For centuries, herbs have been used to fight everything from the common cold to more serious illnesses like heart disease. Today, research shows that certain herbs may be very beneficial at fighting diabetes and/or helping patients with diabetes maintain their blood-sugar levels. This diabetes-fighter offers a holistic alternative to some traditional medicines that can cause a variety of side effects. Below is a look at the top eight herbs that can help fight diabetes.
#8: Gymnema Sylvestre
This effective herb has been used for many years in other countries. In fact, the Hindi name for this herb means sugar destroyer. It is one of the most effective herbs used to decrease blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Gymnema Sylvestre works by promoting enzyme activity, which can improve the cell’s use of glucose and help stimulate insulin production.
#7: Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular herb that has many healing properties, but for diabetes patients, its daily use can help to lower blood sugar levels. This is because of its ability to increase the use of glucose in the cells and to reduce the carbohydrates absorption rates. In turn, this helps to lower the blood sugar levels in the body. In some studies, patients have seen as much as a 15-20% reduction in their blood sugar level.
#6: Chamomile
This powerful herb can assist the body with removing sugar from the blood and storing it in the liver. This proper transfer of sugar from the blood to the liver can help decrease blood sugar levels, which in turn can prevent the progression of Type 2 diabetes. Chamomile is most effective when taken just a short while after eating, and it can be taken as a supplement or in tea.
#5: Bilberry
Although related to the blueberry, the bilberry is slightly softer and smaller. In addition, the bilberry is more effective than blueberries at reducing the risk for some serious side effects caused by diabetes. Bilberries help at preventing both cell damage and retinal damage that can occur with diabetes. The flavonoids, called anthocyanosides, help by strengthen blood vessels to reduce the risk of damage as the diabetes progresses.
#4: Ceylon Cinnamon
While cinnamon is a popular herb used in most kitchens on a frequent basis. You may not think about the healing power of this great spice when using it daily. However, Ceylon Cinnamon is actually great for regulating blood sugar levels in diabetes patients, by increasing insulin sensitivity. In 2006, the Diabetes Care journal released data from a study showing that just six grams or less of cinnamon taken on a daily basis could reduce both serum glucose and cholesterol levels.
#3: Dill
Dill is another powerful herb that can be very effective at maintaining a person’s blood sugar levels. In fact, this herb has as many as 70 different chemicals in it that are believed to help fight diabetes. This herb reduces the frequency of fluctuating glucose levels. Just a small amount of dill taken on a regular basis can start to level out glucose and serum lipids levels and can slow the progression of diabetes.
#2: Garlic
Garlic is a common household herb that is used in recipes from almost every culture in the world. This herb is known for its healing properties, but only recently has its ability to lower blood sugar levels been detected. Several chemicals within the herb, such as allicin and allyl propyl help to increase insulin production in the body. Initial studies show that garlic may not only be able to control glucose levels, but it can help reduce the risk of complications caused by diabetes.
#1: Ginger
You may already know just how beneficial ginger can be for variety of digestion problems, including nausea and indigestions, but this effective herb is also beneficial at improving blood sugar levels on a long-term basis. Many people turn to ginger because it can be consumed in a variety of ways, including raw, as a powder, dried, or in an oil or juice form.
Numerous diabetes patients across the globe are finding the use of these powerful herbs to be very beneficial at fighting or maintaining their diabetes. The majority of these herbs are most beneficial for Type 2 diabetes, which is the most common form of this disease. It is always recommended that you talk to your doctor about the use of these natural herbs and that you do not start any new treatment plan without consulting your doctor.