Ayurvedic Medicines Diabetic Neuropathy- Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease where the human body does not produce enough insulin. It cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to high blood sugar levels. It can cause damage to various organs over time.
What happens in diabetes?
Insulin’s role
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps glucose from the food enter cells to be used for energy.
High blood sugar
When a person is suffering from diabetes, the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells do not respond to it properly. This causes glucose to build up in the bloodstream.
How can diabetes affect the body?
Cardiovascular system
High blood sugar tends to damage the blood vessels. It automatically increases the risk of heart disease. It also increases the risk of stroke, poor circulation and heart attack.
Nervous system
Nerve damage can lead to numbness or loss of sensation. It can also affect bladder control and sexual function.
Kidneys
Diabetes also tends to damage the kidneys. It also leads to chronic kidney disease and the need for dialysis.
Infections
Diabetes tends to weaken the immune system. It makes individuals more susceptible to infections.
What is diabetes neuropathy?
Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. It occurs when the high blood sugar levels in the body injure nerves throughout the body. It affects those in the feet and legs. This nerve damage potentially leads to various symptoms and those symptoms include pain, tingling and muscle weakness.
What are the types of diabetic neuropathy?
Following are the types of diabetic neuropathy-
1. Peripheral neuropathy
It affects the nerves in the arms, feet and legs.
2.Autonomic neuropathy
It affects the nerves that control involuntary functions such as heart rate, bladder control and digestion.
What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
Following are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy-
1. Muscle weakness and cramping.
2. Pain which can be sharp.
3. Numbness in feet and hands.
4. Loss of coordination and balance.
5. Digestive problems such as vomiting or nausea.
6. Bladder control and bowel control issues.
7. Sexual dysfunction.
Ayurvedic medicines for neuropathy
Ayurveda offers a comprehensive approach to managing diabetic neuropathy. It is known in the field of Ayurveda as Prameha Pidaka or Vata Vyadhi. It is associated with diabetes and the treatment focuses on Sugar level regulation and balancing vata. Following are the ayurvedic medicines for neuropathy-
| Ayurvedic Remedy | Main Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ashwagandha | Reduces nerve pain, stress, improves nerve function | Peripheral neuropathy, burning sensations, weakness |
| Guduchi (Giloy) | Anti-inflammatory, supports immunity and nerve repair | Nerve inflammation, diabetic fatigue, Vata-Pitta imbalance |
| Shilajit | Antioxidant, rejuvenates tissues, improves conductivity | Long-term nerve damage, oxidative stress, fatigue |
| Vata Chintamani Ras | Strengthens nerves and muscles, calms Vata | Chronic nerve pain, numbness, degeneration |
| Maha Vat Vidhwans Ras | Relieves nerve stiffness, supports digestion, aids Vata | Burning limbs, joint stiffness, tingling in feet |
1.Ashwagandha
It is one of the most powerful and well-researched ayurvedic herbs for managing neuropathy. It also includes diabetic neuropathy and peripheral nerve damage. The drug works by nourishing the nervous system. It also reduces the Vata imbalance and acts as a neuro-protective agent. It regenerates the nerve tissue and supports long-term healing. It calms the hyperactive nerves. It reduces stress and cortisol. The drug relieves nerve pain and burning sensations. It protects nerves from oxidative damage. It also improves neuromuscular function. Various studies show that Ashwagandha improves nerve conduction and reduces pain. It also enhances nerve regeneration. It diabetic patients, it supports glucose control. The drug is best when combined with Bala, Shilajit, Dashmool and Brahmi. In the people who have high levels of thyroid, it should be used under supervision.
2.Guduchi
Also known as Giloy, Guduchi is a potent ayurvedic herb that plays a key role in managing diabetic neuropathy. The drug is valued for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. In diabetic neuropathy, where the chronic high blood sugar damages nerves, Guduchi helps by reducing inflammation. It also improves blood sugar control. It nourishes and regenerates the nerve tissues. It pacifies the Vata and Pitta which are often disturbed in neuropathy. Guduchi has antioxidant action to prevent oxidative nerve damage. It also has a hypoglycemic effect that helps control blood sugar levels. The anti-inflammatory effect of the drug relieves pain and swelling in neuropathic conditions. The drug is best when combined with Shilajit, Ashwagandha, Punarnava and Triphala Guggulu. It is one of the best ayurvedic medicines for diabetic neuropathy.
3.Shilajit
Shilajit is a renowned substance in Ayurveda and it is beneficial in chronic metabolic and nerve-degenerative conditions like diabetic neuropathy. In diabetic neuropathy, nerve damage occurs due to high blood sugar and oxidative stress. Shilajit helps by rejuvenating tissues and reducing inflammation. It also improves nerve conductivity. It acts as an antioxidant and reduces oxidant nerve damage in diabetes. It also supports cognitive and nerve function. It also increases energy, stamina and muscle energy. The drug also supports blood sugar regulation. It enhances absorption and effect of other herbs. The pure shilajit resin is available in the most potent form and it is taken in small quantities. It has a synergistic effect on nerve and sugar metabolism. The herb should be lab tested for purity and the pure resin dissolves fully in warm water leaving no residue.
4.Vata Chintamani ras
It is a powerful classical ayurvedic formulation used for treating chronic Vata disorders. It is particularly effective in conditions like diabetic neuropathy. Here, the vata dosha is high due to high blood sugar and tissue depletion. It also promotes regeneration of nerve tissues and it strengthens muscles, nerves and overall vitality. It also calms deranges vata dosha which is a root cause of nerve pain. It also enhances nerve conductivity and memory.
The drug, due to its anti-inflammatory actions reduces burning and inflammation in limbs.
5.Maha Vat Vidhwans Ras
It is a classical ayurvedic formulation designed to pacify the aggravated Vata dosha, which is the root cause of nerve disorders. It is useful for symptoms such as burning sensation, nerve weakness and numbness. The vata shamak action of the drug reduces nerve pain and muscle weakness. It also supports nerve regeneration and energy. The drug also aids in digestion and prevents ama buildup that worsens Vata. It also relieves stiffness in legs and joints. Following are the key ingredients present in the drug-
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Parad
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Gandhak
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Loha Bhasma
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Vanga Bhasma
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Tamra Bhasma
The ones who have burning feet or hands can use the drug. People experiencing tingling sensation can also make use of the drug.
FAQs Section
Q1: What is the main cause of diabetic neuropathy?
High blood sugar levels damage nerves over time, especially in the feet and hands.
Q2: Can Ayurveda reverse diabetic neuropathy?
While Ayurveda may not reverse nerve damage entirely, it can reduce symptoms, prevent further degeneration, and support healing.
Q3: How long does it take for Ayurvedic treatment to work?
Noticeable relief may occur within 4–6 weeks of consistent use, though deeper nerve repair may take 3–6 months.
Q4: Can I take these herbs along with allopathic medicines?
Yes, but always consult an Ayurvedic doctor or diabetologist before combining therapies.
Q5: Which dosha is responsible for neuropathy in Ayurveda?
Vata dosha imbalance is primarily responsible for nerve disorders including diabetic neuropathy.