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Herbs Used for Diabetes

The Mayo Clinic defines diabetes as a condition in which the body has an excess of glucose in the blood, which can lead to various health complications. There are 2 types of chronic diabetes, type 1 and type 2. While a diabetes treatment must be overseen by a doctor, herbal remedies are available to help regulate blood sugar levels as well as treat other conditions that arise from this ailment. Always speak with your physician prior to taking any herbal supplements for diabetes.

  1. Bitter Melon

    • The University of Maryland's Medical Center suggests that the bitter melon herb can be used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. This herb has been studied for its ability to lower blood glucose levels as well as reduce serum glucose levels within the body. The University of Michigan's Health System also confirms that this herb has been used traditionally to treat diabetes, as well as for internal and external infections and cancers. There are 3 main compounds within bitter melon that seem to help lower blood sugar levels. These compounds include charatins, which are steroidal saponins, alkaloids and lastly peptides that react similarly in the body to insulin. To consume this herb, take 1 teaspoon of bitter melon tincture 3 times per day with 8 oz. of water. You can also drink 2 oz. of pure bitter melon juice per day; however, the juice of this melon is quite bitter, thus the name. Speak with your physician before starting this herbal treatment to ensure its safety, especially if you have hypoglycemia as this substance can cause the blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low.

    Cinnamon

    • Cinnamon has been studied for its ability to lower glugose, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The University of Maryland and the University of Michigan both suggest that supplementation with cinnamon can benefit those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. According to the University of Michigan, the active ingredients within cinnamon that provides its medicinal qualities are numerous terpenoids, which are found within the volatile oils of this herb. The most active of these terpenoids are cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. These compounds also work with the body to prevent fungus and bacteria from forming. A clinical trial that utilized 60 individuals with diabetes concluded that consuming up to 6 grams of cinnamon each day will help regulate blood sugar levels as well as reducing overall cholesterol levels, according to the University of Maryland.

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