High blood sugar levels, commonly referred to as hypoglycemia, is a condition in which your blood sugar levels remain elevated for prolonged periods. Elevated blood sugar levels may lead to serious health consequences if they are not properly managed. Herbs and other dietary supplements have long been used in treating blood sugar abnormalities. However, herbs should always be cleared with your physician before using them to treat this condition.
Blood Sugar and Health
Blood sugar abnormalities are one of the characteristic signs or symptoms of diabetes. According to FamilyDoctor.org, it is especially important for diabetics to monitor their blood sugar levels, as uncontrolled swings in your blood sugar can lead to damaging health effects, including kidney failure and blindness. MayoClinic.com lists numerous factors that may be associated with high blood sugar levels in diabetics, including sedentary living, having an illness or infection, and failing to use sufficient insulin or oral diabetes medications.
Herbal Supplements for Blood Sugar
Many herbal supplements have historically been used in treating blood sugar abnormalities. In his book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," herbal medicine expert Ed Smith states that five herbal supplements, either used together or used individually, may help restore your blood sugar balance, including devil's club root bark, jambul seed, blueberry leaf, bean pod and dandelion root. Other herbs that may be beneficial in regulating your blood sugar levels include bitter melon, bilberry and Siberian ginseng.
A Powerful Supplement
Seeds from the jambul tree -- a type of tree that grows throughout South Asia -- are often helpful in lowering elevated blood sugar levels, notes naturopathic physician and herbalist Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." Jambul seed is a helpful adjunct therapy in the treatment of elevated blood sugar and diabetes. Smith recommends the following dosage to achieve optimal health results: 30 to 40 drops of the liquid extract, taken two to five times per day. Always consult your physician about proper dosage before consuming this herb.
Additional Information
Blood sugar abnormalities can have devastating health consequences if they are not treated appropriately and well-managed over time. A health care practitioner trained in naturopathic medicine can counsel you on the appropriate use of herbal and non-herbal supplements in balancing your blood sugar levels, how long you should use supplements for this health purpose and when to discontinue use. Certain dietary supplements may trigger strong reactions in some individuals and should be avoided or discontinued immediately.
References
- American Heart Association: Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia
- FamilyDoctor.org: Diabetes: Monitoring Your Blood Sugar Levels
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperglycemia in Diabetes
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
