All forms of sugar, including table sugar, high fructose corn syrup and concentrated juice, can cause psychological and physical effects similar to addiction. A 2008 study published in the medical journal Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Review confirmed that rats can become addicted to sugar under some circumstances, and that obese humans may be coping with similar afflictions. Like any addiction, sugar cravings may be hard to overcome. Certain medicinal herbs may offer help to people who feel addicted to sugar. Consult a health-care provider before taking any medicinal herb or pursuing a weight-loss program.
Stevia
Stevia leaf is significantly sweeter than sugar but contains no calories whatsoever. Dr. Daniel Mowrey reports that this popular herbal sugar alternative can curb cravings for sweets while also helping stabilize blood sugar levels and support healthy metabolism. Stevia may help increase the production of insulin in sugar addicts with type 2 diabetes. It may also help to reduce hypertension. Because it is approved as a food additive in the United States, stevia may be recommended as a healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners.
Ginseng
Both American and Asian ginseng may offer help to people struggling with sugar addiction. According to the National Institutes of Health, practitioners classify ginseng as an "adaptogen" because it eases stress-related fluctuations in mood, appetite and sleep. By curbing the stress response, ginseng may reduce sugar cravings. Additionally, the NIH notes the effectiveness of ginseng in supporting healthy blood sugar levels. It may prevent the abrupt fluctuations in blood sugar that can cause strong sugar cravings.
Gymnema
Gymnema, a natural herb originating in India, temporarily fills the mouth with a powerful sweet flavor. After a few minutes, the sweetness abates and the tongue becomes less receptive to sweet flavors. Traditionally, Ayurvedic practitioners believed that gymnema could "numb" a sugar addict's ability to taste sweetness. The effect lasts for roughly two hours after the leaves are chewed. While few studies have evaluated gymnema's effectiveness as a weight loss aid, the Critical Review of Food Science and Nutrition published an evaluation of its chemical properties in 1992.
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