9 Herbal Treatment To Combat Diabetes

Herbal treatment for diabetes is nothing new. But its popularity is on the increase after the recent scientific confirmation about its efficiency in treating diabetes. This chronic disease, which also has the notoriety of being a lifelong ailment, is a condition of high levels of sugar in the blood.  Probably, this will be one of the rare instances where the word‘sugar’ conveys ‘bitter’feelings. The main reason for diabetes is the improper production of a hormone called insulin by the pancreas. Pancreas produces insulin to control sugar or glucose level in the blood, generally after a meal. Diabetes occurs when insulin is produced too little, or when the system does not respond to the insulin.

The main function of insulin is to transfer glucose from the bloodstream into muscle, fat, and liver cells. This glucose will act as fuel for the body. But when the glucose enters blood stream the condition becomes unfavourable. Insulin is essential to transform sugar, starches, and other food into energy.

There are mainly three types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes, which is often found in childhood; Type 2 Diabetes, which is common in adulthood; and Gestational Diabetes, which is found anytime during pregnancy. The first type is life-threatening and less common.

The Significance of Herbal Treatment

Factors such as overweight, lack of exercise and family history can cause the condition of diabetes. Since diabetes cannot be cures completely, the person affected with diabetes need to be careful in controlling the disease throughout his/her lifetime. Vigilant meal planning, a systematic exercise program, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is to be included in daily routine. If necessary, medications should also be taken daily. A careful planning is necessary in order to prevent serious complications in future such as stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage and heart attack.

A majority of diabetic people are tuning to herbal treatment, which is a renowned traditional diabetes remedy. A selection of plant-derived preparations is available with the miraculous property of controlling blood sugar levels. The origin of using medicinal herbs to cure diabetes can be traced back to 1550 B.C.

Many herbal remedies have proved to be successful in lowering the level of sugar in blood naturally.  With modern scientific research throwing more light on the efficiency of herbs and nutrition, herbal treatment is gaining more momentum.

9 Some Important Herbs And Natural Remedies That Are Used For Diabetes Are

1. Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon

The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development has confirmed the capacity of bitter melon to reduce blood glucose levels. Bitter gourd includes numerous phytochemicals that imitate the qualities of sulfonyurea drugs. This herb without any side effect also encompasses those compounds that are similar to insulin. Many blood-sugar-lowering properties have been identified in this herb. Eating this vegetable frequently or drinking raw juice of this vegetable is said to lessen blood sugar levels.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon’s insulin-like properties are proved to reduce blood glucose levels. It nurtures digestive system and commendably maintain healthy glucose metabolism. B y including cinnamon into daily diet, one can successfully control obesity- related diabetes and hyperlipidemia.

3. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seed is another herb that controls diabetes. It is a proved herb that enhances insulin sensitivity and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides level. Amino acids contained in the fenugreek seeds facilitate insulin release.

4. Gymnema Sylvestre

This herb, a part of the milkweed family, has been used since antiquity for the treatment of diabetes. Its leaf extract is loaded with anti-diabetic healing properties. This herb has the ability to kindle the production of insulin by pancreas. It also has the additional benefit of reducing craving for sugar.

5. Blueberry leaves

Blueberry is especially helpful in treating diabetic complications such as loss of eye sight. Blueberry leaves has the ability to improve vision and treats macular degeneration. The decoction of the blueberry leaves is used as medication. This herb enhances capillary integrity and prevents damage caused by harmful free-radicals.

6. Ginseng

Ginseng is an important Chinese herb used in the treatment of diabetes. This immune-boosting herb aids in slowing down absorption of carbohydrates and boost pancreas’ ability to produce more insulin. This herb also enhances the number insulin receptors and reduces sugar levels in blood.

7. Salt Bush

Salt Bush Plant is successful in lowering blood sugar level. It is rich in Vitamins C, A and D and contains chromium, which is good for diabetes.

8. Banaba

Banaba, commonly found in, Philippines, India, Malaysia and Australia, can be used to treat diabetes thanks to the presence of corosolic acid, tannins, and lagerstroemin. These substance sare known for its insulin-like activity.

9. Goldenseal

Goldenseal’s strong hypoglycemic properties and insulin supporting effects make it an important anti-diabetic herb. A strict diet plan should be followed as a natural method to keep diabetes under control. Include low fat and fibre-rich foods which are low in sugar and fat. Include whole-grains, legumes, salads and vegetables spread across the day. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet is the best way to keep diabetes at bay.

A Word Of Caution

All the claims of herbal treatments should be taken with a pinch of salt. The reason is that since herbal remedies are unregulated and typical preparation standards are practically non-existent, it is difficult to ensure the presence of all listed ingredients in the medicine.

Some preparations may not mention the toxic effects of some of the herbs. People have a general misconception that all herbs are safe to be consumed since they are natural. But the fact is that over dosage of some herbs may result in the opposite effects. Another criticism towards this kind of conventional medicine is that some herbs actually give a feeling of better well-being without actually reducing the sugar level in blood. This illusion causes large popularity for herbal remedies.

Considering all these views put forwarded by critiques, it is better to consult a physician and talk about your interest.  But the good news is that even before modern medical treatments were available for chronic diabetes; these herbs were effectively used to control symptoms and severity of diabetes.