HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS FOR DIABETES:

Gymnema Sylvestre aka Miracle Fruit: The Hindi name for this plant translates to ‘sugar destroyer’. It is one of the most powerful plants for blood sugar control and works by stimulating the production of insulin.
Aloe Vera: This plant helps improve blood glucose levels, decreases blood lipids (fats), decreases swelling, and increases the rate of wound healing.
Bilberry: Studies show that a compound in Bilberries, (anthocyanosides), promotes blood vessel strength, and has protective properties against retinal damage in people with diabetes. Other health benefits of this plant include improved circulation, lower blood sugar levels, and prevention of cell damage.
Bitter Melon: Also known as Bitter Gourd, or Karela, this vegetable is the edible part of the plant Momordica Charantia. This plant contains at least 3 active substances with anti-diabetic properties, including charantin, vicine, and polypeptide-p. Charatin is known to have a blood glucose lowering effect, while polypeptide-p is an insulin-like compound that can act as a replacement. It also contains a lectin that lowers blood glucose levels by suppressing appetite.
Cinnamon: Clinical studies have shown that cassia cinnamon improves both blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes, and reduces risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A daily intake of this herb has been seen do reduce glucose, triglyceride, ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Other studies suggest that it may increase insulin sensitivity, therefore treating and reversing type 2 diabetes.
Fenugreek: The seeds of this plant are often ground and used as a spice in many curries, while the leaves are sold as vegetables. The seeds are high in soluble fibre, which lowers blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates. Studies have also shown these seeds to lower blood glucose levels and improve glucose tolerance.
Ginger: This herb has been known to improve long term glucose control, lower glucose production, increase the uptake of glucose into muscle cells without using insulin, and protect against cataracts which are a complication related to long term diabetes.
Okra: The insoluble fibre in this plant is believed to help stabilize blood glucose levels by slowing the rate at which the sugar is absorbed from the intestinal tract.
Garlic: This herb is thought to reduce blood glucose, increase secretion and slow the degradation of insulin.
Magnesium: Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in people with diabetes. This deficiency can increase high blood sugar and insulin resistance.
Chromium: Chromium is essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates; therefore increasing chromium levels helps to lower blood glucose levels. Too much may make the blood sugar too low.
Prickly Pear cactus: This plant works in lowering blood glucose levels because it contains components that work similarly to insulin. It is also high in fibre and so also slows the rate at which sugar is absorbed from the intestines.
Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA): Research suggests that people with diabetes are deficient in GLA. It is also suggested that the supplement can reduce and prevent nerve pain associated with diabetes.
Ginseng: This herb slows carbohydrate absorption, increases cell’s abilities to use glucose, and increases the production of insulin from the pancreas.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: ALA is a powerful antioxidant with the ability to reduce oxidative stress, lower fasting blood sugar levels, and decrease insulin resistance. This acid has the potential to lower blood sugar levels to dangerous levels so use with caution.
Green tea: The main antioxidant in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This antioxidant is known to lower cardiovascular disease risk, prevent type 2 diabetes, improve glucose control, and improve insulin activity.
Resveratrol: This is a chemical found in wine and gapes. In animal tests and studies it helps to prevent high blood sugar, and reduce oxidative stress.
Chamomile: This herb works by lowering blood sugar levels and taking the sugar out of the blood and storing it in the liver.
Cumin: This herb lowers both blood sugar and cholesterol, and has a positive effect on the damaging advanced glycation end products (AGE’s) in diabetes.
Red onion: Studies suggest that consuming red onion daily lowers blood glucose levels. This study also suggests adding onion to meals helps to lower blood sugar after a meal.
Gingko Biloba: This herb stimulates the production of insulin in the body. It also effectively keeps the pancreas healthy and functioning, resulting in a resistance to type 1 diabetes.
Curry leaves: There are several minerals in this herb that aid to balance and maintain healthy blood glucose levels. It also influences carbohydrate metabolism and reduces the risk of oxidative stress.
Turmeric: The main compound of turmeric is curcumin and has been shown to boost blood glucose control and prevent diabetes.
Holy basil: This herb aids to increase the secretion of insulin and balance blood glucose levels.

WARNING

Some of these herbs or supplements may cause adverse reactions in some individuals, or interact negatively with other medicines. You should always consult with a doctor or physician prior to taking any new herb or supplement.

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