As early as the middle ages, herbs have been successfully used to treat the root causes & symptoms of diabetes. Chinese medicine has for hundreds of years used common plants such as dandelion, licorice root, & ginseng for these treatments. How effective are herbs for this kind of treatment? When used under the care, & with the aid of a naturopathic practician, these herbs can possibly cure Type I Diabetes & suppress the onset of Type 2 Diabetes. Additional herbs for diabetes treatment are effective in addressing symptoms rather than root causes.
Broadly speaking, any herb that fortifies the pancreas or liver will be help-ful for diabetes treatment. The following is a list of herbs for diabetes treatment that can prove to be very helpful.
Pterocarpus Marsupium – This herb is also known as Dragon’s Blood, Kino, Pitasara & Venga. The name Dragon’s Blood comes from the dried blood appearance of the gum resin associated with this Indian tree. This gum resin gives an alcohol extract, while the tree bark gives an extraction of the flavonoid epicatechin. Both of these extracts have shown the ability to stop pancreatic alpha cell damage in rats, as well as, to actually regenerate beta cells. These pancreatic cells directly or indirectly control & moderate the metabolic processes necessary to correctly balance glucose in the blood stream.
Gymnema Silvestre – This herb helps to represse the desire for sweets. It also aids in the production of insulin in Diabetes Type 2 & can effectively reduce blood sugar levels for Diabetes both types 1 & 2. Gymnema extract, in a daily dosage of 500 mg, is a capable substitute for many oral medications used to lower blood sugar levels for both Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes.
Momordica Charantia – Also known as bitter melon or balsam pear, this herb is widely cultivated in Africa, Asia & South America as a vegetable that can be often used as a diabetes treatment. Several of the various chemical compounds found in bitter melon are confirmed as effective in the treatment of diabetes. Charantin is classified as a hypoglycaemic agent, & Momordica contains a polypeptide which has been substantiated by clinical testing to effectively reduce blood glucose when subcutaneously injected .
Allium Cepa & Allium Sativum – Respectively, these herbs are commonly known as onion & garlic. Both foods, in addition to being help-ful in diabetic treatment, feature the added benefit of being beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular problems. Both herbs have been proven to assist in the lowering of blood sugar levels.
Trigonella Foenum-Graecum – Commonly called Fenugreek. Fenugreek seed contains an anti-diabetic chemical compound through the defatted component part of the seed.
Vaccinium Myrtuillus – This we all know as blueberry; & is so potent that an injection of a mixture of the leaves from the blueberry plant is only slightly less effective, while being considerably less toxic than insulin. Its beneficial results may often last for many weeks. The active ingredient in the blueberry plant is myrtillin. Myrtillin isn’t only effectual in the prevention of the eye disorder connected with diabetes called diabetic retinopathy, but is also utilized to improve the functioning of the vascular system.
There are other herbs used for the treatment of diabetes with two others being worthy of particular mention. Barberry is one of the most effective liver tonics available, while cinnamon can assist triple our body’s efficiency when making insulin.
Research will continue looking into the use of herbs for diabetes, & one day may well provide a cure for the disorder.
Copyright ©2007 Carl DiNello
Carl DiNello is an Article Author, Researcher, & Website Owner whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet’s most popular topics.
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Diabetes can be prevented by just having a physically active lifestyle. Just exercise everyday and avoid eating too much. Avoid sweets and high carb foods too.