All about the insulin plant for diabetes: what is it?
The Insulin plant scientifically known as the Costus Igneus Nak plant has a ton of nicknames. It is also known by its botanical name, Chamaecostus cuspidatus, and is native to South America. Costus is one of the most diverse members of the Costaceae family and is primarily found in tropical climates. It has an interesting etymology, as it was first discovered in Costa Rica, though now grows very densely in India
As we all know Diabetes is a disease in which the blood sugar (glucose) levels of the body go too high. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to give them energy and manage diabetes. Research has shown that the leaves of Costus igneus, the miraculous insulin plant, can help control diabetes. The chemical in the insulin leaves seems to reduce the spikes in blood sugar. Additionally, the plant leaves are rich in protein and nutrients like ascorbic acid, iron, carotene, and corosolic acid.
The Insulin plant for diabetes leaves is packed with protein, iron, and all the antioxidant goods you need to feel productive and get your blood sugar under control. The leaves of Costus igneus are filled with a chemical that has a positive effect on the body’s insulin levels. In other words, it lowers blood sugar. And those aren’t the only benefits. The different chemicals packed into this plant also have a variety of other benefits besides lowering blood sugar.
The various properties of insulin plants are
- Antioxidant: The use of the ethanolic root extract of the insulin plant rhizome at 200mg/kg body weight for a period of 30 days has shown excellent antioxidant properties. Diosgenin and quercetin are antioxidants, which are good for alleviating oxidative stress in the pancreas, liver, and kidney. It decreases glycolytic enzymes and controls gluconeogenesis in diabetic rats.
- Antimicrobial: The ethanolic extract isolated from the insulin plant has an average amount of antifungal and antibacterial properties; the methanolic extract has maximum inhibitory activity on the growth of tested microbes. The use of crude extracts suggests that different parts of the plant have different biological activities.
- Anti-cancer: The ethanolic extract of the insulin plant leaves is anti-cancer and anti-proliferative. It can reach in-vitro mammalian fibrosarcoma cells, so it has the potential to combat A549 and HT 29 cells.
- Anodyne: The insulin plant has a medicinal property that reduces the sensitivity of the nerves, meaning it causes less pain. To reduce the existing pain, people put on lotion from the leaves of this plant.
What are the various uses of the insulin plant?
The insulin plant is used to treat diabetes and other ailments. As the natural chemical present in it converts the sugar in our bodies to glycogen, it helps those who suffer from diabetes. Insulin plant leaves to improve the cholesterol levels of diabetic patients.
Some researchers have proved, with the presence of various pharmacological properties and phytochemicals, that this herb is as effective as insulin in regulating blood sugar levels. The insulin plant also has wonderful antioxidant properties. It helps reverse the oxidative stress of the liver, kidney, and pancreas caused due to diabetes.
Benefits of insulin plants
1. Insulin Plant for Diabetes
Insulin plants are beneficial for managing diabetes because they contain important ingredients – fructose and folic acid. This can regulate levels of blood sugar so the sufferer does not experience any health issues and is also protected from chronic diseases. These herb leaves are processed in many different ways, but the most effective way to manage diabetes is by drinking its tea twice a day.
2. Insulin Plant for high cholesterol
When you eat the leaves of the insulin plant, it will help reduce your blood sugar level. This is because the insulin plant has a high water content, which slows down how quickly glucose gets absorbed into the bloodstream. It also helps you assimilate food better and absorbs fat from your digestive system to lower your cholesterol intake.
3. Natural Prebiotic
The components of the insulin plant are good for the E-Coli bacteria which are good bacteria that grow in the gut. It helps with the smooth functioning of the digestive system and with the absorption of nutrients.
4. Maintain Kidney Health
Usually, problems with the kidneys start with a kidney infection. If not treated, the problem escalates to kidney stones and causes kidney dysfunction. If this happens, blood-washing is necessary for the rest of your life.
Insulin plants for diabetes and their side effects
At excessive doses of insulin in plant leaves, toxicity could occur. To avoid this, it is best to intake insulin plants in the appropriate amount and be monitored closely when taking them. It is also best to consult an expert before taking it.
People can consume the leaves of the insulin plant on a daily basis. Considering that the herb is not safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, consuming this herb as a potion prepared with insulin leaves, or as an extract is better.
The only side effects caused by eating too much are skin irritation, gastrointestinal discomfort, and hypoglycemia. For a complete cure, it is recommended to chew one or two leaves of the insulin plant after meals for a month.
How to consume insulin plant leaves?
There are several factors in determining the amount of insulin dose. Many people need two times the dose each day. Insulin leaves are not recommended for children, and many other people benefit from consulting with a pharmacist or doctor before taking an alternative option. The different processes for taking insulin in plant leaves are:
- Getting Liquid Extract.
- Tea
- Powdered form
- Capsule
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. what are the health benefits of the insulin plant?
Ans. The natural chemical found in this plant converts the sugar of the human body into glycogen, which helps those suffering from diabetes. The insulin plant is also used to treat ailments like coughs, colds, skin infections, eye infections, lung disease, asthma, and uterine contraction among others.
Q2. where can I find the insulin plant?
Ans. This plant is seen mostly in American countries and also is seen in southern India.
Q3. when is the best time to eat the insulin plant?
Ans. You need to chew two leaves and take them with water in the morning and evening for the entire first week. For the second week, you need to take one leaf in the morning and evening, which should be maintained for 30 days.