Diabetes, commonly known as blood sugar, can be extremely troublesome. Due to its longevity and resistance to permanent cure, it can disrupt your usual peace if not kept under control. Herbal medicine can be quite helpful in this regard as it can reduce blood sugar naturally.
According to the World Health Organization, almost 422 million individuals all over the world struggle with irregularity in their blood sugar levels and are looking for an effective blood sugar solution. Diabetes has caused over 1.6 million deaths worldwide.
Insulin is the last resort for regulating blood sugar levels. Most people take medications that are quite effective in managing diabetes. However, synthetic medications often have side effects.
Herbs for blood sugar can prove to be a healthy and effective alternative. Here is a list of twenty nifty herbs for blood sugar that can help you cope with this chronic illness!
1. Cinnamon
Also known as cassia, cinnamon is a naturally-occurring spice that has a unique fragrance. It is utilized in many ways, including meals, and tea. It has a sweet taste and is frequently used by individuals with diabetes for managing the symptoms.
A 2010 assessment discovered proof from research involving human beings that cinnamon products can also enhance stages of:
- Lean body mass
- Glucose metabolism
- Insulin sensitivity
- Fats or lipids in the blood
- Antioxidant concentration
2. Aloe vera
Also called the Indian aloe, aloe vera is a wonderful herb with many one-of-a-kinds uses. A lot of people are aware of its advantages for skincare. However, it offers countless other benefits. These include slowing down the development of diabetes type 2 and acting as an effective blood sugar solution.
A 2013 review about the efficacy of aloe vera in treating rats with diabetes showed promising results. It also indicated that aloe vera might guard the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Researchers concluded that this may be because of the herb’s antioxidant activity.
Furthermore, the researchers referred to it when probing the positive effects of aloe vera and its extract. The methods for taking aloe vera include:
- Adding juice pulp to a smoothie or drink
- Consuming aloe supplements in the form of capsules
- Do not ingest aloe vera present in skincare products
3. Milk thistle
For centuries, people have been using milk thistle for its history of treating many one-of-a-kind ailments.
Silymarin, the extract of milk thistle that has gained immense popularity among scientists, is a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These qualities might also make milk thistle a great remedy for people suffering from diabetes and help reduce blood sugar naturally.
Most studies on silymarin have yielded promising results, however, the lookup is not sturdy enough to advocate the use of the herb as a primary care measure for diabetes, according to a 2016 evaluation.
So far, no one has reported any side effects from the consumption of this herb. However, you should communicate with a health practitioner before using milk thistle supplements as a blood sugar solution.
4. Ginger
Widely used for lots of years in usual remedies, ginger is available at every other grocery store. Ginger can also help reduce swelling and improve digestion.
However, a 2015 evaluation counseled that it may also be effective in ameliorating the symptoms of diabetes. The consequences confirmed that ginger is effective in lowering blood sugar levels.
Due to this study, they propose that ginger might also limit insulin resistance in patients with diabetes.
However, scientists are unsure about the mechanism of action of ginger in diabetic people and more research is required to certify the use of ginger.
5. Gymnema
Widely known as “sugar destroyer”, Gymnema Sylvestre originated in India. . A systematic overview published in 2013 cited that people with diabetes who consumed Gymnema confirmed improvement in the symptoms.
In adults with diabetes type 1 who consumed the leaf extract for over a year, blood sugar levels decreased substantially, in contrast with the control group who received insulin only.
Other studies probing the efficacy of Gymnema indicated that patients with diabetes showed positive results on the administration of Gymnema leaf extract. Moreover, some adults had
- Decreased blood sugar levels
- Increased insulin levels
6. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is every other seed that may additionally help decrease blood sugar levels. The seeds comprise fibers and chemical substances that assist in the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar. Besides, evidence supporting the assistance of seeds in delaying the onset of diabetes is also present.
Findings of a 3-year study posted in 2015 stated that humans with prediabetes were less likely to get hold of a prognosis of diabetes type 2 whilst ingesting powdered fenugreek seed. Scientists now claim that fenugreek can result in:
- Increased degrees of insulin in the body, leading to a reduction in blood sugar
- Lower LDL cholesterol levels
The study involved 66 humans with diabetes who took 5 grams of the seed twice a day a little before their meals.
7. Bitter Melon
Bitter melon, also called Momordica charantia is a widely used medicinal fruit. It has been used since ancient times by Chinese people to prepare meals and dishes. Research enthusiasts are trying to discover its possible medicinal uses.
There is some evidence that bitter melon can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of diabetes. One evaluation has referred to that humans have used many parts of the herb to assist in dealing with diabetes. Research has indicated that consuming bitter melon in the forms mentioned below can be helpful in reducing blood sugar naturally.
- Juice
- Seeds
- Supplements
- Blended vegetable pulp
Drinking or ingesting the bitter melon can be quite helpful, but taking dietary supplements may make it extra palatable. There is no ample proof to aid the use of bitter melon as an alternative to insulin or any other blood sugar solution.
8. Ginseng
Ginseng is a herb touted for diabetes and is in demand these days due to a Canadian medical trial. Herbs offered in the US are not standardized, so it's difficult to know for certain what you're shopping for and impossible to make certain steady dosages.
Besides, the study looked solely at American ginseng, and it’s not assured that the effects would hold for the several varieties of the herb. What's more, researchers have not conclusively identified ginseng's energetic ingredients.
9. Chromium
Chromium supplements appear secure at the doses recommended normally, so there is no harm in attempting them. Specialists recommend starting the administration of chromium with 200 micrograms dosage three times per day and then lowering it to two times per day if blood sugar ranges get better.
Other researchers have centered on magnesium, noting that humans with diabetes have decreased than regular levels of this mineral. There is sufficient evidence that consuming products with magnesium helps deal with the disease and reduce blood sugar naturally.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Acetic acid is the dominant compound in ACV and is accountable for most of its health benefits. Most of the methods for using ACV are backed up by scientific evidence.
If you want to lower your fasting sugar levels in the morning, take two tablespoons of ACV before you go to bed. Moreover, taking a tablespoon of ACV with a carbohydrate-rich meal can significantly decrease its glycemic load.
11. Fiber/Barley
Fiber is effective in decreasing blood sugar levels. Consuming 30 grams of fiber per day can do wonders for your body. The majority of Americans take almost 6-8 grams every day. Apart from taking Metamucil supplements to complete your fiber intake, you should take your veggies too!
Barley is a high-protein, high-fiber grain with a lot of records to guide its role in improving blood sugar, insulin, LDL cholesterol, and regularly occurring inflammation. It doesn’t demand any soaking and usually can be cooked in about 15 minutes on a stovetop.
12. Zinc
People who have diabetes are generally observed to have lower levels of zinc in their bodies. Several studies have indicated that using zinc supplements can limit blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C through their antioxidant effect, decrease blood sugar, and even assist in treating some of the problems linked to diabetes.
However, excessive dosage of zinc can interrupt the absorption of different minerals. So, you should consult with your doctor before using it.
13. Berberine
Berberine is a botanical discovered in vegetation such as Oregon grape root, goldenseal, coptis, and barberry. A growing body of scientific evidence validates its use for reducing blood sugar and HbA1C. However, this herb can intervene with the metabolism of typical pharmaceuticals and must not be taken during pregnancy.
14. Nopal
Nopales are available at every other Mexican restaurant. Not only do they offer a delicious taste, but they may also be effective in lowering blood glucose levels. Nopales originate from cactus plants but are very tasty when cooked properly!
15. Banaba
It is commonly known as the Queen's flower, the pride of India, giant crape-myrtle, or queen's crape-myrtle. It belongs to the household Loosestrife. It has rounded, red-orange leaves having greater tiers of corosolic acid. It lowers blood sugar levels (hypoglycemic effect), enables glucose transport in cells, and reduces the number of triglycerides.
Tea of the leaves is used in opposition to diabetes mellitus and for weight loss. It is one of the most easily available herbs for blood sugar.
16. Mushroom
Diabetic people can benefit from mushrooms. Research suggests that ingesting a diet full of vegetables like mushrooms and other vitamin-rich foods might assist in protecting against gestational diabetes, which influences approximately 14% of pregnancies worldwide and impacts both the mother and the child.
Thanks to their high nutritional content, mushrooms may also improve diminished mental characteristics and dementia in older adults with vitamin B deficiencies, as well as those with diabetes who use metformin as a blood sugar solution.
In addition to B vitamins, the important bioactive compounds in mushroom products —polysaccharides — can also have anti-diabetic properties. This works well as a long-term blood sugar solution.
17. Indian gooseberry
It has several names such as Java plum, Jamun, and black plum. Jamunis an evergreen tropical tree, fifty to one hundred feet tall, with aromatic white flowers and purplish-black oval berries.
Its pulp is rich in gallic acid and tannin. It has hypoglycemic (lowering blood sugar) and antioxidant properties. All components of the java plum can be used medicinally and it has a long history in alternative medicine. It is one of the most effective herbs for blood sugar and helps reduce swelling too.
18. Garlic
Allicin, a sulfur-containing compound is responsible for its pungent odor and it has been shown to have substantial hypoglycemic activity. This effect results from elevated hepatic metabolism, multiplied insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, and insulin sparing impact.
19. Blueberry
It is a low-growing shrub belonging to the genus Vaccinium (family Ericaceae), bearing edible blackberries. They are carefully associated with the European bilberry.
Several species of blueberries exist together with V. pallidum and V. corymbosum and grow at some stage in the United States. Its leaves are the predominant part of the plant used medicinally. Blueberry is a natural approach to controlling or lowering blood sugar levels.
20. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an age-old Ayurveda medication that has been used to treat several diseases in the Asian continent. Also recognized as Indian Ginseng, it has been now scientifically established to help with diabetes and different persistent diseases.
Battling diabetes is usually tough, so you need to change your lifestyle and incorporate a new regime of drugs into your daily routine. Processed forms of ashwagandha can be very reliable.
The worst part of it is the possible side-effects of all the tablets you take in. But Ayurveda drug treatments are supposed to cure without leaving behind any negative results of their own. They treat the disease definitely and help you develop a more healthy body in little time.
Takeaway
Herbs for blood sugar can act as a wonderful blood sugar solution. However, it is vital to check in with your doctor and seek his advice. Careless consumption of these herbs can aggravate your situation. So you should consult your physician and learn about the safe dosage of the