Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation.
What can you do to help yourself if you have diabetes?
Both conventional medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) stress the importance of diet and exercise in controlling diabetes. A diet comprising of majorly vegetables with a regulated portion of complex carbohydrates is recommended. Simple sugars and carbohydrates should be kept in check; high fat and high meat diet is also to be avoided.
For TCM, herbal medicine and regular acupuncture are often used to help regulate the function of internal organs and control blood sugar. Although synergistic herbal prescriptions work best, some single herbs can also be used. Some common herbs used include:
- Bitter melon
- Aloe vera
- Asian ginseng
- American ginseng
- Siberian solomon’s seal
- Goji berry
Here is a simple formula that can be taken every day. It strengthens the organs, enhances energy, and helps to regulate blood sugar and blood lipid levels.
Ingredients:
- Siberian solomon’s seal (Huang Jing) 10g
- Goji berry (Gou Qi Zi) 6g
- Astragalus (Huang Qi) 6-10g
- American ginseng slices (Xi Yang Shen) 3g
Method:
Wash all ingredients. Cut Siberian solomon’s seal and astragalus into small pieces. Put in a large cup or glass flask and pour hot water. Cover for at least 5 minutes before drinking. The tea can be re-filled for another 2 times, after which the ingredients may be chewed and swallowed. This formula is not suitable if you have bloatedness, soft stool or diarrhoea.
Source: World Health Organisation
(by Tan Shiau Tse, TCM Physician, Copyright® HST Medical Pte Ltd)