Natural remedy by "clove" from your kitchen

Though Indonesia is the largest producer of cloves, Zanzibar and Madagascar are the major exporters of the spice. Clove trees cover a vast area of these two islands. Madagascar cloves are considered the most superior quality. Clove is actually the dried, unopened, flower bud of a tree called Syzygium aromaticum.

A main ingredient in garam masala, it has emerged an integral part of the aromatic spice blends of Sri Lanka and India. In the US, cloves are used in meats, salads dressings and even in cookies and desserts. And did you know that it adds its rich flavour to ketchups and Worchestershire sauce, being one of the main ingredients? Chinese and German seasoning also depend heavily on cloves. Clove derives its name from the French clou, meaning nail. In Asian literature, it found its first mention during the Han period in China and it was referred to as the 'chicken-tongue spice,' perhaps because of its unusual appearance. From the 8th century onwards, it became one of the major spices in European commerce.


Clove forests were first discovered in Moluccas, Indonesia. Legend has it that whenever a child was born, parents planted a clove tree. Enchanted by its fragrance and beauty, the natives even fought wars to secure exclusive rights to these lands! Today, it is widely used in Aromatherapy treatments. In India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the largest producers of this spice.

Therapeutic benefits of clove
Clove, with eugenol as its main ingredient, is a natural analgesic (painkiller) with antiseptic properties, used by dentists all over the world. Available at all pharmacies over the counter, it is a quick home remedy for toothache. A whole clove or a cotton swab dipped in clove oil can give instant relief from toothache, creating a numb feeling in the affected area. A variety of today's toothpastes use clove oil, which helps prevent tooth decay.

Clove oil can be obtained from its flower buds, leaves and stem. All three kinds have eugenol as its main ingredient, along with eugenyl acetate in smaller proportions.


Clove Lowers blood glucose levels

A study presented at Experimental Biology, New Orleans, provides evidence that consuming a clove or two a day can definitely have a positive impact on your health. Research studies have proved that clove improves insulin function, lowers glucose levels in blood, and reduces cholesterol, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Due to its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties, clove oil is also an ideal remedy for acne, warts and scars. It is said to control the spread of Proprionibacterium acnes, the skin bacteria that is the primary cause of acne.

Clove oil is also used in medications as a remedy for bronchitis, common cold, sore throat, cough and fever.
There's no denying that clove is the melting pot of flavours - strong, pungent, slightly sweet and spicy too!

The most penetrating of all spices, powdered or wholesome, it finds extensive use in Indian cuisine -biryanis, sweets, pickles, ketchups, beverages, medicines, cosmetics and perfumes. It can be a wonderful mouth freshener when chewed after a meal.

Unstable diabetes with repeated fall of blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)

This term is used to describe patients with recurrent ketoacidosis and/or recurrent hypoglycaemic coma. Of these, the largest group is made up of those who experience recurrent severe hypoglycaemia.

Recurrent severe hypoglycaemia

This affects 1-3% of insulin-dependent patients. Most are adults who have had diabetes for more than 10 years. By this stage, endogenous insulin secretion is negligible in the great majority of patients. Pancreatic alpha -cells are still present in undiminished numbers, but the glucagon response (Opposite action of insulin) to hypoglycaemia is virtually absent. Long term patients are thus subject to fluctuating hyperinsulinaemia owing to erratic absorption of insulin from injection sites, and lack a major component of the hormonal defense against hypoglycaemia. In this situation adrenaline (epinephrine) secretion becomes vital, but this too may become impaired in the course of diabetes. Loss of adrenaline (epinephrine) secretion has been attributed to autonomic neuropathy, but this is unlikely to be the sole cause; central adaptation to recurrent hypoglycaemia may also be a factor.


The following factors may also predispose to recurrent hypoglycaemia:

Overtreatment with insulin. Frequent biochemical hypoglycaemia lowers the glucose level at which symptoms develop. Symptoms often reappear when overall
glucose control is relaxed.

An unrecognized low renal threshold for glucose. Attempts to render the urine sugar -free will inevitably produce hypoglycaemia.

Excessive insulin doses. A common error is to increase the dose when a patient needs more frequent injections to overcome a problem of timing.

Endocrine causes. These include pituitary insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency and premenstrual insulin sensitivity.

Alimentary causes. These include exocrine pancreatic failure and diabetic gastroparesis.

Renal failure. Clearance of insulin is diminished.

Patient causes. Patient s may be unintelligent, uncooperative or may manipulate their therapy.

Pregnancy and Diabetes

Meticulous metabolic control of the diabetes and careful medical and obstetric management is required.

Gestational diabetes

This term refers to glucose intolerance that develops in the course of pregnancy and usually remits following delivery. The condition is typically asymptomatic. Women who have a previous history of gestational diabetes, older or overweight women, those with a history of large for gestational age babies and women from certain ethnic groups are at particular risk, but many cases occur in women who are not in any of these categories. For this reason some advocate screening of all pregnant women on the basis of random plasma glucose testing in each trimester and by oral glucose tolerance testing if the glucose concentration is, for example, 7 mmol/L or more. There is no consensus concerning the level of blood glucose which is harmful for the baby, and therefore no consensus concerning cut- off levels for screening and intervention.


Treatment is with diet in the first instance, but most patients require insulin cover during the pregnancy. Insulin does not cross the placenta. Many oral agents cross the placenta and are usually avoided because of the potential risk to the fetus.
Gestational diabetes has been associated with all the obstetric and neonatal problems described above for pre existing diabetes, except that there is no increase in the rate of congenital abnormalities. It is likely to recur in subsequent pregnancies. Gestational diabetes is often the harbinger of type 2 diabetes in later life. Not all diabetes presenting in pregnancy is gestational. True type 1 diabetes may develop, and swift diagnosis is essential to prevent the development of ketoacidosis. Hospital admission is required if the patient is symptomatic, or has ketonuria or a markedly elevated blood glucose level


Treatment of diabetes in pregnancy

The patient should perform daily home blood glucose profiles, recording blood tests before and 2 hours after meals. The renal threshold falls in pregnancy, and urine tests are therefore of little or no value. Insulin requirements rise progressively, and intensified insulin regimens are generally used. The aim is to maintain blood glucose and fructosamine (or HbA1c) levels as close to the normal
range as can be tolerated.

The patient is seen at intervals of 2 weeks or less at a clinic managed jointly by physician and obstetrician. Circum stances permitting, the aim should be outpatient management with a spontaneous vaginal delivery at term.

Retinopathy and nephropathy may deteriorate during pregnancy. Expert fundoscopy and urine testing for protein should be undertaken at booking, at 28 weeks and before delivery.

Obstetric problems associated with diabetes

Poorly controlled diabetes is associated with stillbirth, mechanical problems in the birth canal owing to fetal macrosomia (large baby), hydramnios (Excess water) and pre-eclampsia. Ketoacidosis in pregnancy carries a 50% fetal mortality, but maternal hypoglycaemia is relatively well tolerated.

Neonatal problems (Problems of new born) associated with diabetes

Maternal diabetes, especially when poorly controlled, is associated with fetal macrosomia. The infant of a diabetic mother is more susceptible to hyaline membrane disease (Respiratory distress following delivery) than non-diabetic infants of similar maturity. In addition, neonatal hypoglycaemia (Low blood sugar) may occur. The mechanism is as follows: maternal glucose crosses the placenta, but insulin does not; the fetal islets hyper secrete insulin to combat maternal hyperglycaemia, and a rebound to hypoglycaemic levels occurs when the umbilical cord is severed. These complications are due to hyperglycaemia in the third trimester. Poor glycaemic control around the time of conception carries an increased risk of major congenital malformations. When a pregnancy is planned, optimal metabolic control should be sought before conception.

PCOS/ PCOD: How Do I Know?

What is PCOS?

• The full form of PCOS is Poly Cystic Ovarian syndrome. This disease is also known as Stein Leventhal Syndrome or, PCOD (Poly Cystic Ovarian Disease).
  
• 6 –10 % women get affected by this disease and many of them are not aware of their presence.
  
• Though this disease is not curable but treatment is available to alleviate the symptoms.
  
• This is one of the major reasons for the women, who are unable to conceive.
  
• The effect of the disease process is more serious than just infertility.
  
• Don't think it is only a cosmetic problem.
  

What are the symptoms and findings of PCOS/ PCOD:

• Irregular or, no menstruation.
  
• Multiple small cysts in the ovaries. Though common but not consistent finding.
  
• High Blood pressure.
  
• Excessive pimples.
  
• Rise in the level if insulin, Insulin resistance or type II Diabetes.
  
• Unable to conceive or infertility.
  
• Excessive hair on face and body.
  
• Hair fall and male type of baldness.
  
• Gain in weight particularly central obesity.
  

Know whether you are a victim of PCOS by this small survey:

There are many other hormonal irregularities which may cause menstrual problems and some of the other symptoms, which may mimic PCOS. It is very important to diagnose whether it is PCOS or not?

Here are twelve questions for you to answer in yes or no format. If 5 or, more turn to be yes, there is fair possibility that, you may be suffering from PCOS.

1. You menstruate 8 or, less times in a year?
   
2. Have you ever experienced no menstruation for 4 months or more?
   
3. Do you suffer from irregular periods or, just stains at times?
   
4. Are you facing problem to conceive?
   
5. Do you have excessive hair on your face or body?
   
6. Are you irritated with your pimples?
   
7. You are losing your hair regularly?
   
8. Do you have velvet kind of skin near your neck?
   
9. Have you suddenly gained some weight?
   
10. You are getting fatter at your hip?
    
11. Do you love to take sweets or feel dizzy after taking food?
    
12. Any one of your first degree relative has Type II Diabetes?
    

If this survey result is 5+ for you, consult a gynaecologist immediately. As previously mentioned, PCOS is more than infertility and cosmetic problem. There is increased chance of endometrial cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes related complications. Proper and timely treatment, which is long term, will save you from lots of complications.