Obesity has become increasingly common among women these days, primarily due to a lack of physical activity, parental pampering, and unhealthy food habits, particularly in hostels. It’s a concerning trend as a significant percentage of young women, roughly 75 to 80 out of 100, are carrying an extra 7 to 8 kilograms of weight, which is considered obese. Obesity can lead to various health issues, one of which is the development of insulin resistance, a condition where insulin doesn’t function properly, contributing to the formation of ovarian cysts. Research has demonstrated that insulin resistance is responsible for 50 to 60 percent of ovarian cyst cases.
Insulin resistance is a complex process with several consequences. When insulin resistance decreases, the presence of cysts in the ovaries decreases as well. There’s an herb known to help combat insulin resistance effectively by increasing insulin sensitivity. Consuming just one leaf of this herb per day has been scientifically proven to reduce insulin resistance, making it a valuable resource for both preventing and treating ovarian cysts. This herb is called “Costus igneus” or “insulin leaf.”
Before delving into the details of this herb, it’s important to understand how insulin resistance leads to ovarian cysts. The food we consume gets converted into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. For blood sugar to be utilized as energy, it must be taken up by cells. This process relies on insulin, which acts as a key to unlock cell walls, allowing glucose to enter—a healthy and necessary process. However, many people tend to overindulge in carbohydrate-rich foods like junk food, fast food, rice, idli, sugar, sweets, refined products (e.g., maida flour), chocolate, and soft drinks, leading to excessive glucose production after digestion.
This influx of glucose can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, prompting the pancreas to release more insulin to control the excess sugar. As insulin secretion increases, the insulin level in the blood rises. However, when excess insulin is present, cell walls can become resistant to its effects—a phenomenon known as insulin resistance. In other words, the cells no longer respond to insulin as they should. This results in blood sugar not being absorbed into the cells because insulin is unable to facilitate its entry.
To illustrate this point, consider the analogy of eating a sweet treat. The first bite is a delight to the senses, but with each additional bite, the sweetness diminishes, and eventually, it may even taste bitter. Similarly, insulin should be produced in the right amount needed to open cell walls and allow glucose entry. However, overeating leads to excess insulin production, and when the cells are overwhelmed, they no longer respond to insulin—a situation termed insulin resistance.
As a consequence, blood sugar cannot enter the cells, leading to its accumulation in the bloodstream. When glucose is unable to enter the cells in the ovaries due to insulin resistance, these cells experience a shortage of glucose, which can result in cell damage. Damaged cells that do not receive enough insulin group together and form cysts—clusters of damaged cells in the ovaries.
Costus igneus, or the insulin leaf, is an herb that proves invaluable in reducing insulin resistance. This fact has been substantiated by research conducted at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Karnataka, in 2010. This plant can be purchased online for approximately 125 to 150 rupees per plant and can be cultivated at home. Consuming just one leaf per day is sufficient to enhance insulin sensitivity, promote glucose absorption by ovarian cells, and prevent ovarian cysts.
For those who cannot find the leaves or grow the plant at home, costus igneus powder can be purchased from the market. About 100 grams of this powder costs around 10 dollars and is commonly known as insulin plant powder. Simply mix a spoonful of this powder in hot water and drink it regularly. This practice has been shown to effectively reduce ovarian cysts in women and prevent them in those without existing cysts.
The scientific basis for the efficacy of costus igneus lies in its compound known as corosolic acid. Insulin plant leaves mainly contain 5 to 6 grams of corosolic acid, which significantly reduces insulin resistance and boosts insulin sensitivity, as supported by scientific research. Moreover, the insulin leaf also contains a combination of stigmasterol and sapogenin, which promote healthy glucose metabolism in the liver and prevent excess glucose from converting into fat—a process that can increase appetite and lead to overeating.
This herb is particularly beneficial for young women with obesity and ovarian cysts. It is also advisable for men with diabetes and insulin resistance to incorporate it into their diets. For individuals with a family history of type-2 diabetes, it can serve as a proactive measure. Consuming one insulin leaf daily can help prevent diabetes and maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Additionally, drinking hot water mixed with a spoonful of costus igneus powder is an effective way to incorporate this herb into your routine. This powder is rich in fiber, containing approximately 21 grams, which helps reduce glucose absorption due to its high fiber content. All in all, costus igneus is a powerful ally for women with ovarian cysts, and its inclusion in your diet can significantly improve your health and prevent the development of ovarian cysts.