Herbs for Diabetes Mellitus

Check out the list of herbs for diabetes. These diabetes herbal remedy and diabetes herbs may help increase glucose metabolism, reduce blood sugar levels or reduce the symptoms of diabetes.

There are 3 types of diabetes. They are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. Type 2 is the most common one affecting millions of people. Some of the common symptoms of type 2 diabetes include frequent visits to the bathroom and slow healing of cuts and wounds.

This page focuses on diabetes herbs. You can read the causes and symptoms of diabetes and how to control diabetes on the natural remedies for diabetes page.

Herbs for diabetes No. 1 - Cinnamon

Cinnamon bark is one of the most common spices used as herbal remedy for diabetes type 2 as it has the potential to prevent or overcome diabetes. Cinnamon seems to respond well to insulin and helps control blood sugar levels.

Studies done on animals and humans showed that when given cinnamon extract, there were reduction in serum glucose as well as triglyceride, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. The active constituents in cinnamon are able to produce glucose burning enzymes and increase the effectiveness of insulin.

The secondary benefits of adding cinnamon in your diet or taking cinnamon supplement include increasing energy level, lowering blood pressure, improving digestion of dairy products and preventing or reducing bloating and intestinal gas.

Herbs for diabetes No. 2 - Bitter melon

Bitter melon or bitter gourd is actually a fruit but it is used as an herb to treat many conditions and diseases. According to a report in ScienceDaily, bitter melon or bitter gourd contains compounds that are able to activate an enzyme that helps regulate the metabolism and transportation of glucose from the blood into the cells. Some studies indicate that bitter melon also has anti cancer and antiviral properties.

You can make use of the health benefits of bitter melon by eating it raw if you can stand the bitter taste, cook it or take bitter melon extract as a supplement. Its additional benefits include stimulating the liver and improving digestion.

Herbs for diabetes No. 3 - Guggul

Traditional ayurvedic treatments use guggul as one of its herbal remedies for diabetes. A report published in the journal of obesity stated that guggul, which is a resin obtained from the Indian shrub commiphora mukul, has the ability to reduce body weight and improve insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. Guggulsterone which is one of the active constituents of guggul herb is believed to contribute to guggul anti-diabetic and anti-obesity properties.

Herbs for diabetes No. 4 - Ginkgo biloba

One of the complications caused by diabetes is blurred vision and color blindness due to the damage done to the retina. Taking ginkgo biloba extract may improve the problem.

Herbs for diabetes No. 5 - Sweetleaf or stevia

Sweetleaf or stevia is sweeter than most sugars but it doesn't produce the same effect. It is one of the best sugar substitutes for diabetes. A report at the metabolism journal website states that stevia contains stevioside. Based on tests conducted on diabetic patients, stevia has shown to reduce blood sugar level in type 2 diabetic patients.

Diabetes herbs No. 6 - Fenugreek

Fenugreek is another herb used as natural remedies for diabetes. A scientific study reported that fenugreek has the ability to delay the digestion and absorption of carbohydrate, improve insulin functions and glucose homeostasis in diabetes type 1 and type 2.

Some studies indicate that African mango, garlic, astragalus root and Korean ginseng extracts have the potential to increase insulin, lower blood glucose, stabilize it and manage diabetes.

Please exercise caution when taking herbal supplements for diabetes. Some herbs may interact with medications or cause adverse effects. Always check with your doctor first especially in you are taking prescription medication.

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