High blood sugar or blood glucose levels are an exceedingly common problem among Americans. According to ScienceDaily.com, high blood glucose is a blood sugar abnormality in which too much glucose circulates in your blood plasma. Elevated blood glucose levels are often indicative of a condition called diabetes mellitus. Herbs have been used for many years as a natural method of controlling elevated blood glucose levels. Ask your doctor if herbal remedies are appropriate for your condition.
High Blood Glucose Levels
High blood glucose levels, also known as hyperglycemia, may occur if you fail to take your diabetes medications, consume too much food, get inadequate amounts of exercise, have an infection, or are sick or subjected to stressful situations on a regular basis. Prolonged elevation of your blood glucose levels may be injurious to your health, and it is usually an indication that your body is not producing enough insulin or is not using your insulin properly.
Appropriate Herbs
The best, or most appropriate, herbs in controlling high blood glucose levels possess the ability to normalize blood sugar abnormalities. According to herbal medicine expert Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," one of the most effective herbs in treating high blood glucose levels is jambul, an herb commonly used in India for this health purpose. Other beneficial herbs for this condition include fenugreek, Siberian ginseng and gymnema.
A Powerful Botanical
Fenugreek is one of the most powerful botanical remedies in controlling high blood glucose levels. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that fenugreek is commonly used in treating diabetes, although it may also be beneficial in treating high blood cholesterol levels, wounds and inflammation. Fenugreek seeds -- the part of the plant that is used in herbal supplements -- possess a high mucilage content, which may cause delayed absorption of certain drugs or other herbs used at the same time.
Considerations
Prolonged high blood glucose levels are a serious threat to your long-term health and well-being and should be managed by a qualified health care professional. Any substance used in treating a health condition such as high blood glucose levels should be afforded considerable respect and used according to the instructions provided to you by your physician. Review all relevant herb-related topics with your doctor before using herbs to help control your blood sugar abnormality.
References
- ScienceDaily.com: Hypergylcemia
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: When Your Blood Glucose Is Too High or Too Low
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Fenugreek
