Diabetes means your blood sugar runs abnormally high. It occurs when your body can't produce enough insulin or use it effectively to adequately control blood sugar levels. Without insulin, your body cannot utilize food for energy. Excess sugar accumulates in the blood, causing various symptoms. Diabetes can be life-threatening if not treated. Diabetes over years can contribute to blindness, heart disease, kidney failure and tissue damage. The results of many epidemiological studies have shown that herbs may have some beneficial effects on diabetes.
Green Tea
Green tea is made from the dried leaves of Camellia sinensis plant. According to a study by North Dakota State University, drinking green tea may improve blood sugar control in patients who have insulin-dependent diabetes, which is also called type 1 diabetes. Green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidants called polyphenols, which are thought to be responsible for most of its health benefits.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is an herbal remedy that is derived from a Eurasian herb. The seed is used to manufacture various pharmaceuticals. Fenugreek has been shown to improve blood sugar control in patients with type 1 diabetes. Fenugreek has mucilaginous fiber, which may account for fenugreek's blood-sugar lowering activity. Most of the claims regarding the hypoglycemic effect of fenugreek are based on animal and not human studies.
Chinese Ginseng
Chinese ginseng or Asian ginseng is a member of the Family Araliaceae. The dried root of Chinese ginseng is used medicinally. Chinese ginseng has been found to lower the rise of blood glucose levels in animal studies. However, it has not yet shown substantial effects in people. Chinese ginseng contains active chemical compounds called ginsenosides, which may produce the herb's medicinal effects.
