Herbs for the Treatment of Diabetes

To treat diabetes effectively, a wide range of therapies may be implemented. Diet, exercise, glucose monitoring, medication and commonly insulin may be used in conjunction with herbal remedies to treat the disease.

Herbs for Diabetes Mellitus

• Diabetes mellitus, simply known as diabetes, is characterized by high blood levels of the sugar glucose. Human studies in Israel found that ingestion of salt brush improved blood glucose regulation and glucose tolerance in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Bitter melon juice, gymnema sylvestre extract, Asian ginseng and defatted fenugreek powder also may help keep diabetes under control.

Herbs for Wound Healing

• Aloe vera may be useful in increasing the rate of healing, providing pain relief and decreasing swelling of diabetes-related wounds.

Herbs for Diabetic Neuropathy

• Diabetic neuropathy is a progressive disorder that causes damage to the nerves. Ginkgo biloba extract may prove to be helpful.

Dosage

• Naturopathic doctors Michael T. Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, in their book "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," suggest that adding an herbal remedy can help. Depending on which herb you choose, they recommend the following daily dose: 3 g salt brush, 2 oz bitter lemon juice, 200 mg twice daily gymnema sylvestre, 200 mg Asian ginseng and 50 g defatted fenugreek powder. Additionally, 150 mg aloe vera and 60 mg thrice daily ginkgo biloba extract may be beneficial.

Warning

• A patient should never stop taking prescribed diabetic drugs, especially insulin. Type 1 diabetics always will require insulin.