Sugar is a necessary component of your diet. The body breaks sugar molecules down into glucose, which is used for energy. However, overconsumption of sugar can lead to weight gain and health problems such as Type 2 diabetes. Paradoxically, the more sugar you consume, the more you tend to crave it. Certain herbs may help alleviate cravings, regulate blood glucose levels and break the sugar habit. Check with your doctor before using herbs for medicinal purposes.
Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre, also referred to simply as gymnema, is an Indian herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to combat sugar addiction and treat adult onset diabetes. The liquid extract may also be used as a natural sweetener. However, it appears to reduce the craving for sugar. The University of Michigan Health System cites a number of studies published in medical journals such as the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," the "Journal of Endocrinology" and "Pharmacological Research Communications" between 1981 and 2001 that showed that extracts of gymnema were effective in lowering blood sugar levels. In a study found in "Applied Human Sciences" from 1998, gymnema extract, when placed on the tongue, was shown to block the ability to taste sweets. Check with your health care provider for proper use of this herb.
Stevia
Stevia is a plant native to South America that is used as a natural sweetener and sugar substitute. It is also used by herbalists to treat Type 2 diabetes. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, stevia is generally recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. MSKCC also cites studies such as one published in the "British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology" from 2000, which show that stevia appears to have anti-diabetic effects. It is purported to be beneficial for both diabetes and weight loss. MSKCC warns that stevia may interact with certain anti-hypertensive and diabetic medications. Consult your doctor before trying this herb.
Licorice
Licorice is a sweet herb used in both cooking and herbal medicine. Herbalists use it to treat a number of common problems, including ulcers, indigestion and obesity. Because it is a natural sweetener, it is sometimes recommended as a sugar substitute and to help reduce sugar intake. In a study published in "Obesity Research and Clinical Practice" from December 2008, researchers found that licorice oil reduces total body fat and visceral fat in overweight patients. In addition, they saw a decrease in LDL, or bad cholesterol, and no adverse effects were reported. Licorice is available over the counter in liquid extract form, and can easily be added to herbal tea or other beverages. Check with your health care provider before using this or any herb for medicinal purposes.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng, sometimes called American ginseng, is a root herb that is considered adaptogenic, meaning it helps the body recover from illness and stress. Herbalists use it to treat the common cold and flu, cancer and diabetes and to boost the immune system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a number of human studies found that American ginseng lowered blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes, and one study even showed that taking ginseng before consuming sugar prevents the normal spike in blood glucose levels. The studies cited were from "Diabetes Care" in 1995 and the "Archives of Internal Medicine" in 2000. UMMC points out that ginseng may interact with certain prescription medications, and further study is still needed. Consult your physician before trying supplements containing panax or American ginseng.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Soda Consumption Linked to Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Other Health Concerns; August 2010
- University of Michigan Health System: Health Library: Gymnema
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs: Stevia
- "Obesity Research and Clinical Practice"; Licorice Flavonoid Oil Reduces Total Body Fat and Visceral Fat in Overweight Subjects; Y. Tomanaga et al.; December 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
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