03 Complications Caused by Diabetes

When the spleen is weak, it cannot transform food into vital yuanqi and blood, leading to various complications:

1. 
   Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Problems

• Spleen deficiency leads to liver-qi deficiency, impairing drainage and causing blood vessel blockages.

1. 
   Vision Problems

• Liver deficiency can result in poor eyesight, including decreased vision and cataracts.

1. 
   Lower Limb Problems

• Kidney deficiency may cause lower limb edema, gangrene, prostatitis, and urinary incontinence.

1. 
   Sleep Disorders

• Heart deficiency can lead to restlessness and sleep disorders.

1. 
   Skin Itching

• Lung deficiency may cause skin itching.

These complications arise because a weak spleen cannot provide enough vital yuanqi for the five internal organs to function properly. Insulin and hypoglycemic drugs only maintain the status quo and do not cure diabetes. Moreover, long-term use of these medicines can damage the pancreas and create drug dependence. Diet control and medicines that prevent sugar absorption hinder the body from obtaining vital yuanqi. Without food, the spleen and stomach cannot transport and transform vital yuanqi, leading to the starvation and weakening of the five internal organs.

However, traditional herbal medicine offers unique advantages in treating diabetes. By strengthening the spleen and kidney subsystems, patients can maintain sufficient vital yuanqi. With abundant vital yuanqi, the liver, heart, lungs, and other organs can function properly, preventing complications. The complications of diabetes are due to insufficient vital yuanqi, which weakens the internal organs. Replenishing vital yuanqi can prevent these issues.

04 Ancient Prescription for Diabetes

There is a very famous ancient herbal medical book called Shi-shi-mi-lu (Stone Chamber Secret Records). It does not record any medical theories or external methods, but a compilation of various treatment methods and prescriptions. Among them, there is a very good prescription for diabetes.

• Ku-gua-gan (Dried bitter melon): 10 grams
• Shuang-sang-ye (Frost mulberry leaves): 6 grams
• Huai-mi (Sophora japonica seeds): 6 grams

Warning: This prescription should be used under the guidance of a herbal medicine practitioner. Do not try or modify the prescription on your own.

This prescription has received positive feedback in clinical practice. It can lower blood sugar, clear the lungs, soothe the liver, and calm the mind. Although it acts slower than special blood sugar-lowering drugs and insulin, taking at least a month to take effect, it has no side effects.

Warning: As a practitioner of life cultivation, use this prescription with spleen and stomach-strengthening herbs, such as Wu-xing-jian-pi-san. The prescription cannot be used alone due to its cold nature. Bitter melon is cold in nature, and taking it without warm medicine can harm the spleen and stomach, as experienced by Huang Yuanyu.

05 Explanation of the Ancient Prescription for Diabetes

The ancient prescription for diabetes includes three main herbs:

01 Ku-guan-gan (Dried bitter melon)

Bitter melon is a popular vegetable in Asian culture, known for its cold nature and bitter taste. It lowers inflammation, clears liver heat, removes liver toxins, brightens the eyes, and clears the mind. It protects the eyes, nervous system, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. You can purchase dried bitter melon from a herbal store or through a buying service.

02 Shuang-sang-ye (Frosted Mulberry Leaves)

Frosted mulberry leaves, harvested after autumn, are cold in nature and help clear the lungs, moisten dryness, nourish yin, and tonify the kidneys. They allow vital yuanqi to descend smoothly to the kidneys and are effective for chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids. You can buy this herb from a herbal store or through a buying service.

03 Huai-mi (Sophora Japonica Seeds)

Sophora japonica seeds are cold in nature and rich in trace elements, especially chromium, which promotes insulin production. They prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications and blood clots in arteries.

Explanation

These herbs are cold in nature, and since diabetes is caused by spleen deficiency, long-term use of cold medicines can worsen spleen deficiency. However, they are effective in lowering blood sugar with fewer side effects than Western medicines.

Diabetic patients should seek a professional herbal practitioner to formulate complementary prescriptions. Cold medicines should be paired with warm prescriptions to neutralize their properties, ensuring benefits without harm. This simple prescription for symptoms must be accompanied by other prescriptions that build up the body’s foundation.

(To be continued)