Amazing Herbal Remedies For Diabetes

Numerous herbal remedies may be helpful in treating your diabetes. According to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse, approximately 23.6 million Americans have diabetes. Diabetes is a serious lifelong condition associated with impaired insulin production in your pancreas. If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to life-threatening health complications. Before taking herbal remedies to help treat your diabetes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Gymnema

Gymnema is an herbal remedy that may be helpful in treating your diabetes. According to the University of Michigan Health System, gymnema, also known as Gymnema sylvestre, is a woody climbing plant that grows in the tropical forests of central and southern India. Gymnema, whose Hindi name, gurmar, means destroyer of sugar, has a sweet taste and cooling tendencies. The aerial parts of the plant are used to help treat numerous health problems, including diabetes. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that gymnema is a hypoglycemic herb that shows promise in treating insulin-dependent diabetics. Gymnema is being studied for its ability to help your pancreatic cells regenerate. Before taking gymnema to help treat your diabetes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is an herbal remedy that may be beneficial in treating your diabetes. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that fenugreek, also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, is a plant cultivated around the world as both a food and a medicine. Fenugreek, a member of the legume family, has a mucilaginous, maple-like taste. The seed of the plant is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including diabetes. According to Tilgner, fenugreek is a hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory that has been shown to decrease both blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels. If you are pregnant, avoid taking this herb unless you are under the guidance of a qualified health-care professional. Before taking fenugreek to help treat your diabetes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.

European Blueberry

European blueberry is an herbal remedy that may be effective in treating your diabetes. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, European blueberry, also known as Vaccinium myrtillus or bilberry, is a relative of the blueberry that has been used for centuries in traditional European medicine. This plant grows in Europe, North America and northern Asia. The dried leaves and ripe fruit of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including diabetes. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that European blueberry can significantly lower blood sugar levels in diabetics, in some cases by up to 100 points. Mitchell says that the active ingredients in European blueberry are anthocyanins. Before taking European blueberry to help treat your diabetes, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.