Can herbs or supplements help you control your diabetes? Medical researchers and herbal supplement specialists say yes to this very important question. The following herbs have shown promise in reducing blood sugar, boosting insulin sensitivity, and, reducing high blood pressure and regulating uric acid levels. You may use any of them depending on your situation.
Cat’s Whiskers or Orthosiphon stamineus
Cat’s whiskers or Orthosiphon stamineus is perhaps the most effective herb to control diabetes. It is typically grown in tropical areas. The herbal plant can be identified by its white or purple flowers bearing long, protruding stamens that resemble cats’ whiskers. It is also commonly referred as “Misai Kucing” (Malaysian) or “Kumis Kucing”(Indonesian) which means cat whiskers. The herb is popularly known as Java tea and is used widely in the form of herbal tea in several countries. Some of the top benefits this herb can provide you are listed here.
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Gymnema Sylvestre
This plant’s Hindi name translates as “sugar destroyer,” and the plant is said to reduce the ability to detect sweetness. It’s regarded as one of the most powerful herbs for blood-sugar control. It may work by boosting the activity of enzymes that help cells use glucose or by stimulating the production of insulin. Though it hasn’t been studied extensively, it’s not known to cause serious side effects.
Bitter Melon
The aptly named bitter melon is thought to help cells use glucose more effectively and block sugar absorption in the intestine. When Philippine researchers had men and women take bitter melon in capsule form for three months, they had slight, but consistently, lower blood sugar than those taking a placebo. Gastrointestinal problems are possible side effects.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is not uncommon in people with diabetes, and it can worsen high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Some studies suggest that supplementing with magnesium may improve insulin function and lower blood sugar levels, but other studies have shown no benefit. Have your doctor check you for deficiency before supplementing with magnesium.
Prickly Pear Cactus
The ripe fruit of this cactus has been shown in some small studies to lower blood sugar levels. You may be able to find the fruit in your grocery store, but if not, look for it as a juice or powder at health food stores. Researchers speculate that the fruit may possibly lower blood sugar because it contains components that work similarly to insulin. The fruit is also high in fiber.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil. Some research suggests that people with diabetes have lower than optimal levels of GLA, and studies have found that the supplement can reduce and prevent nerve pain associated with diabetes.
Ginseng
Known for its immune-boosting and disease-fighting benefits, this Chinese herb has several positive diabetes studies behind it. Researchers have found that ginseng slows carbohydrate absorption; increases cells’ ability to use glucose; and increases insulin secretion from the pancreas. A team from the University of Toronto has repeatedly demonstrated that ginseng capsules lower blood glucose 15 to 20 percent compared to placebo pills.
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