Guar gum Health Dictionary

Guar Gum: From 2 Different Sources


From the Indian bean Chyamopsis tetragonobulus. A normaliser of carbohydrate intolerance. Previously used as an emulsifier and thickener in foods like yoghurt and ice-cream. When combined with water forms a sticky gel. Slows rate of entry of sugar into the blood, improving insulin sensitivity. Anti-hyperglycaemic and hypocholesterolaemic.

Guar has an effect upon sugar metabolism, blood fat levels, body weight and blood pressure. (Dr J. Tuomilehto, University of Turku, Finland) A study at Hammersmith Hospital, London, showed Guar efficacious in reducing blood sugar levels. Its cholesterol-lowering action is of benefit in diabetics.

Guar induces weight loss in obese subjects; reduces risk of kidney stone. Granules of the gum may be taken with water or sprinkled direct on food – fluid being taken at the meal to ensure swelling of the granules.

By slowing the rate of sugar absorption, it reduces the post-prandial peak in blood sugar level, making possible a reduction of insulin. Contra-indications: obstruction of the intestines and diseases of the gullet.

Guarina or Guarem, sachets: 5g unit dose sprinkled over food. Adults: one sachet daily, increasing if necessary to a maximum of 3 sachets. A preparation Glucotard is taken as dry minitablets, washed down in portions with a glass of water.

Alternative: Powdered Guar gum – 15 grams daily.

Note: Effectiveness for weight loss unproven. Guar gum may cause throat obstruction in rare cases and should be prescribed by a medical practitioner only.

See: DIABETES. HYPERLIPIDAEMIA. CHOLESTEROL. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia
A gum extracted from the cluster bean (CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLABA). Guar gum is not digested in the body. It is taken (as granules sprinkled on food or dissolved in water) as an aid to controlling the blood glucose level in people with diabetes mellitus because it slows absorption of glucose in the small intestine. Guar gum may cause flatulence, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

Gumboil

A painful condition of in?ammation, ending sometimes as an ABSCESS, situated in the gum about the root of a carious tooth (see TEETH, DISORDERS OF – Caries of the teeth).... gumboil

Gumma

A hard swelling, or GRANULOMA, characteristic of tertiary SYPHILIS. It normally develops in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, mucous membranes or submucosa, and the long bones. Although often painless, it may produce marked symptoms by interfering with the brain or other internal organs in which it may be located. Treatment with penicillin (or tetracycline if the patient is allergic) usually ensures a rapid disappearance of the gumma.... gumma

Gums

Painful from ill-fitting dentures or injury caused by new dentures, with soft sensitive gums. Same treatment as for GUMS, RECEDING. Leave out artificial teeth at night to allow gums to “breathe”. Sage tea as a mouth rinse – success reported. Coenzyme Vitamin Q10: 60mg daily. ... gums

Astragalus Gummifer

Labill.

Family: Fabaceae; Papilionaceae.

Habitat: Highlands of Asia Minor, Iran, Greece, Syria and Russia.

English: Tragacanth Gum.

Unani: Katiraa, Kataad (Gum)

Action: Demulcent, emollient (used for irritation of the internal mucosa, colitis, dry coughs), laxative. Mucilage used as an application to burns.

The gum contains polysaccharides and proteinaceous polysaccharides.

Tragacanthin is water-soluble, consisting of an arbinogalactan and traga- canthic acid. Bassorin is an insoluble methylated fraction (gel). The polysac- charides have been shown to have im- munostimulating activity (stimulation of phagocytosis and an increase in plasma cell counts of T-lymphocytes.

Although tragacanth increases weight of stool and decreases gastrointestinal transit time, it does not appear to affect cholesterol triglyceride or phospholipid levels as other soluble fibres do. (Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2007.)

Tragacanth has been shown to be active against a variety of tumours. It appears to inhibit growth of cancer cells.... astragalus gummifer

Gardenia Gummifera

Linn. f.

Synonym: G. arborea Roxb. G. inermis Dietr.

Family: Rubiaceae.

Habitat: Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

English: Gummy Cape Jasmine.

Ayurvedic: Venupatrikaa, Naadi- hingu, Hingushivaatikaa. Hingu- patrikaa, Hingupatri (also equated with Ferula Jaeschkeana Vatke).

Unani: Dikaamaali.

Siddha/Tamil: Dikkamalli, Kambil, Sinna Kambil.

Action: Gum—carminative, antispasmodic, stimulant, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, antiseptic, expectorant. Given to children in nervous disorders and diarrhoea due to dentition.

The gum yielded flavones, including gardenin, de-Me-tangeretin and nevadensin; wogonins, isoscutellarein, apigenin and de-MeO-sudachitin.

Dosage: Gum—250-500 mg. (CCRAS.)... gardenia gummifera

Gums, Diseases Of

See MOUTH, DISEASES OF; TEETH, DISEASES OF.... gums, diseases of

Gums, Receding

 Neglected professional dental attention may result in deposits of plaque or tartar on the teeth, responsible for gum recession and loose teeth. Gums become soft and sensitive. Usually associated with refined sugar intake, carbonated beverages, the aftermath of infections, etc. Recession may be caused by incorrect brushing of the teeth.

To harden gums: 5-10 drops Tincture Myrrh in tumbler of water as a mouth rinse, freely. To inhibit plaque: chew sticks of Marshmallow root, Liquorice root, or Orris root. Saliva from such chewing inhibits lactic acid; reduces adherence of Saliva mutans.

Mouth wash. Leaves of Comfrey, Sage or Walnut. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes.

Marie Treben’s Mouth Rinse. Equal parts, Ladies Mantle, Oak bark, Sage, Knotgrass. Mix. 2 teaspoons to cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Strain off.

Bloodroot makes a mouth wash for reducing plaque and blocks enzymes that destroy collagen in gum tissue. (American Herbal Association)

Cider Vinegar. 2 teaspoons in glass of water. Sips throughout the day.

Diet. Alfalfa tea. Sugar-free, salt-free diet. Reject foods known to contain additives. Supplementation. Vitamin C (1 gram daily). Calcium. Dolomite. ... gums, receding

Bleeding Gums

See gingivitis.... bleeding gums

Receding Gums

Withdrawal of the gums from around the teeth, exposing part of the roots. The teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold substances, and the attachment of the tooth in the socket may weaken, causing the tooth to become loose. Severe cases of receding gums are usually a signs of gum disease (see periodontitis; gingivitis).... receding gums

Gumshield

n. a soft flexible appliance that fits over and covers the teeth for protection in contact sports. The best are custom-made to fit the individual.... gumshield



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