Letter: Antlion larvae for diabetes?

Those who suffer from diabetes of any severity may just as well try an alternative therapy I have found effective for myself. Four years ago I had severe diabetes with all its grave complaints -- low stamina, exhaustion and loss of libido -- until I found this wonder drug when I returned home to my village last year.

Entering my middle age, I was shocked when I received a diagnosis of advanced diabetes after a medical checkup. As all professional and traditional remedies failed, my village neighbors in Kalidoro, Pati, suggested that I try yet another alternative treatment, which sounded weird and impossible.

I was told to swallow live undur-undur. These long-jawed insects, also called antlions or doodlebugs, are the larval stage of dragonfly-like winged insects. These larvae dig conical sand pits where they lie in wait to trap tiny insects to feed on. I could hardly believe it when I first swallowed the undur-undur, but this therapy has helped rid me of the disease for a year now without any relapse.

Found mostly in rural house yards, these insects can be put into capsules for easy consumption. They say that in order to ensure full recovery, the capsules should be swallowed with water in which leaves from the dewadaru and awar-awar trees have been boiled, five times every other day. Extracts of both herbs are also sold as supplements.

SISWANTO
Pati, Central Java