ANCILLARY DRUGS FOR DIABETES

by Dr Philip Andrew

10% of the whole U.K. health budget is spent on treatment for diabetes. 40
years ago in the UK most people were at the appropriate weight and not
obese, but since that time the U.K. have, unfortunately, caught up with the
Americans. Diabetes is caused by a lack of the hormone insulin and is a
disease of the metabolism. It is a failure of the beta cells in the Islets of
Langerhans in the Pancreas gland. Insulin controls the way that our body is
able to control and seperate sugars for direct use, storage, energy source, or
elimination. It is an extremely dangerous condition that can lead to organ
failures, blindness and amputations - and of course premature death. In
consideration of the type 2 diabetes which can at times be diet controlled
(non-insulin dependent), we can look at the ancillary medicines.

BITTER GOURD (OR BITTER CUCUMBER) is outstanding in lowering

and controlling the blood sugar level. 'Karela' is very popular in the support
against this disease and is well proven remedy. Intereestingly, Ayurveda
recommends the daily use of this vegetable also because it has a natural
occuring plant insulin in it's composition and therapeutic action. The person
with the high blood sugar can take the two capsules twice daily with water
on an empty stomach. Alternatively if taking the fresh whole ingredient of
the vegetable, use the juice of two whole fresh karelas which is 20mls, again
on an empty stomach in the morning, on a daily basis. It is a most
efficacious remedy and chemical free unlike the western medicines.
FENUGREEK seeds are an additional excellent alternative in the control of
diabetes.We know that it is effective in decreasing the serum cholesterol and
triglcerides seperate to the sugar itself. We can add this item to the chapatis
(bread) and need to eat 25gm each day . Another interesting ancillary
medicine is the BLACK BERRY which is also commonly known as Kala
jamun. Extensively used in Ayurveda and other medicine systems, it's bark,
fruit and seeds are efficacious. It shall be the inner-bark of the jamun tree
that we must use.

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

PHALA GHRITAM is an excellent choice medication for the female

experiencing sterility problems, that is if the damage is purely functional and
NOT structural in nature. It is recommended that she ingest 5gm of this
medicated ghee, mixed well up in a cup of hot milk o.d. mane. Now in terms
of treatment for FRIGIDITY then a medicine of choice is
ASHWAGANDHA LEHYAM. Ashwagandha is a favoured nervine, tonic
and anti-stressor and is a good aid for both the partners. It promotes the
sexual interest in both the partners affected and can consequently hold a
rocky marriage together if this was a factor attributable or partially
attributable to the cause. The patient should be advised to ingest
teaspoonfuls of this medicine, which is semi-solid, bds with a cup of warm
milk.

PAIN RELIEF

A short note on LAVANGA - Syzgium aromaticum which is a most effective

ancillary drug. It is so effective that it can be purchased in most U.K.
chemists stores. It's chief actions are as an antispasmodic to relieve griping
and colic pain, as a stimulant, and also as a carminative. Because it is such a
powerful drug we must clearly differentiate both it's internal or external uses
as seperate. In EXTERNAL use it is considered excellent for toothache. The
Clove oil is applied dipped in cotton wool direct to the teeth and gums where
the pain arises. In headaches and colds, the clove is applied as a paste onto
the forehead and sometimes the crown of the head. Likewise the oil of the
clove may be applied in the relief of sciatica, painful arthritis, or any similar
musculo-skeletal pain, being careful to avoid the sensitive skin areas. For
consideration of INTERNAL use it may be employed for flatulence,
breathing disorders, choking and coughing, hperacidity, colic pain, vomiting,
and in burning or painful urination. Use the cooled water boiled from the
cloves. In the patient with a fever we can use the same decoction too.