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Insulin Plant (Costus igneus) otherwise known as Spiral Ginger, has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic medicine to predominantly treat diabetes, as well as bronchitis and asthma, kidney stones and the urinary tract, for general health and longevity, to treat skin diseases, diarrhea and constipation, coughs and colds, lower fever, eye infections, reduce cholesterol, intestinal parasites, and used as an aphrodisiac.
While studies are still ongoing for human use, it shows great potential in controlling blood sugar levels, where it is thought the insulin plant’s leaves stimulate the pancreatic beta cells, increasing the body’s natural production of insulin.
Traditionally 2 leaves were chewed daily, but an alcohol extract shows the best results in studies so far.
Insulin plant shows strong anti-microbial properties, treating fungal overgrowth and bacteria such as E.Coli, Staph and Candida.
It's antioxidants exhibited strong anti-cancer effects on HT 29 and A549 cells, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and potentially preventing tumor cell replication and promote cancer cell death.
It's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds may also help lower total LDL cholesterol.
The Insulin plant has also shown to have adaptogenic properties that can support our nervous systems when under stress load.
Cautions: The insulin plant may interact with diabetic medications and cause low blood sugar, which can
lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, cold sweats, weakness,
confusion, pale skin, and blurred vision.
Not safety tested for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, or children.
Recommended to only take internally with consultation.
Growing: Insulin Plant likes a warm, partially shady spot, with consistently moist soil. It won't survive a frost, so keep it in a pot or greenhouse over winter if you live in a cooler climate. It has vibrant yellow flowers with scarlet stripes, and a sweet, citrusy fragrance.
Organically grown herb in a compostable or recycled pot.
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