Diabetes is a chronic illness in which your pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone your body needs to regulate the amount of sugar, or glucose, in your blood. Diabetes that develops in childhood is called type-1, and if you have this type you must take insulin regularly. Late-onset, or type-2 diabetes, develops in adulthood and doesn't always require insulin. You may be able to regulate your type-2 diabetes with herbs, but always consult a health care practitioner before starting herbal therapy.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum, is a perennial herb native to the Mediterranean. Traditional healers use the seeds and essential oil to treat stomach disorders, cough and skin diseases. In their 2000 book, "The Herbal Drugstore," Dr. Linda B. White and medicinal plant expert Steven Foster recommend fenugreek seeds to lower blood glucose and reduce insulin and cholesterol levels. You can eat the seeds whole or powdered. If you experience flatulence, moderate your intake.
Goat's Rue
Goat's rue, or Galega officinalis, is a perennial member of the pea family and a traditional remedy for diabetes. The aerial parts are rich in a chemical known as galegine, which lowers blood sugar. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink also state that the chromium salts in goat's rue may help normalize blood sugar metabolism. You can take this herb as a tea, but check with your health care practitioner regarding dosage and long-term use. Do not combine it with other diabetic medication.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon, or Momordica charantia, is an edible gourd found in tropical regions. Local healers use the leaves and stems to treat diabetes. Active ingredients include charantin, vicine, lectin and polypeptide p, which lower glucose and help your body use insulin more efficiently. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster recommend the plant and state that the compounds in bitter melon are close chemical relatives of insulin, which may explain their effectiveness in treating diabetes. You can use the juice and extracts, but the seeds and rind of these melons may be toxic. Consult a knowledgeable professional for advice about the safe use of this plant.
Bilberry
Bilberry, or Vaccinium myrtillus, is a bush that produces purple-blue berries rich in flavonoids. Traditional herbalists use the leaves and berries to treat inflammation, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and gout. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbalist Penelope Ody states that bilberry leaves reduce blood sugar and may increase insulin production. Dr. Linda B. White and Steven Foster also recommend the berries, standardized in capsules, to strengthen the capillaries around your eyes, kidneys, toes and fingers --- which may be damaged by long-term diabetes. Check with your health care provider before using the leaves, since they may trigger an allergic reaction or nausea.
References
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster; 2000
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
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