Herbs for Diabetes
Herbs can be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for diabetes.
Since they lower blood sugar levels, it is important to monitor you blood glucose readings carefully if you add herbs to your treatment protocol. Some people are able to maintain blood glucose levels within a healthy range by using herbs in addition to dietary and lifestyle changes. Others are able to reduce the dose of hypoglycemic medications needed. Herbal therapies may be particularly useful for people who have been diagnosed with prediabetes.
Herbs work by a variety of mechanisms. Some directly decrease blood sugar levels while others improve insulin sensitivity and decrease insulin resistance. Herbs that enhance the production of insulin are available and are used to prevent long term complications and address conditions diabetics often have, like vascular illnesses.
Clinical trials of herbal therapies for diabetes are limited; however they do indicate that herbs for diabetes treatment are effective and generally safe. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective herbs used for the treatment of diabetes.
1. Ivy Gourd (Coccinia Indica)
Ivy gourd has a long history of use by Ayurvedic practitioners for the treatment of diabetes. The herb improves insulin production and may protect the cells of the pancreas, too. The recommended dose is 15 grams of dried herb daily.
Holiday dinners with diabetes can be hard, especially when trying to maintain the discipline of controlling your blood sugar levels.
