How to Stop Sweet Cravings With a Chinese Herb

Sweet cravings are a problem for many. As the population ages, the ramifications of lifelong sugar addiction manifests itself not only in weight and self-image problems but more seriously in digestive, pancreatic and diabetic health consequences. Chinese medicine has addressed sweet cravings for thousands of years with tonics prepared using the herb astragalus, a member of the pea family. Known also as huang-qi or milk vetch root, Astragalus membranaceus, if used regularly, can also protect the immune system, increase metabolism and energy, boost stamina and promote healing, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Things You'll Need

• Notebook
• Astragalus root in standardized extract supplement tabs (250 to 500 mg)
• Astragalus root in dried root form
• Teakettle
• Tea strainer

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Instructions

• 1

  Identify your personal craving cycle by keeping a daily diary; this will help you recognize that cravings for sweeteners run a downward course. Sugar intake is followed by a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, insulin is released soon afterward, and the body experiences a spiraling crash which leads to the return of nagging sugar cravings. Record the time of heaviest cravings for one week and the method in which you satisfied them. Record the start, stop and rebound time (the time after eating the sweet to the time of the next craving) for each craving. Analyze your notes after several days and reflect on the pattern.

• 2

  Discuss the benefits of astragalus root with your doctor.

  Discuss with your doctor the benefits of supplementing your diet with astragalus root. You might be surprised to learn that astragalus root has been shown scientifically to act as an antioxidant, lower blood pressure, treat diabetes, protect the liver and immune system, prevent colds and upper respiratory illnesses and also reduce fatigue in athletes by increasing oxygen uptake.

• 3

  Purchase standardized astragalus root at your local health food store or herbal medicine shop in either supplement form in tablets or in dried root form (if you wish to take as a tea). In China it is generally supplied in four forms: a tincture, caplets/tablets, injectables and topicals. Calculate your herbal needs per day based on a maximum of approximately 2000 mg dose in supplement tabs (250 to 500 mg each) or up to 18 grams of dried root tea per day.

• 4

  Counteract sweet cravings by taking astragalus root consistently until cravings are controlled. Adult doses in this country are recommended as follows: 250 to 300 mg tablets taken three to four times per day. As a boiled tea, prepare 3 to 6 g of dried root to 12 ounces water (use a tea strainer) and sip three times per day. Be sure to space your intake at equal intervals throughout the day.

• 5

  Chinese herbs can give you victory over sweet cravings.

  Supplement your strategy with proper fresh food, diet and regular exercise. Continue to monitor the craving cycle, recording craving trends when you feel yourself slipping back into the sugar spiral.