Herbs for Diabetes

Herbal Cure for Diabetes?

    Many may be wondering if there is herbal cure for diabetes, and the answer is no if you are thinking of complete cure that frees you from diabetes.  However, there are some herbs for diabetes that prove useful for the people with diabetes.  These herbs are believed to be good for your diabetes by helping to control your blood sugar level.   Some herbs for diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of long-term diabetes complications.  These herbs for diabetes may sound good, but in no circumstances should they replace your insulin injections (if you are taking) and any diabetes medications you are taking.  Always consult your doctor or your diabetes health care team if you want to take these supplementary herbs.

Herbs for Diabetes

    There are some herbs for diabetes which are used to control your blood glucose level.  These herbs are discussed below on how it can be beneficial for diabetes.

Herbs for Diabetes

  • Garlic

     A lot of reports in scientific literature indicate that garlic may play a role in the prevention and management of  diabetes complications.  Herbs for DiabetesHowever, debates as to how it work still exist.  There is one theory that garlic can increase the efficiency of insulin output.  Another theory is that it stimulates the liver to be more effective in removing sugar from the blood.

     Garlic is probably more effective in type 2 diabetes than type 1.  It can dramatically lower the blood level of both cholesterol and triglycerides.  Garlic possesses the tendency to thin blood and also is an immune system enhancer.

  • Ginkgo biloba

     As we grow old, our brain's ability to process information starts to slow down.  This is caused by plaque deposits in the blood vessels of the brain resulting less blood flow to the brain.  As a result, cerebral insufficiency occurs because of the lack of blood supply to Herbs for Diabetesthe brain nerve cells.  These occurrences of blood vessel blockage are more prominent and prevalent in people with diabetes.

     Ginkgo biloba is one of the herbs for diabetes.  Ginkgo helps to improve blood flow through arteries, veins and capillaries.  Thus, it can help in preventing or reversing cerebral insufficiency.

     Ginkgo biloba, in other studies, was found to improve eye function in diabetic patients with early stage diabetic retinopathy after six months of supplementation as compared to placebo treated controls.

     The recommended dosage for ginkgo biloba is 120 mg daily, divided into three doses of 40 mg.

  • Fenugreek

     Fenugreek is one of the herbs for diabetes that has the ability to lower the glucose level in the blood.  These glucose lowering properties are due to the abundance of fiber and gum content in the fenugreek seeds.

     Fenugreek is  particularly useful to help type 2 diabetic patients in lowering their blood glucose levels.  One study on diabetes with coronary artery disease found both blood glucose and lipids were lowered in type 2 diabetes after 3 months of consuming 2.5 grams of fenugreek seeds daily.

  • Bilberry

     Bilberry has been used traditionally to treat glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy due to its powerful antioxidant anthocyanosidesHerbs for Diabetes properties.  In Europe, bilberry is used for both the treatment and prevention of diabetic retinopathy.

     Clinical studies support the fact that bilberry has the ability to lower blood sugar levels, even when the blood sugar level is abnormally high.  The recommended dosage is 120 - 240 mg twice daily for a standardized extract with not less than 25 percent content of anthocyanosides.
  • Gymnema Sylvestre

    This is a traditional Ayurvedic herb, found in the tropical forest of India.  It has been used as a treatment for diabetes for a long time.  The gymnemic acid is believed to be the active ingredient.

     One study reported that  400 mg of gymnema sylvestre given to 22 type 2 diabetic patients for 20 months showed lower blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin.

     The recommended dosage is 400 - 600 mg daily for a standardized extract containing 24 percent gymnemic acid.

Diabetes Care Home | Diabetes Mellitus | Insulin | Diabetes Symptom | Diabetes Diagnosis | Diabetes Complication | Diabetes Treatment | Diabetes Care | Herbs for Diabetes

All trademarks, registered trademarks, product names and company names or logos mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.
 diabetes herbs information copyright © 2009 www.diabetic-diabetes-care.com