Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is a common complication of diabetes. Glucose, or blood sugar is necessary for providing energy for your body; however, elevated levels of glucose in your bloodstream can contribute to fainting, dizziness and even coma or death. Certain herbs may help you naturally lower blood glucose to prevent the symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes. Check with your physician before using any herb to treat hyperglycemia.
Step 1
Steep 1 tbsp. of dried meadowsweet in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain and drink up to three cups of the tea per day. Meadowsweet contains a chemical compound, called salicin, that may help lower glucose levels in your bloodstream, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Talk to your doctor before using meadowsweet to lower blood sugar -- it may aggravate stomach ulcers.
Step 2
Add freshly crushed or diced garlic cloves to soups, casseroles, stir fry dishes, marinades and stews. Fresh garlic cloves contain chemical compounds that may help clear excess glucose from your bloodstream, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." However, consult your physician before using garlic as a remedy for hyperglycemia. This herb may thin your blood and promote excess bleeding from wounds.
Step 3
Mince fresh cayenne peppers and add to soups, Mexican dishes, omelettes, stir fry dishes and curries. Capsaicin, the chemical compound that gives cayenne peppers their heat, may help lower blood glucose, according to Balch. Consult your physician if you plan to use cayenne pepper to lower blood sugar -- capsaicin may cause abdominal pains and skin rashes.
Step 4
Add 1 cup of boiling water to 2 tbsp. of fresh dandelion flowers and leaves. Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes and strain out the flowers and stems. Drink two to three cups of the tea per day. Although dandelion is primarily known as a bothersome weed in the United States, this herb may help prevent diabetes symptoms by reducing blood glucose levels, according to Castleman. Talk to your doctor before treating hyperglycemia with dandelion. Although side effects are rare, dandelion may occasionally cause diarrhea.
Step 5
Chop fresh sage leaves and add them to pasta sauces, casseroles, stews and soups. Sage contains chemical compounds that may help you manage blood glucose levels, according to Castleman. Sage contains thujone, a potentially toxic chemical, so talk to your physician before using this herb.
Things You'll Need
- Meadowsweet
- Garlic
- Cayenne
- Dandelion
- Sage
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
