Diabetes is a group of related diseases that involve health problems caused by high levels of blood sugar, also known as glucose. According to "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures," in Type 1 diabetes, this elevation occurs because the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces insulin, but cells are resistant to it and don't allow it to transport glucose in. Diabetes is a serious condition, and any herbal treatment should be discussed with your doctor. That being said, in "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," Dr. David Kiefer says herbs can help treat diabetes by lowering blood sugar, protecting the vascular system and boosting the function of the pancreas.
Gymnema
Gymnema as long been used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes, and recent studies, such as the one published by K. Baskaran in the 1990 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" provide scientific support for its traditional use. Gymnema inhibits the taste of sugar, lowers blood sugar and increases production of insulin by the pancreas. In "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures," Dr. James Balch and Dr. Mark Stengler reference the 1990 study, in which 22 patients with Type 2 diabetes were given 400 mg of gymnema daily for 18 to 20 months. The result was that 21 of the 22 patients reduced their dose of prescription diabetes medicine, with five able to stop taking their prescription medicine entirely. It is recommended to take 400 mg in capsules daily.
Bitter Melon
Dr. David Kiefer, herbalism expert for "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments," recommends taking bitter melon daily for its hypoglycemic effect. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" says that numerous studies have found that bitter melon has hypoglycemic properties beneficial for treating diabetes. It references a study by N. Ahmad published in a 1999 issue of the "Bangladesh Medical Research Council Bulletin" in which 100 moderate diabetic subjects drank bitter melon juice. 85 showed significant reduction of blood glucose levels. The "PDR for Herbal Medicines" recommends either drinking fruit juice or taking 1 g of capsules containing an extract.
Fennugreek
Dr. David Kiefer suggests taking fenugreek, which slows carbohydrate absorption and increases insulin receptors, producing a hypoglycemic effect. He says that 50 mg a day is enough to achieve significant results. In "Solve It With Supplements," Dr. Robert Schulman warns that oral diabetes medications shouldn't be taken with fenugreek.
Garlic
Doctors Balch, Stengler and Schulman all suggest garlic. Dr. Schulman explains that allicin, an active compound in garlic, is responsible for its ability to reduce blood sugar levels. Although the way it functions isn't fully understood, it may stop the liver from inactivating insulin. He recommends that you eat one fresh clove of garlic a day. Dr. Balch and Dr. Stengler note that besides controlling blood sugar, garlic improves blood flow, reducing the risk of circulatory disorders.
References
- "Bottom Line's Prescription for Natural Cures;" James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
- "1000 Cures for 200 Ailments;" Editor Dr. Victor Sierpina; 2007
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines 4th Ed.;" Thomson Healthcare Inc.; 2007
- "Solve It With Supplements;" Robert A. Schulman, M.D.; 2007
