One of the primary causes of death all over the world, Diabetes Mellitus or Madhumeha, is treated following different alternative medicinal methods. The treatment of Diabetes Mellitus is commonly done following the ancient medicines like Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Naturopathy, etc. Apart from these, different home remedies and dietary restrictions are also followed for curing diabetes. The patients are sometimes advised to practise various free hand exercises on a regular basis as well. All these medicinal methods are utilised along with the conventional treatment methods for getting relief from Diabetes Mellitus.

The traditional medicine, Ayurveda describes diabetes as a metabolic kapha type of disorder. According to Ayurveda, a diminished functioning of Agni leads to a tendency toward high blood sugar and causes diabetes. To treat diabetes, the Ayurvedic practitioners first modify the diet by eliminating sugar and simple carbohydrates and emphasising complex carbohydrates. Ayurveda limits the intake of protein and fat and since many diabetics have auto-antibodies, Ayurvedic practitioners initiate a cleansing programme. Panchakarma is most commonly used for serving this purpose. The Ayurvedic practitioners also use several herbal preparations for diabetics. The herbs that are used quite frequently in Ayurveda for treating diabetes include Shilajit, Gudmar Turmeric, Neem, Amalaki, Guggul, Aloe Vera, Bitter Melon, Triphala, Musta, Sandalwood, Lodhra, Ajwan, Gokshura, Vidanga, Guduchi, Haritaki, Chitrak, Karela, Fenugreek (Methi), Jambu, Bitter Gourd, Bilva, Dakhni Mirch (white pepper), Rose Apple, Arjuna, etc.

The Ayurvedic remedies like Vasanta Kusumakara, Chandraprabha Vati, Shilajita, Nyagrodadhi Churna, Vasantakusumakara Rasa, Shuddha Shilajit, Nag Bhasma, Haldi, Amalaki Churna, etc. are commonly used for treating Diabetes Mellitus or Madhumeha. The other Ayurvedic methods for curing diabetes include strenuous exercises, oil massage, steam, sitz or waist bath, sprinkling of water, ointment, etc. Apart from medications, taking morning and evening walk, doing Pranayama, etc. are helpful as well. The Yogic Asanas like Matsyendrasana, Sun Salutation, Peacock pose, Locust pose, Leg Lift, Chest-Knee pose, Easy Pose (Sukhasana), Half Spinal Twist (Ardha Matsyendrasana), Kapalabhati, Anuloma Viloma, etc. are also useful in checking diabetes.

In Homoeopathy, the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus or Madhumeha is done using various herbs and natural ingredients. Homoeopathy describes diabetes as a reflection of the body`s inability to function optimally. According to Homoeopathy, diabetes is an imbalance that results in the body`s incapacity to effectively utilise the insulin that it produces, or to produce sufficient insulin for its needs. Homoeopathy regulates sugar metabolism, along with the patient`s strict compliance to a proper diet and it also helps to resolve metabolic disturbances that lead to diabetes. Homoeopathy helps to stimulate the body`s self-healing powers to prevent health conditions related to diabetes like glaucoma, hardening of the liver, hypertension, depression, atherosclerosis, kidney failure, rheumatic processes, heart disease, etc. as well. The Homoeopathic remedies like Uranium nitrate, Phosphoric acid, Phosphorus, Lactic acid, Bryonia, Insulin, etc. are used quite commonly for treatment of Diabetes Mellitus or Madhumeha.

There are several home remedies available for effective treatment of Diabetes Mellitus or Madhumeha. The patients are first advised to take two tender leaves of neem and bilva as these are found quite helpful in reducing the blood sugar. After that, the patient is required to control the amount of food that the diabetic takes and if he is overweight, a strict regimen of diet is initiated to bring down the body weight. Dietary restrictions play a major role in treatment of diabetes. Once a patient is confirmed to have diabetes, he/she is required to restrict all sugary substances and food items containing carbohydrates. The food items like rice, potatoes, sugar, sugar cane and its juice, jaggery, sweet fruits, refined wheat flour, etc. are required to be taken with great care. It is also necessary to reduce fat intake, particularly the fat coming from ghee or butter.

Apart from avoiding intake of sweets, carbohydrates and dairy products, the patients are also advised to take more fresh vegetables and bitter herbs. The food items considered to be quite helpful in treatment of Diabetes Mellitus or Madhumeha include roasted or fried barley, corn flour, light, bitter vegetables, barley porridge, ghee, rice, and herbs like gokshura, Gudmar, Triphala, musta, cardamom, fenugreek, or coriander, mixed with honey, etc. Taking Triphala with Amalaki juice is also recommended for curing diabetes. Sometimes, the patients are advised to use dry ginger, cardamom and sandalwood in baths or take them orally. Gudmar is considered the best herb for digesting sugar in the pancreas.

Though diabetes is not completely curable most of the times, it can easily be controlled by following the above mentioned treatment methods. All the alternative medicinal methods have been proved to be quite effective in treatment of Diabetes Mellitus or Madhumeha. However, it is always better to take preventive actions rather than opting for curative actions. Following a well controlled dietary regimen, leading a healthy and active lifestyle and also doing a few free-hand exercises on a regular basis can help a lot in preventing Diabetes Mellitus.