Misai Kucing
Botanical name : Orthosiphon stamineus benth. Known as misai kuching (cat’s whiskers) here, or kumis kuching in Indonesia, this herb is popular with many Southesast Asians. for centuries, they have been brewing and drindking misai kucing, also known as Jawa tea or kideny tea. this medicinal herb has been used traditionally for treating diabetes, gout, rheumatism, atherosclerosis and hypertenstion.
Bitter Goud
Latin name : Momordica charantia. Like in Filipinos, most Malaysians know this plant well. Apart from making a great dish, it is good for diabetics. Oral consumption or juicing of the fruit has been recommended for its hypoglycemic effects on blood sugar. Studies are being done on the seed of the bitter goud on its effects on blood sugar levels.
Gymnema
Latin name : Gymnema sylvestre. Gymnema has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes. It has been shown to reduce blood glocose and help in hyperglycaemia, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, anaemia and digestion problems. Besides that, the leaves are also used to cub ’sweet tooth’. when chewed, it kills the ability to taste sugar for a few hours.
Indian Kino Tree
Latin name : Pterocarpus marsupium. Originally from India, the kin tree is also nown as bijaka, malabar kino, banga or venkai. This plan, popularly used as an Ayurvedic ingredient, contains an active ingredient known as epicatechin, which mimics insulin action. It also has the capacity to reduce glucose absorption form the gastrointestinal tract. The Indian kino tree has been used traditionally for diabetic management, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Quote from HealthToday (November 2007) by Nutritionist Grace Kang, reviews some traditional herbal therapies for diabities.
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