Diabetes is a long-term health condition marked by elevated blood glucose levels, according to Dr. James Balch and Mark Stengler, authors of "Prescription for Natural Cures." Your body converts fats, proteins and carbohydrates into glucose, which is an energy source. However, chronically high levels of blood glucose can be toxic to your body and may lead to coma or death if left untreated. Certain herbs may help regulate blood glucose and manage the symptoms of diabetes.
Talk to your doctor if you plan to treat diabetes with herbs. Diabetes is a disease that requires ongoing medical attention.
Step 1
Use cinnamon, which may be useful for controlling high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes. This herb, most commonly known as an ingredient in pumpkin pies and other dessert foods, may improve cellular sensitivity to insulin, allowing your body's cells to utilize insulin more efficiently. Insulin is a chemical produced by your pancreas that transports glucose to your body's cells. Check with your doctor before taking cinnamon for diabetes. In rare cases, this herb may cause redness or a burning sensation in the skin.
Step 2
Add garlic to your diet. According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," when garlic is cut or crushed, it releases a chemical compound that lowers blood sugar. The chemicals in garlic may also help lower high cholesterol, which is common among diabetics. Consult your physician if you plan to treat diabetes with garlic. This herb may impede blood clotting, so you should not take it if you take blood-thinning medications.
Step 3
Take fenugreek supplements. Ancient Greeks used fenugreek as a flavoring agent for the hay they gave to livestock. However, Chinese and Ayurvedic healers recommended this herb for a variety of human health problems, including muscle aches, fevers and arthritis. Fenugreek contains mucilage, a substance that may help lower high blood glucose. This substance may also aid blood cholesterol management. Talk to your doctor before treating diabetes with fenugreek. It is a uterine stimulant, so you should not use it if you are pregnant.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid eating white breads, pastas and sugary foods, which can quickly raise glucose levels in your bloodstream. Limit your intake of red meat, dairy products and eggs, which are high in saturated fats. These fats may worsen high cholesterol associated with diabetes.
Things You'll Need
- Cinnamon
- Garlic
- Fenugreek
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; 2004
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
