Herbs For Diabetes

A new line of diabetes remedy that is gaining fast popularity nowadays is herbal treatment, with an assortment of plant-derived herbal cures being promoted as capable of controlling blood sugar levels.

Recent scientific investigation has confirmed the efficacy of many of these herbal preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. Herbal supplements along with proper diet, exercise can really help a person keep his blood sugar in check, and thus avoid the serious complications associated with the disease.

Herbs have remedial powers to restore balance to the body, enabling it to rely on its own healing powers. People who decide to try herbs many a times find themselves feeling better, and therefore assume that their diabetes is well under control. But, one must also simultaneously keep monitoring his blood sugar level, to see that it is within the normal range.

It is not intended through this article to diagnose, prescribe, or cure diabetes, but only provide certain information about alternative diet and references to plant descriptions which have relevance to diabetes mellitus.

Some of the well known herbs that help keep diabetes under control -

1. Fenugreek (methi) - Fenugreek seeds to be soaked overnight in a glass of water. Next morning have the water and chew the seeds - proves very beneficial in controlling sugar.

Known side effects of high doses include mild digestive pain. Fenugreek should not be used by pregnant or nursing women.

2. Indian Kino or Pitasara - has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid - epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant helps reduce sugar levels.

3. Aloe vera - regarded as a 'healing herb.' Dried aloe vera sap and gel (taken from the inner portions of the leaves) is used traditionally to treat diabetes, as it is believed that it helps lower fasting blood glucose levels as well as HbA1c.

4. Cinnamon bark- Makes human fat cells more accessible to insulin. Increases the conversion of glucose to energy manifold times. It also blocks the formation of dangerous free radicals.

5. Basil (tulsi) - studies have shown a positive effect on postprandial and fasting glucose, The herb facilitates the insulin secretion process.

6. Tian hua fen (trichosanthis) - shown to reduce blood sugar levels in Chinese research studies. It is very commonly used in herbal formulas for diabetics.

7. Gymnema Sylvestre (Gurmar or Cherukurinja) - Gymnema, an Ayurvedic herb helps the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetic patients, as well as improves the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

8. Onion and garlic - Onion and garlic have significant blood sugar lowering action. Onion extract reduces blood sugar levels during oral and intravenous glucose tolerance. Thus, onion affects the hepatic metabolism of glucose and increases the release of insulin, thus preventing insulin's destruction.

Garlic and onions are beneficial for their cardiovascular effects. They are found to lower lipid levels, inhibit platelet aggregation and are antihypertensive.

9. Stevia - Stevia has been used traditionally to treat diabetes, and has beneficial effects on glucose tolerance. Stevia has been studied in animal experiments, but is yet to undergo large, controlled human studies.

10. Ginkgo biloba - Ginkgo biloba extract is useful for prevention and treatment of early-stage diabetic neuropathy.

11. Asian ginseng - Asian ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It has a direct blood sugar lowering effect as it enhances the release of insulin from the pancreas and increases the number of insulin receptors.

12. Bitter Melon - The blood sugar lowering action of the freshly extracted juice or the pulp extract of the unripe fruit has been widely accepted. 50-60 ml of the juice if taken orally shows effective results. Excessive high doses of the juice can cause abdominal pain and diarrohea.

13. Bilberry - helps lower the risk of diabetic complications, such as diabetic cataracts and retinopathy (eye damage).

Certain precautions to be followed while taking herbs along with diabetic drugs -

« Some diabetes drugs and herbs should not be taken together as the herb may affect positively or negatively the drug's effect on the person. People with any sort of renal disease, liver problem or any other chronic illness are at an extra risk for complications.

« People with some heart disease if taking a blood thinner such as aspirin, ecospirin should avoid taking garlic, ginger, ginkgo biloba, ginseng as it can lead to increased bleeding.

« If taking a herbal remedy, do not stop your current diabetes drugs if any.

« If taking a diabetes drug, ginseng can further lower blood sugar levels, possibly causing low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.

« If taking herbal supplements for diabetes, do it under medical supervision if possible. Keep monitoring sugar level regularly, to check for any sudden fall in glucose levels.

« Do not take any extra dose. More will not make your sugar less.

If you are a diabetic and taking medication to control blood sugar levels, it is best to have your blood sugar monitored while taking these herbs. Consult your doctor to adjust the dosage of medications accordingly, so that the blood sugar doesn't drop too drastically. It is likely that one will eventually be able to taper off the herbs and medication, and control sugar through exercise and diet.

For diabetes information, diabetes diet, diabetes treatment, diabetes causes visit http://www.diabetesmellitus-information.com 

Ginseng - The Perfect Body Tonic and Anti-Aging Supplement for All!

Ginseng is the most famous Chinese herb, and it is the most widely recognized plant used in traditional medicine – with a legendary reputation as an overall body tonic, rejuvenator and anti-aging supplement.

If you have not used Ginseng then you should consider it as part of your overall health regime.

Types of Ginseng

The Chinese have used ginseng in medicine for more than 7000 years, and today it is one of the world’s most popular supplements.

There are three main species of ginseng, Oriental, Siberian and American. All three forms share many common elements - there are however subtle differences between them:

· Oriental Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)

Is grown in both China and Korea. Red panax, as grown by the Koreans is the most popular form of ginseng. It gets its name from the processing of the root, which turns it red.

White Oriental ginseng on the other hand is the ginseng root, which has been allowed to dry naturally.

· American Ginseng (Panax Quinquefolium)

Used to be plentiful in the United States however, excessive harvesting in recent years has seen it become scarcer. Today, only licensed ginseng harvesters are allowed to harvest wild ginseng.

· Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus Senticocus)

In fact, Siberian ginseng is not actually ginseng at all, but is a derivative of the Oriental species.

It is a distant cousin to panax ginseng found in the Orient. While Siberian ginseng shares many of the same properties of the Oriental species, it is easier to cultivate and is generally cheaper.

An Adaptogen

Ginseng is an adaptogen, in that it normalizes physical functioning depending on what the individual needs. For example, it lowers high blood pressure, but raises low blood pressure.

A Tonic

It is used to reduce the effects of stress, improve performance, boost energy levels, enhance memory, and stimulate the immune system.

Research has shown that Ginseng support the central nervous system, liver function, lung function and circulatory system. Ginseng therefore acts as a general tonic for the whole body.

Sexual Health

Men have used the herb to improve sexual function and remedy impotence for centuries.

Ginseng is used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, as it increases estrogen levels in women.

Prevention and Cure

Oriental medicine sees ginseng as an essential element in a wide range of prescriptions, and regards it as both a preventative and a cure.

It is said to remove both mental and body fatigue, cure pulmonary complaints, dissolve tumors, and reduce the effects of ageing.

Ginseng is used for:

· Diabetes

· Radiation and chemotherapy protection

· Colds

· Chest problems

· A sleep aid

· Appetite stimulation

Ginseng is prescribed to restore memory, and enhance concentration and cognitive abilities - which are impaired by improper blood supply to the brain.

Active Ingredients

Ginseng contains vitamins A, B-6, and the mineral Zinc, which aids in the production of thymic hormones, necessary for the functioning of the defence system.

The main active ingredients of ginseng are the more than 25 saponin triterpenoid glycosides called "ginsenosides.” These ingredients provide the adaptogenic properties that enable ginseng to balance, and counter the effects of stress.

The glycosides seem likely to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to physical, chemical or biological stress.

Ginseng and other Essential Herbs

Ginseng works well by itself - but when combined with other herbs, further health benefits result.

More health and wellness information and FREE exclusive diet and health magazines, are available on our web site: http://www.net-planet.org 

Traditional Chinese Medicine - Healing Benefits Of Ginseng

There are many healing benefits of ginseng. You may want to consider taking some ginseng if you find yourself having heart trouble or feel exhausted very often. The root of the ginseng plant contains contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) which are said to be be responsible for the herb's medicinal properties.

The ginseng root is dried to use in soups and teas. Or extracts can also be used to prepare tablets and supplements as well as creams for external applications. Ginseng is mostly grown in Asia, although some grow in North America. Ancient Chinese believed that ginseng could assist with several health problems, such as the following:

1. Ginseng is believed to be able to help in improves memory function. Your brain is made up of many blood vessels. Taking ginseng stimulates blood circulation throughout your body, including your brain. With the extra boost in circulation, you are able to focus much better and have improved mental clarity. Although it can hardly turn you into a genius overnight, the Chinese say that taking ginseng tea on a regular basis can make you more alert.

2. Another of the benefits of ginseng is that it can be used as an aphrodisiac. With its ability to stimulate circulation, ginseng can supply more blood flow and increased energy. Therefore, if you are male, or you know a male who could use a sexual boost, it would not hurt trying a little ginseng.

3. Since it stimulates blood circulation, it is said to be effective in helping you reduce headache pains. Taking ginseng will help to open up vessels in your head and allow improved blood flow.

4. Other healing properties of ginseng, which you may find useful, include improving your kidney function and helping you to relax and sleep better. If you happen to be diabetic, ginseng may even help you control your diabetes a bit better.

Ginseng, like all other traditional chinese medicine, should be taken in moderation. Good grades of ginseng can also costs more. However, claims by manufacturers should be treated with caution as many tend to be over zealous in promoting ginseng as the cure all supplement. Do check with your doctor about taking ginseng especially if you have a serious illness and already taking some other conventional drug medications.

Evelyn Lim is a Natural Health writer. She recommends exploring the use of Herbal Home Remedies for treating illnesses. For free research and a bonus MP3 download, please visit her site at http://www.HerbalRemedyTips.com 

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