Gudmar
Gudmar is a popular herb in Ayurveda valued for its indispensable medicinal and healing properties. It is a perennial woody wine that is indigenous to tropical regions of India, Africa and Australia. The leaves are elongated, oval-shaped that have soft hairs on the surface bearing small yellow flowers that bloom all through the year.
It’s botanical name is Gymnema Sylvestre which belongs to Apocynaceae family. This amazing herb is known as Madhunashini in Sanskrit which means the herb that destroys sugar.
Chemical Constituents –
Gymnemic acid is one of the highly effective chemical constituents of Gudmar which acts as a cardiovascular stimulant. Other chemical constituents include tartaric acid, gurmarin, calcium oxalate, glucose, saponins.
Properties –
• Blood sugar lowering effect
• Cholesterol-lowering effect
• Anti-inflammatory
• Maintain healthy weight
• Antimicrobial
• Anti-cancer
• Antioxidant
• Anti-arthritic
• Immunomodulator
• Digestive health
• Hepatoprotective
• Anticaries activity
• Wound healing
Parts Used –
It is a woody climbing shrub whose leaves are used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Gudmar Churna – ¼ – ½ teaspoon twice a day.
• Gudmar Capsule – 1-2 capsules twice a day.
• Gudmar Tablet – 1-2 tablets twice a day.
Benefits –
• Diabetes
Gudmar (Gurmar) is effective in managing diabetes(type 2) due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can also block receptors in intestine and lower sugar absorption thereby controlling postprandial blood sugar levels. Apart from this, gudmar leaves restore insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and also repairs the damaged beta cells.
• Hypercholestrolemia
Gudmar is an effective herb to manage cholesterol because it is Ushna(hot) in nature and Tikta(bitter) taste. These properties help to improve digestive fire and reduce Ama( toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body which is the prime cause of high cholesterol level.
• Weightloss
Gudmar is beneficial in weight loss as it contains certain constituents(Gurmarin) which prevent the glucose absorption and manages lipid levels in the body. It also helps to alter the taste buds(to recognise sweet and bitter foods). This helps to reduce cravings and decreases food intake which promotes weight loss.
• Boosts liver health
Gudmar supplements possesses hepatoprotective characteristics, which works as a powerful tonic for safeguarding the liver health. The leaves were extensively used as a traditional remedy for treating jaundice, lessen the symptoms and aids in faster recovery.
Side Effects –
Gudmar is primarily safe but might cause side effects if taken at higher doses. The side effects include weakness, hypoglycaemia, excessive sweating, shakiness, and muscular dystrophy.
Avoid taking it or consult your doctor before taking gudmar during pregnancy and breastfeeding time.
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