Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in controlling your blood glucose levels. According to MayoClinic.com, it is important to control your blood glucose, or blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes. Prolonged uncontrolled blood glucose levels can lead to serious health complications, including organ damage. Before taking dietary supplements to help control your blood glucose levels, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, appropriate dosage and potential drug interactions.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, also known as Trigonella foenum-graecum, is an herbal supplement that may be beneficial in controlling your blood glucose levels. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, fenugreek, a member of the Legume family, has been used to help treat many health problems including elevated blood glucose levels in diabetics. Fenugreek is a plant that grows in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and elsewhere around the world. Fenugreek has a bitter and mucilaginous taste and is used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The seed of the plant is used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that fenugreek is an anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic -- or a substance that lowers blood sugar.
Devil's Club
Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that devil's club, also known as Oplopanax horridus, is an alterative and rejuvenating tonic that improves your physical endurance, stamina and general health and helps optimize your longevity. Devil's club, notes Smith, has been used to help control blood sugar levels in diabetics. Tilgner states that devil's club is an adaptogen and immune system modulator that helps your body cope with stressful situations caused by internal or external sources and helps normalize your blood sugar levels. Devil's club is a large shrub that primarily grows in the damp forests of western North America. Devil's club belongs to the Ginseng family, has a bitter taste and grows to a maximum height of about 16 feet. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the root of the shrub to help treat health problems, including blood sugar abnormalities.
Jambul
Jambul is an evergreen tree that grows in the tropical parts of India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Indonesia. Jambul, also known as jambolan or Syzygium cumini, can grow to a maximum height of 30 feet. The jambul tree bears fruit, which is used for medicinal purposes. The fruit of the jambul tree has a pungent taste and is particularly helpful as an anti-diabetic agent. According to Tilgner, jambul is specifically used to help lower your blood glucose levels. Smith notes that jambul is a supportive therapy in the treatment of hyperglycemia, or elevated blood sugar, and when taken over a period of several weeks, may also help reduce diabetes-related thirst and elevated urine output. Jambul is a mild astringent, stomachic and pungent carminative. Before taking jambul to help normalize your blood glucose levels, talk with your physician about proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Blood Sugar Testing
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fenugreek
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
