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Herbs to Stop Sugar Cravings

Eating too much sugar can quickly lead to weight gain. Conversely, cutting sugar out of your diet can lead to dramatic weight loss, along with a slew of other health benefits. Sugar for many can be very addictive, and its removal from your eating patterns can be a gradual process. A number of supplements and herbs are available to help ease sugar cravings and make dieting easier.

  1. Gymnema Sylvestre

    • Gymnema has been used in ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It has also been used widely by naturopaths for a variety of insulin sensitivities. According to Nora Gedgaudas, a prominent nutritional therapist and author of "Primal Body, Primal Mind," the inclusion of gymnema sylvestre in the early stages of eliminating sugar and carbohydrates can be very beneficial.

      Gymnema comes in a variety of forms: caplets, liquid and as an herb, and the recommended dosing varies. Gedgaudas recommends chewing the tablets, or using the liquid so as to get the herb directly on your tongue. This will inhibit your ability to taste or enjoy sugar.

    Green Tea

    • Green tea has numerous health benefits. According to the Medical Center at the University of Maryland, it can be beneficial in the prevention of many cancers, and helps with cholesterol, diabetes and many other diseases.

      According to Michael Cutler, M.D., green tea helps with weoght loss for a number of reasons. It increases metabolism and generally reduces all food intake--including sugar. Additionally, it is helpful in relieving sugar cravings because it increases insulin activity.

      Green tea can of course be consumed as tea, or a supplement that is available at most health food stores and other wellness centers.

    Stevia

    • Stevia is an herb from that has been used as a sweetener for thousands of years. Stevia originated in South America and is made from a plant that is significantly sweeter than sugar. It is a calorie-free sweetener because the herb cannot be digested by the body, and so passes through the system without impacting glucose levels in the blood. For those who are careful about glycemic loads, the supplemet has a glycemic index of zero.

      Stevia has become a popular herb in America and is now widely available. It is available in liquid or powder forms and can be used as a supplement for sugar in recipes, coffee and tea. The leaves themselves are also sometimes available in specialty and health food stores.

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