Natural Herbs to Lower Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can cause many long-term complications. Natural herbs can often be employed to lower blood sugar under a physician's supervision. Herbs have a long history of treating disease and improving bodily functions, including insulin production. Many of these treatments are extremely effective, as modern science is beginning to realize.

Function

• Natural herbs to lower blood sugar can help control the symptoms of diabetes. They are used as a treatment and preventative for both Type I and Type II diabetes. They have the potential to help diabetics and pre-diabetics lower and maintain a safe, healthy level of blood glucose. Many sufferers of diabetes seeking an alternative treatment to traditional drugs turn to natural herbs for help.

Types

• There are many natural herbs that are believed to lower blood sugar. Aloe vera, juniper berries, alfalfa, golden seal, pumpkin seeds and blond psyllium are used primarily for patients suffering from Type I diabetes. Mullein, garlic, dandelion, bugleweed, devil's claw, saw palmetto, chickweed, cinnamon bark, American ginseng and holy basil are all used in treating Type II diabetes.
  Some herbs are used in the treatment of both types of diabetes. These herbs include huckleberry, comfrey, yarrow, capsicum, red raspberry, pau d'arco and cascara sagrada.

Features

• Natural herbs to lower blood sugar typically affect glucose levels in different ways. Although the exact mechanisms and active ingredients are sometimes unknown, many of the herbs feature flavanoids that prevent beta cell damage. Other features of blood sugar lowering herbs may include hypoglycemic agents such as charantin, polypeptide, allyl propyl disulphide and diallyl disulphide oxide.

Benefits

• Herbs that lower blood sugar are relatively non-toxic and can effectively increase the body's production of insulin. Some promote healing of the glandular system, which cleanses the blood. Others work to tone the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Overall, these herbs are generally a safe, natural alternative to traditional diabetes treatments.

Warning

• Some herbs that lower blood sugar may not work for all people. Their effect may vary from individual to individual. Side effects may be experienced by some people, and a combination of herbs may be required to gain the desired affect.
  The strength of these herbs will also vary from batch to batch, and interactions with drugs are a concern. A doctor should always moderate the use of herbs in addition to medications to prevent dangerous hypoglycemic interactions.