Glycemic Index Rules
Lifestyle Hacks
- The 1000 Step Rule: Never sit or sleep immediately after meals. Walk 1000 steps (Shatapavali) to help blood sugar uptake by muscles.
- Dry Friction Massage (Udvartana): Rub herbal powders on the body instead of oil. This reduces subcutaneous fat and improves insulin sensitivity.
- Sleep Early: Staying awake late at night increases stress hormones which spike blood sugar the next morning.
"I was told I'd be on pills forever. I started Nisha-Amalaki and walked 5000 steps daily. My doctor was shocked at my 3-month report."
Key Result
Reduced to 6.4 (No Meds)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is fruit sugar (Fructose) safe?
In moderation, yes. Whole fruits have fiber which blunts the spike. Fruit juices, however, are sugar bombs—avoid them completely.
Q: Can I eat rice?
Ayurveda recommends "Purana Shali" (Old Rice) stored for 1 year, as it becomes lighter. If you must eat rice, drain the starch water (Maad) completely, or switch to Brown/Red rice.
Q: Can diabetes be reversed?
Pre-diabetes and early Type-2 diabetes are reversible with strict dietary changes and weight loss. Chronic Type-2 can be well-managed. Type-1 cannot be reversed but management can be improved.
Take Control of Your Numbers
You are meant to enjoy the sweetness of life, not suffer from the sweetness of blood.
Scientific References & Sources
- Hypoglycemic effect of FenugreekView Study
- Momordica charantia (Karela) in diabetesView Study
Disclaimer: This content is medically reviewed by Dr. Arti (BAMS) but should not replace professional medical advice.
