Several common (and some not so common) herbs have proven to be effective in regulating blood sugar levels, many of which are used traditionally in treating diabetes. These herbs can address both basic causes of diabetes, which are the body's inability to produce enough insulin to convert sugar and inability to use the insulin produced. Most herbal remedies that help with blood sugar levels in diabetics are most effective when taken along with insulin or other diabetes medications.
American Ginseng
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium) lowers blood sugar in individuals with Type 2 diabetes, according to several clinical studies cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Study participants with Type 2 diabetes who took American ginseng with a glucose-based meal experienced reduced blood sugar levels after consuming the meal, the UMMC says. Studies have also found that American ginseng can boost carbohydrate tolerance in diabetics, notes the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. Patients who take ginseng in the early stages of diabetes can return their blood glucose levels back to normal, while those in the advanced stages will see a significant reduction in blood glucose levels, the Network says. Further, when American ginseng is combined with insulin, a decreased amount of insulin is needed to produce lowered blood sugar levels.
Cinnamon
Several clinical studies have discovered that cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) can help to regulate blood glucose in people with diabetes, the UMMC says. A clinical study of Type 2 diabetics found that taking 6g (or 2 tsp.) or less of cinnamon each day reduces glucose and triglyceride levels, as well as cholesterol, according to the UMMC. "All the patients in the study showed better glucose metabolism and natural insulin production when they took cinnamon capsules that delivered less than two teaspoons a day of the spice," adds Mary Shomon of Thyroid-Info.com.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) is a common spice used in curry dishes, the seeds of which are high in fiber and can regulate glucose levels, the UMMC says. Fenugreek seed powder lowered blood glucose levels, improved cholesterol levels and helped triglycerides in two smaller studies of patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, the UMMC notes.
Gymnema
Gymnema (Gymnema silvestre) has been used for more than 2,000 years to treat diabetes, showing a mild hypoglycemic effect in some studies, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels and can control sugar cravings when applied to the tongue. The Network cites research studies on animals that found Gymnema can boost glucose uptake into the cells and prevent the liver from producing glucose. Preliminary research in humans has found that Gymnema can benefit Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics when used in combination with insulin or diabetes medications taken orally, the UMMC says.
Bitter Melon
Early clinical studies indicate that taking bitter melon (Momordica charantia) may lower serum glucose levels, the UMMC says. Bitter melon contains the chemical substances polypeptide P, charantin and vicine, which researchers believe act to lower blood glucose, according to Diabetes Health. Bitter melon supplements are available in juice, powder, pulp suspension and injectable forms, Diabetes Health notes.
