Herb

The long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes are well known – damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves, blood vessels, and other organs. Most of this damage is attributed to chronically elevated blood glucose levels. Type II diabetics and pre-diabetics are aware of these dangers and sometimes consider adding herbal therapy, to their doctor-prescribed medication, to “tweak” blood sugar-lowering effects and possibly prevent complications. Sometimes patients may try herbs to prevent diabetes and other supplements because they want to use a more “natural” treatment to control their blood sugars.

Strength and Dose of Herbal

The strength and dose of herbal products vary and your pharmacist can assist you in selecting products, discussing dosage ranges, and preventing any herb-drug interactions. Herbal products can also vary greatly from batch to batch and it is always preferred to purchase a quality name brand product that has been assayed and standardized in regard to the active ingredient. The bottom line is that there must be some assurance that you are purchasing a product that will consistently deliver a specified dose of the active herb. Type I diabetics who require insulin generally should not add herbs to reverse diabetes with blood sugar-lowering effects to their treatment because of the serious potential for life-threatening hypoglycemia (extremely low blood sugar) or other medical complications.

 (postprandial) sampling, are usually necessary until blood sugar levels are under control. However, always follow your physician’s advice regarding the frequency of glucometer testing. Hemoglobin A1c values should also be monitored by your physician to follow blood glucose levels over the long haul.

Aloe Vera (Aloe):

Aloe Vera is a member of the Lily family even though it resembles a cactus. There are over 240 species of Aloe, but only four species are recognized as having nutritional value with Aloe barbadensis leading the group.

Preliminary research suggests aloe gel might lower blood glucose levels. The dose is usually (15-30 ml (50 mg) per day.

American Ginseng:

A very popular herb in Chinese medicine. Recent studies have shown that Ginseng may be helpful in reducing blood sugar levels in Type II diabetic patients. For diabetes, ginsenosides and possibly other constituents are thought to reduce postprandial glucose levels. This effect might be due to either tissue insulin sensitization or direct stimulation of insulin release or both of these mechanisms. The effect of various ginsengs on glucose appears to be related in part to the mix of ginsenosides. Other non-ginsenoside constituents likely affect blood glucose as well.

For reducing postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, 3-9 grams up to 2-hours before a meal has been used. However, there is no added benefit to taking more than 3 grams. Other studies suggest taking ginseng 40 minutes prior to meal to obtain the optimal effect. Irregardless, American ginseng should be taken within two hours of a meal to avoid potential hypoglycemia.

Blond Psyllium (Blond Plantago):

Blond psyllium seed husk orally seems to significantly reduce postprandial serum glucose, insulin levels, serum total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in patients with Type II diabetes and hypercholesterolemia

Blond psyllium seems to reduce postprandial blood glucose levels by about 14% to 20%, total cholesterol by about 9%, and LDL cholesterol by 13%. Blonde psyllium also seems to lower postprandial glucose levels in patients with Type I diabetes. Blond psyllium’s maximum effect on glucose levels occurs when psyllium is mixed and consumed with foods. Blond psyllium does not lower postprandial glucose in people who do not have diabetes.

Source : Herbs With Claims to Lower Blood Glucose

Sebastian

Sebastian was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Saad Mushtaq has contributed to many online publications including the PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Saad Mushtaq earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Saad Mushtaq follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.Thanks