The Essential Herbs for Diabetics

On being diagnosed as a diabetic your doctor will likely prescribe medication. But do drugs prevent the complications from diabetes?

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 grows in the Southern tropical regions in India. In one study 22 type 2 diabetics were given 400mg of Gymnema extract with their standard oral medication. All subjects had improved blood sugar control and 5 of them were able to stop drug use altogether. 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. 73% of type 2 diabetics showed improvement in their glucose levels by taking just 2 ounces of the juice.

Fenugreek seeds were often used in folk medicine to treat diabetes. 15 to 50 grams taken twice daily helps to lower blood sugar. 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.

Known as European blueberry, bilberry was widely used in France to treat retinopathy, the deterioration of the retina in the eye. 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.

Among the oldest herbs known to man, ginseng is one of the best. 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 used this herb extensively. Korean ginseng increases insulin sensitivity and helps lower blood sugar. One of its interesting side effect is the improvement of sexual function.

There are many more herbs that show promise in glucose regulation, but these are among the best. No diabetic should be without them. Consider using them to help you fight the disease and avoid the complications that often afflict many diabetics.