Gymnema sylvestre herb is commonly called Gurmar, which belongs to the family Asclepiadaceae. The herb is also known by various other names like Meshasringi, Madhoolika and Madhinasini. The herb Gurmar means sugar destroyer. It has its importance in Ayurvedic medicines since centuries as it helps managing the sugar level in blood. The herb also abolishes the taste of sugar and thus, helps in suppressing the cravings for sweets.
The herb contains Gymnemic Acid, which imitate glucose molecules is extracted from its roots and leaves. This acid helps in numbing the sweet receptors on tongue. Thus, helps in suppressing sweet cravings. The herb is considered to be a stimulant, stomachic, diuretic and laxative. Various other health benefits of the Gymnema sylvestre herb are discussed in this article.
Health benefits of Gymnema sylvestre
Various health conditions like hyperglycemia, obesity, osteoporosis and anemia can be effectively treated with this herb. Various health benefits of the herb are given below:
- The herb helps in suppressing the sweet taste and the desire to eat more sweets.
- Sugar Metabolism – Gymnema sylvestre herb helps in reduction of sugar metabolism by preventing the absorption of sugar molecules by intestines during digestion.
- Snakebites — The roots are made into paste or powder form and applied to the wounded area.
- Fever — The herb helps in lowering the fever. Half ounce of leaf is administered orally to get relief from fever.
- Swollen Glands — Leaves extract is mixed with Castor oil and applied externally to treat swollen glands.
- Blood Sugar — The herb is anti-diabetic. It helps in reduction of blood sugars and controls the sugar level.
- Weight — The herb regulates the body weight. Thus, it is also an effective treatment for obesity.
- Cholesterol — The herb Gymnema sylvestre helps promote good cholesterol and prevents bad cholesterol.
- Tooth Problems – Gymnema sylvestre herb helps in prevention of dental caries and plaque formation.
- Blood Circulation — The herb helps improves the blood circulation and also prevents various heart diseases.
- Diuretic — The herb Gymnema also helps in increased urine formation.
The above are some of the health benefits of Gymnema sylvestre herb.
