These common kitchen spices and herbs that can manage diabetes naturally
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
So, follow us through a list of some simple spices that may help in better insulin management.
Ginger
Ginger is naturally rich in essential nutrients like gingerol and consuming it in the form of tea may help in improving insulin sensitivity.
Fenugreek
Soaking fenugreek overnight and consuming it in the form of tea in the morning can significantly help in lowering blood sugar levels and improve glucose tolerance. According to a clinical study published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that taking 10 grams of fenugreek powder daily significantly reduced fasting blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in Type 2 diabetic patients.
Regularly consuming soaked fenugreek seeds or adding methi powder into meals may therefore support better glycemic control naturally, alongside lifestyle changes and medication.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a sweet and aromatic spice, which is naturally rich in antioxidant properties and may help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels.
Turmeric
Since ages, Turmeric has been used as an active ingredient in several Ayurvedic medicines and remedies, this is due to its potent medicinal properties.
Turmeric is naturally rich in antioxidants like curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve insulin sensitivity.
Are you also struggling with sleepless nights? Dimple Jangda, a nutrition and wellness expert, recently talked about it in an Instagram reel, where she mentioned that Ayurveda offers gentle and effective ways to restore your natural sleep cycle. According to her post, incorporating calming herbs like ashwagandha, brahmi, and jatamansi into your daily routine can help reduce stress and promote restful sleep. She suggests pairing them with a warm, soothing diet featuring milk, almonds, and warm spices like cardamom to help the body relax and unwind naturally. She also states that creating a peaceful bedtime ritual with herbal teas and mindful breathing can balance your doshas and prepare your mind and body for deep, restorative rest. So, are you ready to embrace these ancient remedies to wake up refreshed and energized, naturally? Take a look.
Garlic
Garlic is rich in antioxidants like Allicin and other essential compounds that may help in regulating blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an extensively used herb, which contains a compound called Rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
This popular herbal drink improves our blood circulation and gives us glowing and clear skin. The warm and spicy flavours usually come from the mixture of natural herbs and spices, which are included in the drink. You will require ginger root, cinnamon, pandan leaves, lemongrass, sugar, and water. Place the ingredients in a saucepan and pour some water. Bring to the boil, and, until the flavour gets infused, pour the liquids through a tea strainer, discarding the spice contents.(Image Credits: Pinterest)
Oregano
Oregano is yet another herb, which is majorly used in western cuisines. This aromatic herb is naturally rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help in managing insulin in balance and boost immunity.
Sage
Sage is another aromatic herb, which is naturally rich in nutrients that help in regulating blood sugar levels, lower LDL levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Thyme
Thyme is a common herb, which is extensively used in western cuisine. Adding thyme to soups and stews can help in improving sugar levels as it contains flavonoids that may help improve insulin sensitivity.
Cumin
Cumin is extensively used in Indian cooking. This simple spice can be consumed as a tea or added to detox water, which helps in reducing sugar levels and glucose tolerance and reduces blood sugar levels.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
From US to Bengaluru: How a techie got her life back with mixed reality
Bengaluru: It is said that Bengaluru is where technology meets life. For Suprita AM, a 37-year-old IT professional working in the US, that line turned out to be literally true. Bedridden for months with quadriparesis — paralysis of all four limbs — she was told by American doctors that surgery on her skull-spine junction might leave her permanently weak, or even dependent on a ventilator support for breathing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "I felt like I was losing balance constantly, even while walking at home," she recalled her situation in mid-2024. Her husband Kiran Amati said: "We were told a surgery could risk permanent paralysis, it was terrifying." Crushed and fearful, she packed her bags along with husband Kiran Amati and they flew to India, spent months seeking second opinions, and explored alternatives—homeopathy, Ayurveda, and posture correction—but nothing worked. In Bengaluru, she found something that Silicon Valley didn't give her: hope. Doctors at Aster Whitefield Hospital in the city diagnosed her with atlantoaxial dislocation — a rare instability at the top of the spine that was choking her spinal cord. Treatment was a major challenge as one slip near the brainstem could have spelled disaster. That was when medical specialists decided to ride high on Bengaluru's greatest strength: technology. A medical team, led by lead neurosurgeon Dr Satish Rudrappa and spine and deformity surgeon Dr Ramachandran G, pulled out mixed reality technology (augmented + virtual reality) headsets, turned Surpita's spine into a 3D hologram, rehearsed the operation like a flight simulator, and then went in for the real deal. "It was like walking around her spine before we even touched it. It helped us identify the exact position of the arteries to operate on," said Dr Ramachandran. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Mixed reality (MR) enables us to anticipate problems or complications we might face on the operation table and to prepare for it." Dr Satish added: "Mixed reality also assisted the patient and her family to understand the medical condition as well. The innovative approach allowed for precise navigation and execution of surgery." Suprita's husband Kiran said: "They didn't just explain the surgery; they showed us exactly where the compression was and how they planned to correct it. That gave us the confidence we needed." The surgery went on for five hours, which included repositioning of displaced bones to achieve normal alignment. The next morning, Suprita was on her feet. Within 10 days, she walked back home. She has returned to the US. Currently, Suprita has started swimming, cycling and playing volleyball. "The only thing doctors told me is to avoid rollercoasters," she said.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Ginger Tea vs Tulsi Tea: Which Tea Is Best For Monsoon Cold And Cough
As soon as the monsoon arrives, our bodies become more prone to seasonal illnesses. The damp and cool weather creates the perfect environment for germs, leaving us vulnerable to coughs, colds, and flu. While modern medicine offers quick fixes, many people continue to turn to ancient remedies to protect themselves from monsoon-related sickness. Two of the most popular homemade solutions are ginger tea and tulsi tea, both celebrated for their medicinal properties. They have long been used in traditional medicine to treat cold symptoms and support overall well-being. But which one is more effective during the rainy season? If you are looking to strengthen your immunity, here is what you need to know about ginger tea and tulsi tea. Ginger Tea Benefits | How Ginger Tea Helps During Monsoon Ginger tea is known for its bold and warming taste. According to a 2021 research paper, ginger is rich in gingerol and shogaol, which provide anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant benefits. These properties make it excellent for easing sore throat, clearing congestion, and fighting chills that are common during a cold. The benefits do not end there. Ginger tea also helps keep digestive troubles at bay, which are common in the monsoon due to slower metabolism. As Dr Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager, Baidyanath, and Ayurvedic expert, explains, 'Ginger is a great digestive tonic, which improves gastric motility. So it alleviates constipation, vomiting, acidity, and protects the gastric lining against acidity.' However, people with acidity or sensitive stomachs should dilute ginger tea with a dash of honey. Limiting the intake to one or two cups a day is sufficient. Tulsi Tea Benefits | How Tulsi Tea Helps During Monsoon Tulsi, or holy basil, has been a staple in Ayurveda for centuries and is widely recognised as a natural immunity booster. A 2014 research paper highlights that tulsi is packed with vitamins A and C and has antiviral and adaptogenic properties. When consumed as tea, tulsi helps reduce throat irritation, ease congestion, and relieve mild stress. Unlike ginger tea, tulsi tea has a gentler flavour. It is mild, aromatic, and easy on digestion. You can drink it daily as it supports respiratory health and aids the overall healing process of the body. This makes tulsi tea a steady protector during the monsoon, helping keep seasonal diseases and flu at bay. Ginger Tea vs Tulsi Tea | Which Is Better For Monsoon Cold? Both ginger tea and tulsi tea offer powerful benefits, but they work slightly differently. Ginger tea acts faster against congestion, sore throat, and chills, while tulsi tea works more as a long-term immunity booster that strengthens respiratory health. If you are battling an active cold, ginger tea may provide quicker relief. If your focus is on prevention and long-term immunity during the monsoon, tulsi tea is the better choice. Many people prefer alternating between the two depending on their needs. There is no strict rule, and both teas can complement each other in a healthy monsoon routine. Best Time To Drink Ginger Tea | Morning Or Night? Ginger tea can be consumed at any time of the day. Having it in the morning or mid-afternoon helps jumpstart digestion and fight chills. However, it is best to avoid drinking ginger tea late at night, especially if you are sensitive to its warming nature. Best Time To Drink Tulsi Tea | Morning Or Evening? Tulsi tea, being milder, can be consumed throughout the day. Drinking it in the morning supports immunity, clears congestion, and soothes the throat. Sipping it in the afternoon or evening has a calming and relaxing effect. For maximum benefit, always drink tulsi tea warm. How To Store Ginger In Monsoon | Tips To Preserve Ginger Ginger is highly perishable during the rainy season, so proper storage is essential. Here are a few tips to prolong its shelf life: Store unpeeled ginger in an airtight container in the fridge to slow down mould growth. Peel and chop ginger into one-time-use pieces and freeze the rest for convenience. Wrap unpeeled ginger in a paper towel before storing to absorb excess moisture. For long-term storage, soak ginger slices in vinegar for occasional use. How To Store Tulsi In Monsoon | Tips To Preserve Tulsi Leaves Tulsi leaves also require careful storage to maintain freshness. Follow these methods during the monsoon: Gently wash and pat dry leaves, then line a container with a paper towel before storing. Place tulsi leaves upright in a jar like herbs, with a damp paper towel. Keep the jar in the fridge slightly open. Dry tulsi leaves in a cool, sunny spot and store them in an airtight glass jar for longer use. Avoid storing with strong-smelling food as tulsi absorbs odours easily. Monsoon Diet Tips | What To Eat In Rainy Season A healthy diet is as important as herbal teas in keeping immunity strong during monsoon. Here are a few foods to include: 1. Eat Warm And Fresh Food Digestion slows down during the monsoon, so avoid stale or heavy food. Choose freshly cooked khichdi, dals, soups, and light curries that are easy to digest while still nourishing the body. 2. Include Herbal Immunity Boosters Everyday ingredients like ginger, tulsi, turmeric, and garlic act as natural antibiotics. Adding them to teas, curries, or soups is a simple way to strengthen immunity. 3. Choose Seasonal Fruits Monsoon fruits such as papaya, jamun, pomegranate, and pears are rich in antioxidants, water, and fibre. Always consume freshly cut fruit to prevent contamination. 4. Add Probiotics Since the gut plays a key role in immunity, include probiotics such as curd, buttermilk, and fermented foods like idlis or dosa batter to maintain gut health. Monsoon Diet Tips | What To Avoid In Rainy Season Just as important as what to eat is knowing what to avoid during the monsoon: 1. Street foods like golgappas, fried pakoras, and similar items, as they may be contaminated or too heavy for the stomach. 2. Raw or uncooked food, which may carry bacteria, viruses, or parasites. 3. Seafood, since it can be a breeding ground for bacteria during the season. 4. Cut fruits and salads that may be washed with unclean water and harbour waterborne pathogens. 5. Dairy products that are unpasteurised or improperly stored, which can be risky during this season. Choosing between ginger tea and tulsi tea ultimately depends on your health needs. Whether you want instant relief from cold symptoms or long-term immunity support, both teas are powerful additions to your monsoon diet. Pairing them with healthy eating habits can help you stay energised and illness-free throughout the season.
Business Standard
5 hours ago
- Business Standard
IIT Alumni Council Launches World's First Open-Source Health Platform, with Ayurveda Revisited by Dr Shantaram Kane
PNN New Delhi [India], August 20: On India's 79th Independence Day, the IIT Alumni Council (IITAC) announced the launch of the world's first open-source health and longevity platform, envisioned as a global healthcare commons. The launch was marked by the release of Ayurveda Revisited: Process Technology Breakthrough, a five-volume compendium by Dr Shantaram Kane, which seeds the platform. Ayurveda is positioned as a foundational system within this free, non-commercial, globally accessible healthcare platform. The purpose is to create a collaborative and integrated ecosystem -- where timeless wisdom meets modern sciences, with genetics and epigenetics in cohort, and discoveries shared openly for the benefit of humanity at large. FROM PAGES TO A PLATFORM The release of Ayurveda Revisited is being framed not as an endpoint, but as the nucleus of a larger movement. The vision is bold: to make healthcare knowledge as open, collaborative, and universal as open-source software once made technology. Ravi Sharma, President of IIT Alumni Council, captured the ambition: "On Independence Day, we celebrate freedom. There is no greater freedom than freeing healthcare from exclusivity, with healthcare options freely available to all. Ayurveda can play the same role in medicine that Linux played in computing -- rigorous, credible, and open to all. This is not about replacing allopathy, but about standing alongside it -- together with Ayurveda and other traditional systems -- as part of an integrated, universal healthcare model. AYURVEDA, A SCIENCE REVISITED At the centre of this movement is Dr Kane's forty-year journey of experimentation. Drawing on his expertise in process engineering and nanoscience, he discovered that complex herbal and mineral formulations could be simplified into therapeutically potent 'Super-Extracts' effective at just a few drops a day. The compendium captures Dr Kane exploring Ayurveda's material science and process methods with scientific rigour. "I began as a curious tinkerer, much like our ancestors who explored the natural world and its healing powers," Kane recalls. "My first breakthrough was simplifying the preparation of siddha taila, and to my utter amazement, I found that a dose diluted by a thousand-fold was equally potent. That spurred me to keep experimenting with herbs, minerals and bhasmas. This book brings together the Super-Extracts, along with the process methods, observations and applications as my open-source contribution -- knowledge placed in the public domain for families, practitioners and researchers to adapt and expand." A MOVEMENT OF MANY VOICES Satish Mehta, convener of IIT Alumni Social Fund, emphasised the larger ambition: "Dr Kane combines the precision of an engineer with the vision of a technocrat. His deceptively simple approach opens the way to more accessible, affordable, and research-ready healthcare solutions, spanning the preventive to curative spectrum. His contribution enriches India's scientific heritage and lays the foundation for a global open-source health and longevity platform." He further added, "The launch builds on IITAC's Megaspheres framework. Dr Kane has been felicitated as Vishwaguru -- the IIT Alumni Council's highest honour, reserved for members who embody and demonstrate a rare combination of foresight, scientific contribution and enduring impact." Christina Watson, editor of the book and founding director at Wellness Lifestyle, said, "We applaud IITAC for this momentous step. It's time for a healthcare renaissance. Dr Kane's simple methods of self-care, health promotion and affordable clinical care provide an empowering option that can reach far beyond the traditionally privileged segment. Dr Kane offers an accessible way to bring Ayurveda's healing wisdom back into our homes and lives -- simple, doable and sustainable. At Wellness Lifestyle, we are proud to have supported the production of this compendium, making decades of his writings accessible to a wider audience. Geetika Saigal, founder of Beeja House (an independent publishing house and the official publishing partner for IITAC publications) placed it in a cultural frame: "This is not just a book -- it is the beginning of a movement spearheaded by IITAC. Publishing it under our Wellness Lifestyle imprint is our way of committing to a future where healthcare knowledge is not hidden in silos but opened up -- credible, usable, and accessible to everyone." ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr Kane earned his in Chemical Engineering from IIT Bombay and Sc.D. from MIT, USA. He spent over four decades leading research and development at Amoco Chemicals (USA), Gharda Chemicals, Swadeshi Polytex and NOCIL, where he retired as Vice-President (R & D). He has served as visiting faculty and Senate member at IIT Bombay and was awarded the institute's Distinguished Alumnus Award. ABOUT IIT ALUMNI COUNCIL The IIT Alumni Council is the largest global body of alumni across all 23 IITs, aggregating the technological and philanthropic resources of over 50,000 members in 100 city chapters worldwide. Its mission is to catalyse India's technological renaissance through initiatives funded by the IIT Alumni Social Fund and supported by incubators, project management forums, and research institutes. PUBLICATION AND EDITIONS Published by Beeja House as a Wellness Lifestyle imprint, with creative and production support from Anytime Media. Christina Watson edited the book, while Wellness Lifestyle sponsored and supported it throughout. The book is available in paperback and hardcover editions on Amazon. A premium hardcover Library Edition is also being released by Wellness Lifestyle, intended for institutional use such as Ayurveda centres and clinics, wellness retreats and universities. THE ROAD AHEAD This launch is not just about a book. It is the spark for an open-source healthcare commons -- a collaborative, non-commercial platform that India offers to the world. As Dr Kane concludes: "Knowledge only matters when it is shared. I am honoured that my work will forever be part of this Health and Longevity platform -- India's gift to humanity -- rigorous in science, humane in spirit, and open to all.
