Persistently high blood sugar is a pervasive health concern in modern society. The typical Western diet is rich in refined foods and simple carbohydrates and low in nutrients, and when this type of diet is consumed over time, the body loses its ability to use insulin appropriately. The result is continuously high blood sugar, which is a significant risk to health. Certain herbs can help to lower blood sugar. For an appropriate diagnosis and personalized recommendations on herbal combinations, forms and safety, a botanically trained health care provider, such as a licensed naturopathic physician, should be consulted.
Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre is a slow-growing plant native to southern and central India. It is a member of the Asclepiadaceae or milkweed family, and it has a sweet taste. Gymnema has a long history of use in Ayurveda -- the traditional medicine system of India. Gymnema has been used for asthma, ailments of the eye, various inflammations, snake bites and diabetes. According to a 2007 article in the "Journal for Clinical Nutrition and Biochemistry," gymnemic acids -- substances within the leaf of gymnema -- delay the absorption of glucose from the intestines into the blood. Gymnema also lowers blood sugar by promoting regeneration of pancreatic insulin-secreting cells, increasing insulin secretion and enhancing the body's ability to utilize glucose, or in other words, diminishing insulin resistance. Additionally, gymnema has the interesting ability to temporarily diminish the taste buds' sensitivity to sweet-tasting foods, which can help to lower the intake of sweets in individuals with intense sweet cravings. Gymnema may be taken as a tea, tincture or capsule.
Devil's Club
Devil's club, also known by its Latin name Oplopanax horridus, is a member of the Araliaceae or ginseng family. It's a spiny shrub with broad leaves that grows mainly in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Devil's club has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous tribes for many ailments, including internal and external infections, various pains, digestive problems, respiratory problems and diabetes. According to Natural Standard, an authoritative database for integrative medicine, devil's club is thought to lower blood sugar in individuals with diabetes or pre-diabetes, however, human studies are lacking. Devil's club may be taken as a tea, tincture or capsule.
Jambul Seed
Jambul, also called Syzygium cumini, is a member of the Myrtaceae family. It an evergreen tropical tree native to India, Nepal, Bagladesh, Pakistan and Indonesia. Jambul is an Ayurvedic herb used to treat diabetes and other blood sugar problems. In his book, "Therapeutic Herb Manual," Ed Smith, a medical herbalist, states that the liquid extract of the dried mature jambul seed, when used over several weeks, reduces the level of sugar in the blood and urine. Additionally, it can diminish the symptoms of thirst and frequent urination that are frequently associated with hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. Regular use of jambul seed may reduce the need for medical insulin, however insulin dosages should not be adjusted without the guidance of a qualified physician.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
- "Journal for Clinical Nutrition and Biochemistry"; Gymnema sylvestre: A Memoir; Parijat Kanetka, et. al.; 2007
- Natural Standard: Devil's club (Oplopanax horridus)
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual: A Guide to the Safe and Effective Use of Liquid Herbal Extracts"; Ed Smith; 2007
