Management of Type II Diabetes - Chinese Herbal Therapy

Symptomatic therapy is a microscopic approach at the molecular level, whereas lifestyle modifications and improvement of the constitution are macroscopic approaches to overall conditions. Integrated approaches at the microscopic and macroscopic levels are effective. Improvement of the constitution is based on the notion of traditional Chinese medicine. This method uses a collective effect of natural ingredients to improve an abnormal constitution instead of focusing on a single symptom or a single parameter.

Patients with metabolic syndrome, including type 2 diabetes, have a constitution of liver depression and internal heat and a qi deficiency with blood stasis. Prolonged hepatic stagnation and metabolic inflammation causes a qi deficiency with blood stasis (disorders of energy production and circulation), which should be improved by the principle of soothing the liver and clearing away heat, tonifying qi, and activating the blood. A textbook of traditional Chinese medicine describes the indications for Chinese herbal ingredients.

Soothing the liver means ensuring smooth flow in the liver. Chinese herbal ingredients for soothing the liver have the effect of protecting hepatocytes, improving circulation in the liver, and promoting bile secretion.

Clearing away heat means suppressing inflammation. Chinese herbal ingredients for clearing away heat have immunostimulating, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Tonifying qi means restoring impaired functions. Malaise and delayed healing of tissue damage are typical symptoms of a qi deficiency. A qi deficiency corresponds to low energy conditions. The comprehensive function of digestion, absorption, and metabolism is called spleen qi. Chinese herbal ingredients for tonifying qi have the effect of improving digestive, absorptive, and metabolic functions; promoting the healing of damaged tissue; and enhancing immunity.

Activating blood is also called activating blood and resolving stasis, indicating improvement in circulatory disorders. Chinese herbal ingredients for activating blood have the effect of improving microcirculation as well as antifibrotic, antithrombotic, and antitumor effects.

The statements made herein are the opinion of the author. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Patients with illness should visit their healthcare provider for a full evaluation.