How to Use Gymnema Sylvestre

The climbing plant gymnema sylvestre has been called the "sweet killer" for its ability to destroy the taste of sugar on the tongue, making sweets less appealing. It can also be used as an antidiabetic; it's thought to slow the gastric emptying rate and thus lower the insulin response. According to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook," this herb is as effective at controlling diabetes as the anti-diabetic drug tolbutamide.

Instructions

• 1

  Purchase quality gymnema sylvestre. You can order it over the Internet, or find it at some health food stores. Ron Rosedale, creator of the Rosedale Diet, recommends that any supplement should be guaranteed to be at least 24 percent gymnemic acid. Gymnemic acid is the active ingredient in the plant.

• 2

  Take the herb every day. The following daily dosages are recommended: for fresh leaves: 1 to 2 tbsp.; for dried leaves: 2 to 3 g; for liquid: 1 to 2 tsp; for powder: 2 to 4 g. Take gymnema sylvestre with food.

• 3

  Keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels. Test more frequently than normal when taking this supplement. Your insulin dose will need to be adjusted as blood sugar levels fall.

• 4

  Reduce your insulin dose to the level advised by your physician.

• 5

  Diabetics should continue to test blood sugar levels while using this supplement.