About a year back, a wonderful local herbalist asked me whether I wanted to see a herb called insulin plant. Nothing makes me more happier than getting to know new herbs and when I nodded my head in agreement he took me to his backyard and showed me the plant. I still remember staring at the plant mesmerized as the herbalist explained its wonderful benefits and medicinal uses, especially for diabetic patients.
Insulin Plant:
It is a recent introduction to India from America and it is widely sold in herb nurseries. Even if they don’t have it most nurseries will get it for us for a price easily. It is a perennial upright plant with attractive flowers and spirally arranged long leaves. Here in Southern India, the plant is grown for both ornamental and medicinal purposes (mainly for diabetes).
Insulin Plant Common Names:
The botanical name of the plant is Costus Igneus, many know it as only insulin plant in Tamil Nadu but some call it Kostum too. It is called Jarul | Keukand in Hindi.
Insulin Plant Medicinal Uses:
1. Insulin Plant For Diabetes:
The leaves of the plant are very very popular for its use in treating diabetes as it reduces blood sugar levels very very effectively, which is why it is aptly named as insulin plant.
Usually, a small leaf of the plant is taken for reducing blood sugar levels and I found more than 15 clinical studies to prove this use! You can read the study that proves the use here (in the study the diabetes that was induced in the rats was type 2 diabetes).
2. Insulin Plant For Diabetes-Induced High Cholesterol:
The leaves when taken by diabetic patients not only reduced their blood sugar levels, it also brought diabetes-induced
cholesterol levels down which is a huge added benefit.
3.Insulin Plant Antioxidant Properties:
Insulin plant also has wonderful anti-oxidant properties which is especially useful for diabetic patients as it helps to reverse the oxidative stress of the liver, kidney, and pancreas caused due to diabetes. It also has anti-microbial, diuretic, and cancer preventing properties.
4. Reduces Kidney Stones:
The water & ethanolic extracts of the plant and two isolated compounds of the plant (lapel and stigmasterol) have been
proven to reduce kidney stones. The deposition of
calcium and oxalate was significantly lowered with the extracts. Treatment with lupeol and stigmasterol also significantly reduced the deposition of calcium and oxalate in the kidney, and also in the blood serum.
Insulin Plant Side Effects:
Even at very large doses of the plant does not cause mortality but at certain levels, it does get toxic. Prolonged use of the leaves at large doses will lead to toxicity. I would kindly suggest using the plant leaves in the correct dosage and to monitor your blood sugar levels closely while taking it. It is best to take it only under expert guidance.
Different Forms Of Taking Insulin Plant Leaves:
1. Insulin Plant Tea:
If you are not able to chew on the fresh leaf, you can make a decoction by pounding a leaf and boiling it in water till it reduces in half.
2. Plant Powder:
You can also make a powder of the plant by collecting the leaves, shade drying them and then powdering in a dry mixer to get a very very fine powder. The usual recommended dosage for the powder is 1/2 to 1 tsp per day.
3. Chewing Leaf :
Chew one fresh leaf after washing it thoroughly to reduce blood sugar levels.
NOTES:
- The dosage given is general and I would strongly suggest consuming the leaves under medical supervision.
- If you still want to take the leaves on your own, I would suggest monitoring your blood sugar levels closely and starting at the lowest dosage.
Discover more from Wildturmeric
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Insulin Plant Medicinal Uses:
Insulin Plant Side Effects: 
I was looking for some info on this, and yours is always the first reference for me :-)…wonderful as usual..Saw in agri univ website referring to insulin plant as Costus speciosus. Both are same?
Costus Speciosus and Costus Igneus are two different plants but they both are used for treating diabetes and are generally referred to as insulin plant. But usually the word insulin plant refers to costus igneus all over the world…
from where we can get it wants to grow it at my place to help the people
You can buy insulin plant in most large nurseries. Even if they don't have it most nurseries will get it for you easily if you order through them.
Hi ramya Is there any remedy or way for kids to concentrate in schools and so writing on their own. My kid is 9,years but doesn't do writing at school. At home he copies. Hope to find any solution
Vallarai and brahmi are both very good herbs for improving memory, give them both a try…
hi mam, your blog is really awesome. with ur drastic suggestion i finally got rid off my acne.but the scar remains.i have read once about shea butter and bought it in ebay. can you tell me uses of african shea butter and how to use it effectively to remove scars especially acne scars?
I am very glad you got rid of acne. If the Shea butter you have got is unrefined, I would suggest applying it directly on the skin after washing your face and drying it, try using daily at night time…
Hi, I'm impressed with your blog and your services. I have diabetes and found your posts on insulin plant and guduchi useful. I just bought a bottle of giloy juice. I would like to know if you can supply guduchi or insulin powder. Prof. A. Subrahmanyam, Retd law professor, Guntur 09000389389
Hi Sir, I am very glad that you find the posts very useful and I am very sorry as I don't sell any products…
Hello Madam, Just recently came across your website & blog in particular. Very interested to try Kalmegh powder for my Type 2 diabetic control. Is insulin plant preferred over Kalmegh powder ? I am bit confused after reading comments on both herbs. Thanks & very much appreciate your informative blogs.
Hello Madam, Just recently came across your website & blog in particular. Very interested to try Kalmegh powder for my Type 2 diabetic control. Is insulin plant preferred over Kalmegh powder ? I am bit confused after reading comments on both herbs. Thanks & very much appreciate your informative blogs.
Hello Madam, Just recently came across your website & blog in particular. Very interested to try Kalmegh powder for my Type 2 diabetic control. Is insulin plant preferred over Kalmegh powder ? I am bit confused after reading comments on both herbs. Thanks & very much appreciate your informative blogs.
Hello Madam, Just recently came across your website & blog in particular. Very interested to try Kalmegh powder for my Type 2 diabetic control. Is insulin plant preferred over Kalmegh powder ? I am bit confused after reading comments on both herbs. Thanks & very much appreciate your informative blogs.
Both are very good for reducing the blood sugar levels but kalmegh reduces the sperm count and has anti fertility properties which can be reversed once it stops. On the other hand, constant use of insulin plant for long duration's especially in the wrong dosage will causes severe adverse effects…
hi ma'am can i use it for prevention? i have that plant and it was given by madam jojie…
Hi Ramya,Where to buy the insulin plant
You can buy insulin plant in most large nurseries. Even if they don't have it most nurseries will get it for you easily if you order through them.
Buy from nuserylive.com
My blood sugar levels have reduced tremendously after consuming insulin powder.How long shall I consume it for?
Once your insulin levels have reached normal levels gradually reduce it. Don't overdose on insulin plant and try not to take it for long duration's….
Thank you very much for information. you are suggesting to take these herbal medicine under medical supervision. to whom we contact for medical supervision? any ayurvadic or siddha doctor?
I would suggest consulting an ayurvedic doctor…
Hi madam. I have bulk quantity insulin plant fresh. Where I can get dealers
Hi madam. I have bulk quantity insulin plant fresh. Where I can get dealers
I am sorry, I don't know any information about dealers for insulin plant…
i want insulin plant in gujarat
from where available insiulin plant
Hi RamyaCan you please tell me if Costus Pictus is the same as Costus Igneus?Thanks
Both the names refer to the same plant…
C pictus is not the same as C igneous, the flowers show u the difference. another point Ramya Venkateshwaran is that, Jarul is not the costus plant but …http://www.indiamapped.com/symbols-of-india/maharashtra-jarul-flower/
Thanks for details of insulin plant, I am daily eating 2 leaves per day to control blood sugar levels, is that sufficient?
Thanks for details of insulin plant, I am daily eating 2 leaves per day to control blood sugar levels, is that sufficient?
Hello Ramya Venkateshwaran . I like to buy these plant , costs igneus , or insulin plant . but I'm from California USA, How can I purchase this plant or seed to grow in my garden . Thank you . Alejandro Valencia
it can be grown by simply cutting and placing the branch in soil
My mom was diagnosed with diabetics few years back and she is on allopathic medicines ie Reclimet OD 60.she takes it twice a day. I have heard that insulin plant is very effective. Is it really safe? Should my mom discontinue her allopathic medicines once she starts taking insulin plant? Her fasting sugars are 150mg and post meal 300mg
i dont hav diabetes , if i take insulin leaf one a day , will it effect my health
Hi Ramya, I do have this insulin plant with me , in fact many of them in my plant nursery in Chennai. But i did not know how it was being used. Thanks for the same .It is very informative. Be blessed Stay blessed.Best regards,
Can anybody tell me where I can get the plant in Hyderabad.
Hi Ramya.. Really this is a great article. I just have a small doubt. Can the routine diabetes medicines be taken along with this insulin leaf? Your appropriate response would be better. Thank you! Happiiee new year to you!
Hi Ramya.. Really this is a great article. I just have a small doubt. Can the routine diabetes medicines be taken along with this insulin leaf? Your appropriate response would be better. Thank you! Happiiee new year to you!
Hi Ramya very helpful blog will u please advise me is this safe to consume during early pregnancy.Many thanks
I have one of those plants and I never knew what was It for… Im going to star informing myself all about it.
Can any one tell me the result after the usage of Insulin Plant.
Madam, can this be given to a four year old child who is recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (four months back).
Hi Ramya mam ur blog was very useful..my question is can i use insulin leaf as a preventive medicine…
Hie I'm type 1 diabetic from last 1.5 years. From where can I get this plant?
You get insulin plant in some herb nurseries in India…
can you tell me the toxicity that caused due to insulin plant??also can you suggest some human studies for insulin plant?
Hi maam i have hypo thyroid and hypertension i have been taking methtapozole and atenolol.i need to stop taking thes meds is there a natural herb i can use instead??
So it is a leaves per day as a general dosage.
Can we use the flowers