Numerous herbs may help treat your insulin resistance. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, insulin resistance, also known as pre-diabetes, is a condition in which your body produces insulin but does not use it properly. Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that helps your body use glucose for energy. Before taking herbs for your insulin resistance, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Gymnema
Gymnema is an herb that may help treat your insulin resistance. According to Botanical.com, gymnema, also known as Gymnema sylvestre, is native to mainland India and several parts of Africa. Gymnema has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. In contemporary Western medicine, it is used to boost insulin levels and help control blood sugar levels. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally. Gymnema has a sweet taste.
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that gymnema is a hypogylcemic, hypolipidemic and anti-atheresclerotic. Gymnema, Tilgner notes, may act directly on your pancreas to help regulate your blood sugar levels. Before taking gymnema for your insulin resistance, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herb that may be beneficial for your insulin resistance. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that fenugreek, also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians. Fenugreek is used in food and for medicinal purposes. The seed of the plant is used medicinally. Fenugreek, a member of the legume family, has a bitter, maple-like taste. According to Tilgner, fenugreek is a demulcent, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, diuretic and anti-atherosclerotic. Fenugreek is used to treat numerous health problems, including insulin resistance, diabetes, poor appetite, inflammation, digestive problems and menopausal symptoms. Before taking fenugreek to treat your insulin resistance, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is an herb that may be effective in treating insulin resistance. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, bitter melon, also known as Momordica charantia, is a perennial plant that grows in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, East Africa and the Caribbean. Bitter melon is used as both food and medicine. Bitter melon has been used to treat numerous conditions, including insulin resistance, diabetes, cancer, viral infections and immune disorders. Bitter melon has been used as a folk remedy in India for diabetes for many years. Botanical.com states that the fruit of the plant, in its entirety, can be used medicinally. Bitter melon may be most effective for lowering blood sugar in people with pre-diabetes or Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Before taking bitter melon for your insulin resistance, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
