In an attempt to control and manage their diabetes, many people look for herbal remedies as alternatives to traditional medical treatments. Asian ginseng, fenugreek, ginkgo biloba, bitter melon, onion and cinnamon may help diabetics, but each remedy affects each person differently.
Asian Ginseng
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), ginseng may be effective for lowering blood glucose levels of people with diabetes. The active chemical components in ginseng, ginsenosides, are behind this herb's beneficial effects. The ginseng root is dried to make herbal teas, tablets, capsules and other preparations. Ginseng may cause sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions and headaches.
Fenugreek
The NCCAM says some small studies show that fenugreek may help decrease blood sugar levels in diabetics. Drying and grinding the seeds of this ancient herb allows it to be taken by mouth or used as a paste applied to the skin. This herb has been known to cause dizziness, gas, swelling, facial numbness and problems with breathing.
Ginkgo Biloba
Dr. Kudolo of the University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio, says ginkgo decreases pallet aggregation, thus increasing circulation and preventing circulation-related complications of diabetes. He also says ginkgo may increase insulin production in diabetics whose insulin production is failing. The exact amount of ginkgo needed to be the most effective has yet to be determined. The NCCAM says this herb may cause nausea, headache, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset and allergic skin reactions.
Bitter Melon
Bitter melon is a tropical vegetable used extensively in folk medicine for treating diabetes. Holisticonline.com says the charatin in bitter melon acts like a hypoglycemic agent. The momordica in bitter melon lowers blood sugar by working similar to insulin in the body. Exercise caution when using this herb in conjunction with other blood sugar-lowering medications and in those with hyperglycemis.
Onion
According to holisticonline.com, onion and garlic help to lower blood sugar levels. The allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) lowers glucose levels by competing with insulin for insulin-inactivating sites in the liver, increasing the amount of free insulin in the blood. Garlic and onion also have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Holisticonline.com says they inhibit platelet aggregation and lower blood lipid levels, allowing for better circulation.
Cinnamon
The inner bark of the tropical evergreen trees in India and Sri Lanka provide cinnamon. Diabetes-diabetic-diet.com says cinnamon has insulin-like properties for lowering blood glucose levels. It's also beneficial for lowering triglycerides and cholesterol, which tend to be higher in diabetics. Adding 1/2 tsp.cinnamon to your diet each day may cause a significant reduction in blood glucose levels.
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