Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin or does not utilize insulin effectively. As a result blood glucose levels rise, which may lead to serious health complications such as kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. Diabetes is managed through diet, exercise and medicine. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that certain herbs have long been used in diabetes management. However, they should never be used in place of treatment prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you are considering using herbs to help manage your diabetes.
American Ginseng
American ginseng, an herb that boosts immunity and relieves stress, is used to treat a number of conditions including diabetes. MedlinePlus, a service of the National Library of Medicine notes that taking American ginseng up to 2 hours before a meal may lower blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes. American ginseng contains molecules known as ginsenosides that according to MedlinePlus, affect insulin and blood sugar levels. However, American ginseng may lower blood sugar levels too much. If you are taking American ginseng to control your diabetes, you should have your blood glucose levels monitored regularly. American ginseng may interact with some medicines so consult your doctor before using this herb.
Gymnema
According to an article published in the September 2007 issue of Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, the herb gymnema may have potent anti-diabetic properties. The leaves of the gymnema plant cause hypoglycemia in animals and may help treat adult onset diabetes, notes the article's lead author, Dr. Parijat Kanetkar. Gymnema may exert its therapeutic effect by blocking sugar binding sites and preventing sugar from accumulating in the body, notes Kanetkar. Gymnema may have side effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it may affect the ability to detect sweet tastes.
Considerations
According to endocrinologist David Fitz-Patrick, M.D., from the Diabetes and Hormone Center of the Pacific, caution should be employed when using herbs as a diabetes treatment. Fitz-Patrick notes that most studies have examined the effects of herbs in animals rather than humans. He adds that while some herbs may lower blood sugar, their effects are not predictable enough to adequately manage diabetes.
