Diabetic Herbs That Regulate Blood Sugar Naturally

Numerous herbs may help regulate your blood sugar levels naturally. According to MedlinePlus, glucose, or sugar, is the principle source of energy for most cells in your body, including your brain. The carbohydrates you consume eventually end up as sugar in your blood. Certain medical conditions can cause abnormal levels of blood sugar. Before taking herbs to help regulate your blood sugar naturally, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Gymnema

Gymnema is an herb that may help regulate your blood sugar levels naturally.
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that gymnema is one of the few hypoglycemic herbs that demonstrates promise for insulin-dependent diabetics. Gymnema is hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic. Before taking gymnema to help regulate your blood sugar levels, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Bilberry

Bilberry is an herb that may be beneficial for regulating your blood sugar levels. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that bilberry, also known as Vaccinium myrtillus, is a relative of the blueberry, and its fruit is often used to make pies and jams. Bilberry has been used for centuries in traditional European medicine to treat numerous health problems, including blood sugar abnormalities. Bilberry grows in North America, Europe and northern Asia. According to Tilgner, bilberry is a member of the heath family. Its leaves and berries are used medicinally. The leaves possess an astringent taste and the berries are both sweet and tart. Tilgner states that bilberry is used to help regulate blood sugar levels and treat diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Before taking bilberry to help regulate your blood sugar levels, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

Jambul

Jambul is an herb that may be effective for regulating your blood sugar levels. According to Botanical.com, jambul, also known as Syzygium jumbolana, is a tree that grows in India, the East Indies and Queensland, Australia. The tree is 20 to 30 feet high with long, narrow leaves, green-yellow flowers and white, red or rose-colored fruit about the size of a hen's egg. The fruit smells and tastes like a ripe apricot. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that jambul is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used to help reduce the level of sugar in your urine and blood. Jambul is used as supportive therapy in the treatment of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus associated with excessive thirst and frequent urination. Jambul is a mild astringent, stomachic and pungent carminative. Before taking jambul to help regulate your blood sugar levels, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.

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Article reviewed by Molly Solanki Last updated on: Nov 11, 2010

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