Is insulin plant good for diabetes?

People with diabetes are often limited when it comes to food choices. They are picky eaters as a result of their condition. This can be very frustrating to them at times due to the limitations that they have, hence they end up facing some challenges. 

For example, the food they want to eat might not be available at their current location. Diabetic people take great care when it comes to issues relating to food. 

They ponder which food or fruit they can eat and the insulin plant is no exception to this. Diabetics wonder if the insulin plant is good for them or not.

In this article you will get to know more about the insulin plant, what it is, whether it is good for diabetes, and other health benefits that can aid people with diabetes.

Insulin plant

Costus igneus also known as the insulin plant is a medicinal plant that is very effective in treating diabetes. Consumption of the insulin plant lowers blood sugar levels and diabetes.

It is popularly referred to as the insulin plant in India because the leaves build up insulin in the human body by strengthening beta cells in the Pancreas.

Diabetes is a condition resulting from the body’s inability to produce enough insulin resulting in too much sugar in the body. The leaves of the insulin plant are filled with corosolic acid which is highly beneficial when it comes to regulating diabetes. Corosolic acid encourages insulin production, therefore controls hyperglycemia in the blood.

Also, when dried, the leaves are used for Ayurvedic medicine (A system of medicine that emphasizes good health and prevention and treatment of illness through lifestyle practices (such as massage, meditation, yoga, and dietary changes) and the use of herbal remedies.

This system of medicine has been used by the people of India for over 5000 years. The leaves of the insulin plant are not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.

Is the insulin plant good for diabetes?

The insulin plant is good for both type 1 and types 2 diabetes because insulin suppresses and metabolizes sugar in the blood.

What are the side effects of the insulin plant?

Though the insulin plant is a medicinal plant, it does have some side effects. Some of the side effects include: Excessive intake of the insulin plant can result in a serious drop in blood sugar, dizziness, fatigue, pale skin, excessive sweating, seizure, twitching muscles, loss of consciousness, etc.

How to use insulin plant leaves for diabetes

You can use insulin plant leaves for diabetes by first cutting them into smaller pieces. After cutting them into smaller pieces, you grind them into powder form. In its powder form, there is no need to add anything (For example sugar, salt, etc.). This powder can also be used to make tea.

How to grow insulin plant

Below are the steps you can use to grow an insulin plant

Suitable environment 

To keep the plant alive and healthy, it must be stored in a location where there is ample sunlight but with partial shade. The insulin plant requires moisture both in the air and soil so it is recommended to store the plant near water. 

Depth of hole

The insulin plant does not require you to dig deep when planting. A range of 2 to 3 inches of depth is enough when digging to plant the costus Igneus

Soil of good quality

One advantage of this plant is that it can adjust to a variety of soil textures and quality. If the soil texture is loamy, acidic, clay sand, etc. the insulin plant can adjust to it. However, the plant thrives best when the soil is of good quality. You can also add compost and fertilizers to make the soil more effectively.

Winter preservation

Scatter wood chips and other forms of organic mulch around the plant. This is to ensure that the plant is kept alive during the winter. Also, overwatering the plant should not be encouraged during the winter season. The plant thrives best in temperatures ranging from 35 degrees to 45 degrees.

How to eat insulin plant

One method of eating the insulin plant is to first dry the leaves in the shade after plucking them. Then you grind the leaves into a powder form. The powder should be consumed daily (one tablespoon).

Another method on how to eat the insulin plant is to just chew the leaves. Make sure to wash the leaves first to clear off any impurities. Doctors recommend chewing the leaf of this plant daily for one month to see the results in sugar levels.

Where to buy insulin plant powder

You can purchase insulin plant powder directly from nurseries. Insulin plant powder can also be acquired on popular e-commerce sites like amazon. You can also get one from local plant sellers.

How to make insulin plant tea

To make tea from the insulin plant

• Take a glass of water 
• Then boil it
• Add one teaspoon of the insulin powder to the water (boiled) 
• Boil for 2 mins
• Do not add sugar or any ingredients
• Ready to drink

Basic information on Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a metabolic disease that results in too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas receives a signal to release insulin. Insulin allows the blood sugar into your body’s cells for use as energy.

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, it means your body cannot make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin to its maximum capacity. When there is not enough insulin, blood sugar accumulates in your bloodstream and with time can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

A cure for diabetes is not available at the moment but losing weight, eating healthy food, and being active can help manage this condition. A person diagnosed with diabetes is called a diabetic.

Types of diabetes

Type 1 diabetes

Another type of diabetes is known for requiring a daily dose of insulin. Caused as a result of insufficient insulin production in the body. This type of diabetes can cause too much excretion of urine, thirst, constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue.

Type 2 diabetes

This type of diabetes results from the body’s inadequate use of insulin. Excess body weight (obesity) and physical inactivity can be caused by this type of diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth. It can happen at any stage of pregnancy but is more common in the second or third trimester.

Pregnant women or women with gestational diabetes face an increased risk of complications during pregnancy and at delivery. These women and their children are also at increased risk of type 2 diabetes in the future.