Did you know that the World Health Organization estimates that around 422 million people world-over suffer from diabetes today? But the scariest part is how diabetes has emerged as a ‘normal, almost expected’ disease among people across different ages and varying lifestyles. It does not need to be so. Luckily, we have natural and organic herbs such as Saptarangi at our disposal to tackle something as serious as diabetes a.k.a the ‘silent pandemic.’
“True medicine comes from the Earth, not from the lab.” – Pratyaksh
Native to India (Western Ghats), China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and other Asian regions, Saptarangi belongs to the Celastraceae family of plants. It typically grows in tropical climates and bears beautiful greenish-yellow flowers. It commonly goes by the names of Salacia Oblonga (Botanical name), Pitika (Sanskrit name), and Salacia (English name). This perennial plant works to purify pitta and helps to treat kapha-vitta disorders. Plus, it contains two alpha-glycosidase inhibitors – Kotalanol and Salicinol – that help convert carbohydrates into glucose, and thereby, lower the blood sugar levels in the body.
Saptarangi’s Super-Powerful Uses: At A Glance
Studies show that the Saptarangi herb and its extract offer all-round health benefits and exhibit the following properties:
- Antioxidant
- Astringent
- Anti-diabetic
- Uterine-stimulant
- Hepato-protectant
- Anti-mutagenic
- Nephroprotective
- Hypolipidemic
- Anti-microbial
- Anti-proliferative
- Acute-glycemic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cytotoxic
- Anti-diuretic
“Data shows that Salacia Oblonga works similarly to the standard diabetes drug – Acarbose – commonly used to treat type-2 diabetes.”
Typically, the roots, leaves, root bark, and stems are used for treating a host of health issues such as:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Gonorrhoea
- Asthma
- Itching and swelling
- Rheumatism and inflammation of joints
- Obesity
- Anorexia as it acts as an appetizer and a digestive
- Excessive thirst and sweat
- Liver disorders such as jaundice, liver enlargement, etc.
- Blood disorders
- Menstrual issues such as scanty bleeding
Note that this herb is also used as a nutritional supplement for treating Alzheimer’s disease and preventing cardiovascular issues.
Nutritional Information & Dosage
- Saptarangi powder: 1-2 gm per day
- Saptarangi root extract: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon with plain water, twice a day to be taken post meals.
- Saptarangi decoction: 10-20 ml per day
- Saptarangi tablets: 1 capsule twice a daily, to be taken at least 30 minutes prior to eating breakfast & dinner. You can take it with room temperature water.
Kothala Himbutu Tea Or Salacia Night Tea
There are numerous brands available online which sell Kothala Himbutu tea. Ideally, you should consume Saptarangi tea with meals for about three months to reduce pre-meal blood sugar levels and extract the maximum benefits. Also, remember that this herb is bitter in taste and turns pungent post digestion. In terms of its effects, it is hot in potency and dry in nature.
Note: Drinking this tea in excess can cause loose stools and indigestion so please seek expert help before self-prescribing this tea.
Saptarangi’s Dual Health Benefits
Saptarangi For Diabetes
There’s plenty of research to support the fantastic benefits of Saptarangi in treating diabetes. This miraculous and relatively safe herb helps to:
A. Decrease plasma glucose and insulin levels.
B. Lower HbA1c, acute glycemia, and insulinemia in persons with type 2 diabetes after a high-carbohydrate meal.
C. Modulate serum lipid levels.
D. Improve serum HDL (good cholesterol) and lower serum triglyceride levels.
E. Inhibit chronic diabetic complications such as peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, and cataracts.
Plus, it is seen that Salacia helps prevent the body from absorbing sugar being consumed in different kinds of foods we eat all day. In fact, research by Journal of the American Dietetic Association claims that “the blood glucose response to a test meal reduced by 23 percent in non-diabetic humans who were given 1 gram of Salacia oblonga extract with the test meal.”
“Rajanyamalakadi” is an Ayurvedic combination therapy comprising of Curcuma longa, Emblica Officinalis, and Salacia oblonga in the 1:1:2 ratio which is used to treat type II diabetes. Studies suggest that when this medicine was given to patients for a period of 3 months along with a high carbohydrate diet, it effectively demonstrated antidiabetic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in the patients.
Saptarangi For Cancer
Data depicts that the “polyphenols may be the potent antioxidant and free radical scavenging compounds in S. oblonga aerial and root extracts,” making it effective in treating cancer and its related symptoms.
Did you know?
Salacia wood is used to make wooden mugs for diabetic people to drink water from.
Salacia Plant: Side Effects & Precautionary Measures
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of consuming Salacia is that it is safe to consume this herb orally and for a short time period. That said, over-consuming this herb may have the following side-effects:
- Gas and bloating
- Belching
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
In addition to the above mentioned side effects, please make note of the following:
- Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid consuming this herb in any form.
- If you are on specific diabetic medication, please consult your doctor to understand what kind of medicine-related adjustments you need to make if you’re going to consume Saptarangi. Also, make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels at regular intervals.
- If you’re going to have surgery, please stop consuming Salacia two weeks before the surgery.
- If you experience drowsiness, headache, dizziness, etc. if taking the saptarangi root extract, please don’t drive or operate any heavy machinery.
Important: It is best to speak to your Ayurvedic practitioner and understand the recommended dosage for Saptarangi basis your health history, current symptoms, etc.