14 Best Herbs For Diabetes

Diabetes is generally a life-long metabolic disorder where it becomes very difficult for the body to keep the glucose levels in the bloodstream normal. The increased glucose levels may also lead to other serious complications, such as heart and kidney disease.

There are lots of herbs that are considered as safe and very effective in the treatment of diabetes. However, since diabetes is a serious condition, you are strongly recommended to talk to your doctor first before trying any herbal remedy.

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Effective Herbs For Diabetes

Green Tea

The “Biomedical Research” magazine published a report in 2011, as per which epigallocatechin gallate, the main compound in green tea, has activities similar to insulin, and so, drinking green tea is advisable for diabetes patients. Another report published in the “Journal of Medicinal Food” said that drinking green tea and consuming gooseberry extract in 1:1 ratio can be very beneficial particularly for diabetes patients with renal failure.

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Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a herb that is also used as a spice in foods. Recently, the Department of Aggriculture in the US conducted a research on this herb and found that polyphenols, the main compounds in cinnamon, plays a crucial role in reducing glucose levels in the bloodstream. It does so by stimulating the cell membrane insulin receptors. In addition to that, cinnamon can also prove to be very beneficial in preventing heart disease.

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Bilberry

The medical term for bilberry is Vaccinium myrtillus. It is purple-blue in color and contains high amount of flavonoids. Both the berries as well as their leaves are used by traditional herbal practitioners to treat diabetes. The herb is also useful in the treatment of heart disease and arthritis.
The natural components in bilberry are believed to be very effective in increasing insulin production in the body and in decreasing blood sugar level. When a patient suffers from diabetes for a long time, it may also damage the capillaries around the fingers, toes, kidneys and eyes. Bilberry can be very useful in strengthening these capillaries as well.

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Bitter Melon

The medical term for bitter melon is Memordica chaantia. It usually grows in tropical regions. Herbal practitioners use its stems and leaves for the treatment of diabetes. Polypeptide, lectin, vicine and charantin are the main active ingredients in bitter melon. All these natural compounds have been found to be very useful in reducing glucose level. These ingredients are actually close chemical relatives of insulin. That’s why they also assist your body to make the most efficient use of insulin produced by pancreas. However, its seeds and rind should be avoided because they can be toxic. The extracts and juice of bitter melon are safe and very effective in diabetes treatment.

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Goat’s Rue

The medical term for goat’s rue is Galega officinalis. It is a herb from the pea family and has been in use since ancient times for the treatment of diabetes. Galegine and chromium salts are the main natural compounds which are found mainly in aerial parts of this herb. It is a medically known fact that the consumption of galegine and chromium salt in proper dosage can be very effective in normalizing blood sugar metabolism. This herb is generally taken in the form of tea, but capsules and tablets are also available.

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Fenugreek

The medical term for fenugreek is Trigonella foenumgraaecum. Fenugreek seeds have been found to be very useful in lowering not only glucose but also the cholesterol levels in the blood stream. Fenugreek is also available in the form of essential oil, but it is more useful in treating skin diseases, cough and stomach disorders. Diabetes patients are generally advised to eat fenugreek seeds either whole or powdered.

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Olive Tree

When the beta cells in the pancreas become insulin resistant, it causes diabetes. The “British Journal of Nutrition” published a report in 2009, as per which, olive-leaf extracts have been found to be very effective in preventing the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas. This way, it actually helps in increased production of insulin by the pancreas which eventually leads to normalization of blood sugar level.

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Basil

Basil is one of the most popular herbs that are used in the treatment of diabetes. The magazine “Evidence-based Complimentary and Alternative Medicine” published a report in 2008 that said consuming basil in proper dosage can be very effective in relieving postprandial hyperglycemia (the main culprit that leads to excessive rise in glucose level).

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Ginseng

Ginseng also contains powerful anti-diabetic properties. The natural compounds found in ginseng do not only reduce insulin resistance in the body but they also strengthen the beta cells in pancreas that eventually leads to increased production of insulin and its proper release in the body.

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Garlic

The magazine ‘Nutrition Research and Practice” published a report in 2009, as per which garlic contains powerful antioxidants that normalizes blood sugar level and prevents diabetic complications, mainly kidney and heart disease. As compared to regular garlic, the aged black garlic contains much higher quantities of such antioxidants.

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Lingonberry

Lingonberry grows in the northern climates and has been used as a potent herbal remedy for diabetes. The flavonoids in this herb work as powerful anti-diabetic agents. Consuming lingonberry extracts in proper dosage does not just treat diabetes but it also treats other complications caused by diabetes.

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Gingko

Though there are thousands of published studies that confirm the effectiveness of gingko in memory enhancement and in improving blood flow, further research is still needed to confirm whether it can be helpful in diabetes treatment also. Still, various research based studies that have so far been conducted in this direction, including the one conducted by the San Antonio University of Heath And Science, this herb has shown great potential in increasing insulin production in diabetes patients.

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Guggulipid

Guggulipid has been used successfully since ancient times in the treatment of skin disorders, inflammation and sinus conditions. Recent research and studies have found that this herb contains commipheric acid (also known as commiphora mukul), which can be very beneficial in treating diabetes. This specific natural ingredient in guggulipid improves glucose tolerance and reduces cholesterol level.

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Hot Peppers

Hot peppers include an array of herbs, such as cayennes, jalapenos, serrannos and habaneros. All these herbs contain capsaicin, a chemical compound, which has been found to be very helpful in reducing blood sugar levels and also in managing other symptoms of diabetes.

Though the above herbs are considered as “generally” safe, some of them might cause certain side effects depending upon your specific health condition. Therefore, it is very important for you to try them only if your doctor approves the same.