Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The Essential Herbs for Diabetics

The Essential Herbs for Diabetics
India has one of the lowest rates of diabetes and much has
to do with the type of food, particularly the spices used
in cooking such as turmeric, curry and chili powder. In
fact it has been shown that these spices can help diabetics
regulate their blood sugar.

Here is a list of essential herbs which you should take to
help you lower your blood sugar, control your cholesterol
and may even help you lose weight:

Gymnema Sylvestre is one herb that has been used in India
for centuries to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. It
is a plant that grows in the tropical regions of India. In
one study 400 mg of Gymnema extract was given to 22 type 2
diabetic patients along with their oral medications. All of
them experienced improved blood glucose control and 5 of
them were able to discontinue their drug use. Direct
application of this herb to the tongue helps people eat
fewer calories at a meal. It enhances the action of
insulin. Recommended dosage is 200 mg two times a day.

Bitter Melon as the name implies is not easy to take. It's
a cucumber like plant that grows in Asia, South America and
Africa. It's strength lies in its ability to lower blood
sugar. Just 2 ounces of the juice was shown to improve
glucose levels in 73% of type 2 diabetics.

Fenugreek seeds were often used in folk medicine to treat
diabetes. In order to lower blood sugar, about 15 to 50
grams twice daily is needed. The active ingredient is the
soluble fiber along with the alkaloid trigonelline. It
helps both type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Considering its
bitterness, it's not very palatable to swallow in capsule
form. Use is as a condiment or as a spice like the East
Indians use.

Salt Bush is native to the Middle East. Just 3 grams taken
daily has shown to provide improved blood sugar regulation
in type 2 diabetes.

Bilberry, known as European blueberry, was used in France
since 1945 to treat retinopathy, the deterioration of the
retina in the eye, one of the many complications from
diabetes. It protects the macula of the diabetic eye. Many
diabetics have found improved vision using supplements from
80 to 16o mg 3 times a day.

Gingkgo Biloba is one of the oldest living trees that has
survived over 200 million years. So adaptable one survived
the nuclear blast in Hiroshima. Over a thousand scientific
studies have been done over the last 40 years showing the
value of ginkgo biloba in effective treatment of diabetes.
The extract is widely prescribed in Europe today. It's an
effective antioxidant. It improves the body's circulation
and expands the small capillaries that nourish the
extremities in the eyes, hands and feet. It inhibits the
stickiness of cells, and helps reduces inflammation and
allergic responses. It improves overall circulation in the
body.

Ginseng is one of the oldest herbs known. It helps to lower
blood pressure and can even raise it if it is too low. Just
3 grams before a meal can reduce blood sugar spikes in type
2 diabetics. American ginseng helps to stimulate the beta
cells of the pancreas and thus increase the output of
insulin. Native Americans often used the herb. Korean
ginseng increases insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood
sugar. One of its interesting side effect is the
improvement of sexual function.

These are just some of the major herbs that can help you
control your blood sugar. Consider using them to help you
fight the disease and avoid the complications that often
afflict many diabetics.


----------------------------------------------------
Mario Carini is a diabetic and treats the condition through
natural means. One of the best products he has tried is
Optimum Diabetics. You can find out about the product here:
http://www.optimumdiabetics.com/?aid=745693

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