Botanical Description and Habitat: Bijasar is a deciduous tree that is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, particularly found in dry deciduous forests. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and has reddish-brown bark; compound leaves are its prime distinguishing characteristic.

Taste and Energetics: According to Ayurveda, Bijasar tastes bitter and has a cooling energy. It has a pungent taste after digestion.

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Blood Sugar Regulation: Bijasar is primarily known for its hypoglycemic properties. Traditionally, it is used in Ayurveda to manage blood sugar levels and support pancreatic function. This herb helps increase insulin sensitivity and improves glucose uptake by the cells.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: It comprises antioxidant compounds that neutralize free radicals and act to protect cells from oxidative damage. Bijasar also has anti-inflammatory effects, helpful in treating inflammatory states.

Digestive Aiding Effect: The bitter taste of Bijasar stimulates digestion and increases appetite. It aids the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and thereby partakes in maintaining the overall health of digestion.

Diuretic: Bijasar is an excellent diuretic, encouraging the osmotic flow of urine, thereby cleansing the body of impurities.

Wound Healing: The paste or powder of Bijasar is applied externally to aid the healing process of wounds, diseases related to the integumentary system in indigenous Ayurvedic practice.

Ayurvedic Formulations: Bijasar finds its place in several Ayurvedic formulations that are prescribed for the management of diabetes and support general health. The efficacy is often enhanced by other herbs and individualized according to individual health needs.

Traditional Uses: Besides the management of diabetes, Bijasar has been traditionally used in conditions due to urinary disorders, skin diseases, and as a general tonic for vitality in Ayurveda.

Safety Considerations: Bijasar is generally safe when administered by a well-qualified Ayurvedic doctor, but it should be administered cautiously in an appropriate dosage, more so in patients having a preexisting disease or during ongoing medications.

Basically, Bijasar heralds the typical approach of Ayurveda: natural herbal support for good health in cases of diabetes and in enhancing general vitality. That is why, with its bitter taste, cooling nature, and healing properties, Bijasar truly occupies an important place in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia, offering holistic benefits in many parameters against various health concerns.

Reasons of diabetes might be lack of exercise, improper food habits like excessive use of sticky and heavy products, leads to imbalance in the kapha dosha. Due to these reasons Doshas (Humors) get vitiated. Main biological humor that is involved here is Kapha (Water) Dosha. Ayurveda (Science of Life) helps to bring all the three dosha Vata (Air), Pitta (Fire), and Kapha (Water) in a balanced state in harmony with nature. As per Ayurveda, Diabetes can be controlled by taking some natural herbs at the initial stages and followingdietary & lifestyle changes.

Following are the 15 Ayurvedic herbs recommended for sugar control

• Jambul (Eugenia Jambolan) Seeds: It is used as a carminative, diuretic and anti-diabetic. Glucoside jamboline is said to have the power of checking the pathological conversion of starch into sugar in cases of increased production of glucose. It diminishes the quantity of sugar in urine and allays the unquenchable thirst caused by diabetes.
• Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre) Leaves: Its regular use helps to keep blood sugar level within acceptable limits. It suppresses the desire for sugar. Gymnema  Sylvestre is useful in both insulin-dependent diabetes and in non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Also helps reduce Glycosuria, (Appearance of glucose in urine) and obesity.
• Bitter Melon (Momordica Charantia) Fruit: Reduces blood sugar level effectively. Activates the inactive insulin present in the blood. Balances the glucose level without causing hypoglycemia. Reduces cholesterol levels, provides a feeling of normalcy to the Diabetic patient, Eliminates pain and Inflammation of the Joints, and Increases Immunity.
• Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Leaves: It boosts the human immune system while helping the body fight infections. It is beneficial in diabetes. It heals chronic skin diseases that often fail to respond to other treatments. It has scientifically tested for its ability to reduce Blood Pressure, Blood Clots, and Cholesterol Levels. Neem is a powerful blood purifier and detoxifier.
• Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum Graecum) Seeds: Fenugreek being anti-diabetic, lowers serum cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood, absorbs toxins. This herb also delays the glucose absorption by the intestine, thereby reducing the after meals glucose peak level. Its aromatic, carminative property helps in the digestion of other herbs.
• Bijasar (Pterocarpus Marsupium) Heartwood: It is used to help manage blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion and improving glucose utilization, potentially aiding in diabetes management.
• Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) Rhizome: Turmeric rhizome, with its active compound curcumin, may help manage blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall metabolic health, potentially benefiting individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing it.
• Tejpatra (Cinnamomum Tamala) Leaves: Tejpatra leaves, also known as Indian bay leaves, may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, potentially aiding in diabetes management when incorporated into the diet.
• Mango (Mangifera indica) Seeds: It seeds are used in traditional medicine for their potential to help manage blood sugar levels due to their high fiber content and antioxidant properties, which may contribute to improved glucose regulation and insulin sensitivity.
• Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia) Stem: It has long been known in Ayurveda as a tonic, vitalizer and a remedy for diabetes and metabolic disorders. It has been used to reduce blood glucose level, improve immune system and the body’s resistance against infections. It is diuretic and antibacterial.
• Amla (Embelica Officinalis) Fruit: Its helps manage blood sugar levels due to its high fiber content and antioxidant properties, potentially reducing insulin resistance and promoting better glucose control.
• Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) Root: It may help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and promoting better glucose metabolism, potentially benefiting individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing it.
• Bimbi (Coccinia Indica) Fruit: The bitter variety of Bimbi is extensively helpful in diabetes.
• Shilajit (Mineral Pitch) Resin: Used for counteracting diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, improving pancreatic function, Purifying the blood, improving metabolism, Reducing Fat, Reducing Tiredness and Counteracting Thirst, as a powerful rejuvenator, Anti-aging agent.
• Vat (Ficus Bengalensis) Root: help manage blood sugar levels by potentially enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting better glucose metabolism.

These herbs support the healthy functioning of pancreas and urinary tract. Also helps to neutralize the effects of sweet due to their bitterness. These herbs also help in high cholesterol and obesity.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle

• Nutritional diet, Morning walk, Yoga, Peaceful mind, Restful sleep.

Foods to Favor

• Soup of grams, Moong (Yellow lentils or green lentils), Unpolished Rice, Barley or Oat Flour, Bitter Gourd, Garlic, Fruits and Watermelon, Fenugreek, Cucumber, Cactus.

Foods to Avoid

• All foods rich in Carbohydrates, Starch and Sugar should be avoided. Avoid high Caloric Diet, Fatty and Sweet diet high in Carbohydrates. Limit the consumption of Alcohol, Heavy Meals, Sweet Potatoes, Seafood (Sea Meat), and Junk Food, Cakes, Sweet Breads, Pastries, Chocolates, Grapes and other high sugar containing fruits.

Do’s

• Eat a diet with whole grains.
• Get regular exercise or physical activities.
• Limit consumption of high sugar containing fruits.

Don’ts

• Limit the intake of alcohol and smoking.
• Avoid artificial sweeteners in cakes and pastries.
• Limit the food that is high in fat and sugar.
• Avoid unnecessary stress, anger and worries.