Recent studies show that there isn’t just one herb for diabetes; there are several herbs that are effective in lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity.
The best herb for diabetes depends on the type of diabetes you have been diagnosed with and the symptoms you suffer from the most. As previously stated, there are several herbs that lower blood sugar and increase the effectiveness of insulin. There are also herbs that can help with diabetic neuropathy, rebuilding pancreatic cells, and fighting diabetic eye complications.
The most common form of diabetes that is effectively treated by a diabetes herb is type II. Type II diabetes is also known as adult onset or insulin resistant. This happens when the body cannot properly utilize insulin to metabolize sugar. In most cases, the pancreas produces enough insulin, but the body is unable to use it properly. Traditional treatment for type II diabetes is diet, exercise and possibly oral medications.
Some herbs can also be useful in treating type I diabetes (juvenile onset or insulin dependent) and gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy). The herbs most useful in helping with these types of diabetes are those that help lower blood sugar.
Natural Herb for Diabetes: Does It Work?
The natural herbs known to lower blood sugar include Gymnema Sylvestre, Bitter Melon, Prickly Pear Cactus, and Fenugreek. Other supplements that can lower blood sugar include Magnesium (mineral), Chromium (mineral), Onion (vegetable), and Garlic (vegetable).
In a recent article found at Holisticonline.com, there could actually be a miracle herb. Diabetes may actually have the potential of being cured with an herb called pterocarpus marsupium. This herb produces a crude alcohol extract and a flavonoid called epicatechin. These byproducts of pterocarpus marsupium can actually “regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells.” Research has shown that there is no other product on Earth (natural or manufactured) that has the potential to do this.
Holisticonline.com also commented that blueberry leaves contain a substance, that when injected into the human body, have similar results to insulin, but does not cause the harmful side affects insulin can cause. The substance obtained from these leaves is not as strong as insulin, but is able to sustain the body much longer. The article comments, “A single dose can produce beneficial effects lasting several weeks.”
There is also an herb that helps with diabetic conditions of the eye. This herb is called Billberry. If you suffer from diabetic neuropathy, herbs such as Ginko Biloba, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA is found in evening primrose oil), and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) may be able to help.
Chinese Herb for Diabetes: How Chinese Medicine Differs from Western Medicine and How Herbs Can Help
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) differs from western medicine in many ways. TCM tends to look at the entire body to determine the organs that are affected by an imbalance or blockage in energy flow (known as Yin). This imbalance causes symptoms or diseases. When the organs are balanced the symptoms no longer exist. According to Drshen.com, diabetes is known as “Wasting and Thirsting Disease” in TCM. Drshen.com had this to say:
“Wasting and Thirsting Disease is thought to be caused by a collapse of the Yin of the Kidney, the Spleen, or the Lungs.
Research (see below) and a great body of human experience has shown that Chinese herbal medicine can be helpful for treating type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. For the best results, it is important to begin with a Chinese medical diagnosis that identifies the organs involved. This enables the practitioner to construct a formula appropriate for the individual pattern. Different herbs and formulae are required to build yin in various organs.”
Amazingly, there seems to be several ways to use herbs to treat and even cure diabetes. TCM and other eastern cultures have been using herbs to treat and cure many ailments with great success for several centuries. Modern western medicine has developed a different approach to treating many diseases. Ask yourself though, wouldn’t it be better to try more natural methods with fewer side affects first? Of course, before beginning any new therapy consult your physician. If your physician is unfamiliar with the type of treatment you are seeking, ask for a referral to a medical professional that can help you develop an effective treatment plan.
