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Natural Herbs That Lower Blood Sugar
Natural herbs to lower blood sugar is something that many people worldwide are looking for since these are healthier alternatives that have minimal side effects and deal with the problem effectively too.
Facts
There are several significant herbs that herbalists believe have blood sugar lowering effects. However, these are not extensively used in Western herbal medicine and are more common in Ayurvedic Medicine and Oriental Medicine. The exact mechanism of action in lowering blood sugar is yet to be scientifically established but users claim to have benefited greatly from the treatment based on these. Results of course, vary from individual to individual and some patients may not have desired effects from the commercial herbal combinations available, since these many a time contain less than the naturally required dosage of antioxidants, zinc, chromium, vanadyl sulfate, and other minerals or vitamins that may be beneficial to diabetics.
Benefits of some famous herbs: blood sugar balancers
- Fenugreek is a popular herb in traditional Chinese medicine that is medically being used in recent times to be effective in treatment of diabetes and high cholesterol, apart from aiding in digestive problems. Initial trials have found that fenugreek helps improve blood sugar control in patients with insulin-dependent (type 1) and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes as it contains steroidal saponins that inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis. Moreover, Fenugreek also contains a mucilaginous fiber that helps lower blood sugar levels by slowing digestion of carbohydrates and thus benefits blood sugar patients.
- Aloe Vera is increasingly being hailed as a herb that helps to balance blood sugar levels if used in gel form and dosage limited to 15-30 ml (50 mg) per day.
- American Ginseng is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and latest studies indicate its effectiveness in reducing blood sugar levels in Type II diabetic patients. If taken 40 minutes prior to meal, Ginseng has optimal effect. Irregardless, American ginseng should be taken within two hours of a meal to avoid potential hypoglycemia.
- Bilberry is a traditional European herb used to treat diarrhea mostly but its powerful antioxidant properties are believed to benefit patients with high or inconsistent blood sugar levels.
- Bitter Melon has been used as a hypoglycemic agent in Asia, Africa and Latin America, where the plant extract has been referred to as vegetable insulin.
- Cinnamon Bark and studies relating to its medicinal use point to the herb's remedial properties in effectively lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with type 2 diabetes: ¼ to ½ teaspoonfuls can have a powerful effect in lowering blood sugar.
- Holy Basil leaf extract helps in decreasing fasting and postprandial blood glucose in patients with Type II diabetes.
- Turmeric is one of the main ingredients in Asian Indian cooking and a great kitchen remedy, increasingly being acknowledged for its medicinal value in decreasing blood sugar levels and helping to lower cholesterol effectively as well. This is attributed to its action of apparently blocking enzymes that convert dietary carbohydrates into glucose.