Herbal Remedies For Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the medical term for abnormally low blood glucose levels. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom notes that hypoglycemia is technically defined as having a blood glucose level of 4 millimoles per liter or lower. Without sufficient levels of blood glucose, your body may not possess enough energy to carry out your normal activities of daily living. Certain herbal remedies may help regulate your blood glucose levels, although the use of herbs should always be cleared with your physician beforehand.

Hypoglycemia and Health

Hypoglycemia is a serious health condition, and it is a common health complication among diabetics, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Abnormally low blood glucose levels may cause numerous signs and symptoms, including headache, extreme sweating, vision changes, reduced coordination, anxiety, depression, irritability and confusion, heart palpitations and slurred speech. More severe health outcomes associated with this condition include seizures, fatigue and coma. In most cases, individuals experiencing this condition will have some warning that it is occurring, which will allow them to correct it.

Natural Herbal Remedies

Two important natural herbal remedies in treating hypoglycemia, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center, are holy basil and green tea. Holy basil is used for stress balance, while green tea possesses antioxidant action. Other natural herbal remedies that may be successful in balancing your low blood glucose levels include licorice root, raspberry leaves, gentian root and gymnema. Although these herbs have historically been used in treating hypoglycemia, few may have been studied using contemporary scientific testing methods.

A Powerful Botanical

Gymnema is a powerful botanical remedy in the treatment of hypogylcemia. According to nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," gymnema -- an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, which originated in India -- slows the intestinal absorption of saccharides, or groups of carbohydrates. Reduced intestinal absorption of saccharides leads to more stable blood glucose levels, which is particularly important to people, such as diabetics, who are prone to dangerous swings in blood glucose levels.

Disclaimer

If you are a diabetic or are prone to abnormally low blood glucose levels, meet with your doctor to discuss effective health strategies in coping with this condition. Preventive measures, such as not skipping meals and checking your blood sugar levels regularly, may help you avoid a hypoglycemic attack. Always consult a qualified health care practitioner before using herbal remedies to balance your blood glucose levels, as some herbs may trigger drug interactions and various health side effects.