This is a alternative medicine list which contains all natural herbs for effective support in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Daily control of blood sugar levels is important for those with diabetes. Diabetes is a condition related to the release of insulin into the blood stream. Insulin controls the amount of glucose in the blood and the rate which glucose is metabolized. Your cells need glucose to produce energy. The primary active herbs in controling blood sugar levels include Bitter Melon, Cinnamon, Glucomannan, and Gymnema all of which provide naturally-occurring vitamins & minerals that support proper sugar & carbohydrate metabolism in the pancreas. If the pancreas does not properly use sugar, a diabetes related illness may occur.
These products are not recommended if you are pregnant. Anyone with low blood sugar problems should not use this list because hypoglycemia may result. Furthermore, diabetics taking hypoglycemic drugs (such as Chlorpropamide®, Glyburide®, or Phenformin®) or insulin should consult a qualified health care professional before using these products.
Herbs that help in controling blood sugar levels
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)
BILBERRY is the world's most famous herb for supporting healthy vision. World War II fighter pilots are said to have been given Bilberry jam prior to flying in low-light conditions. A natural pigment in Bilberry contains potent, eye-friendly antioxidants called anthocyanidins. They protect delicate eye tissues while other nutrients nourish the parts of your eye necessary for clear vision & light adjustment.
Bitter Melon (Momordica charantia)
BITTER MELON grows in tropical areas, including parts of East Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, where it is used as a food as well as a medicine. The leaves and fruit have both been used to make teas and beer, or to season soups in the Western world. Bitter Melon is being studied in the support treatment of diabetes and psoriasis. Preliminary trials have shown that bitter melon may improve blood-sugar control for type-2 diabetics.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
CINNAMON is considered a useful carminative for the removal of gastrointestinal gas. This herb is an effective digestive aid, and has also been used in folk remedies as a styptic for conditions such as uterine hemorrhage. Recent reports by the U.S.D.A. have determined that consuming as little as one-half teaspoon of Cinnamon each day may reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by as much as 20% in Type II diabetes patients who are not taking insulin. Most people are familiar with the sweet but pungent taste of the oil, powder, or sticks of bark from the Cinnamon tree. Cinnamon trees grow in a number of tropical areas, including parts of India, China, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
Citrus Bioflavonoids and Quercetin are vital in their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels) and to regulate their permeability. They assist Vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular "cement" in healthy condition; are essential for the proper absorption and use of Vitamin C; prevents Vitamin C from being destroyed in the body by oxidation; beneficial in hypertension; helps hemorrhages and ruptures in the capillaries and connective tissues and builds a protective barrier against infections. Quercetin is a very highly concentrated form of Bioflavonoids derived from citrus fruit.
Fenugreek Seed (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
FENUGREEK SEED, according to European research, may be a good agent for reducing serum cholesterol. And, like Pectin, Fenugreek seeds may be an important remedy for diabetes. Fenugreek seeds contain a certain portion of mucilaginous fiber with high viscosity. The herb affects cholesterol levels in the same fashion as Pectin. Fenugreek also contains saponins. The saponin-containing plant fibers could inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol much the same as Alfalfa saponins do (i.e. by absorbing bile acids, and increasing the loss of bile acids by fecal excretion, which then leads to an increased conversion of cholesterol into bile acid by the liver).
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)
Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
GINSENG is the ultimate example of man's almost mystical interaction with nature. Ginseng plays the central role in a good deal of Chinese mythology, medicine, commerce and trade. For Western man, the economic value of Ginseng outweighed its medicinal value until the past 15 years or so, during which time extensive research on the plant has grown explosively, and has tended to verify and extend the various medicinal claims. Ginseng has been found to protect the body & nervous system from stress, stimulate & increase metabolic function, increase physical & mental efficiency, lower blood pressure & glucose levels when they are high, and raise them (blood pressure & glucose levels) when they are low, increase gastrointestinal movement & tone, increase iron metabolism, and cause changes in nucleic acid (RNA) biosynthesis. Ginseng has also been found to stimulate the central nervous system in small amounts, and depress the central nervous system in large doses.
Glucomannan (Amorphophallus konjac)
GLUCOMANNAN is an all-natural, dietary source of 100% fiber obtained from the root of the Konjac plant in Asia. And Glucomannan contains zero calories. It's an excellent addition to a sensible weight loss program. Additionally, this herb has been shown to help reduce cholesterol, relieve constipation, and regulate blood sugar in several clinical studies. Glucomannan delays digestion, which results in a reduction of dietary sugar absorption, thereby reducing high blood-sugar levels that occur after eating a meal.
Goldenseal Root (Hydrastis cadensis)
GOLDENSEAL, a member of the family Ranunculaceae, is a native American medicinal drug introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases and sore eyes. Goldenseal extract, derived from the rhizome and roots of this small forest plant, has acquired a considerable reputation as a general bitter tonic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. Goldenseal's benefits can be attributed to its alkaloids, especially hydrastine and berberine. The latter is also responsible for the drug's characteristic golden color. These alkaloids are strongly astringent and help reduce inflammation of mucous membranes. Hydrastine has also been reported to lower blood pressure and stimulate peristalsis, along with being an anti-tussive (relieves coughs). Barberine and its sulfate, berberine sulfate, have been demonstrated to have anti-cancer activity in vitro, and also have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and immuno-stimulatory activity, as well. Barbering has shown marked effects on acute diarrhea and its antibacterial qualities interfere with the ability of micro-organisms to adhere to the walls of host cells. Goldenseal has been recommended for a variety of inflamed mucous membranes, including stomach, intestinal, vaginal and rectal. It has been reported that the plant relieves pains and helps heal wounds and stop bleeding. In addition, the antibacterial action helps reduce or prevent infection of open sores.
Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)
Indian physicians first used GYMNEMA to treat diabetes almost 2,000 years ago. In the 1920s, preliminary scientific studies found some evidence that Gymnema leaves can reduce blood sugar levels, but nothing much came of this observation for decades. Today, Gymnema has become increasingly popular in the United States as a supportive treatment for diabetes.
Holy Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
HOLY BASIL has a rich and fanciful history. It had been considered "royale" to the French, a sign of love to the Italians, and a sacred herb in India. This plant is an important Ayurvedic herb, and is grown near Indian houses - it is believed to purify air by discharging negative ions. The plant is also believed to possess spiritual powers. It is one of the two most sacred plants in India.
Jerusalem Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
The flower head of the JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE is used as a common food. The Artichoke head, root, and leaves contain several active components recognized as important for digestion and for proper liver, kidney, and gall bladder function. The phytochemicals in Artichoke have been well documented and the leaves, rather than the flower, have been found to be higher in medicinal value.
Mistletoe (Viscum album)
Over many centuries, reverence for this herb was translated into the Christian ritual of
hanging MISTLETOE over doorways at Christmas. With each kiss, a berry was removed, and when they were gone, the Mistletoe was said to have lost its powers. Today, Mistletoe is used medicinally for headaches, dizziness, energy loss, irritability, vertigo, and other symptoms connected with raised blood pressure.
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea)
OLIVE LEAF has, for centuries, been recognized by people everywhere as an international symbol of peace; but what most people haven't recognized are the amazing benefits of the olive tree in maintaining a healthy immune system. Over a hundred years ago, teas made from the leaf of the Olive tree were used to maintain health in a variety of ways. But with the advent of modern synthetic drugs, knowledge of the tree's benefits was forgotten and almost lost. It was not revived until the 1970's when Upjohn Company, a pharmaceutical firm, rediscovered its benefits and initiated an extensive research program to isolate and synthesize the active principles. Scientists at Upjohn soon realized that the important constituent of the tree was a compound called oleuropein, which is metabolized in the body into a compound called calcium elenolate. Their research showed that calcium elenolate possessed amazing potential as a new drug in the fight against infectious diseases.
Psyllium (Plantago ovata)
Many leading cereal manufacturers have discovered what herbalists have known for decades - ground-up seeds from the PSYLLIUM plant are one of the highest sources of dietary fiber to be found in any food. For centuries, Psyllium has been used to treat ulcers, colitis, and constipation. We now know that it also helps clear the body of excess cholesterol. This herb is now touted as a preventive against heart disease. It may also raise the level of beneficial HDLs, the so-called "good" cholesterol, in the blood. Psyllium is an excellent laxative that offers relief from hemorrhoid and gastrointestinal irritations.
Suma Root (Pfaffia paniculata)
SUMA, also called Para toda, is the dried root of Pfaffia paniculata, a plant found in the Atlantic rain forest of Brazil. First introduced to the United States as Brazilian Ginseng, Suma is one of the most highly regarded herbs in South America, and is considered to be a true adaptogen. Used by native peoples for centuries, Suma is advocated as an effective adaptogen to support the immune system, adapt the body to external stresses, relieve pain, fight chronic fatigue syndrome, and accelerate wound healing. Herbalists using Suma often refer to research conducted by Dr. Milton Brazzach, head of the pharmaceutical department at the University of Sao Paulo. Researchers have isolated several active compounds in Suma, including Beta Ecdysterone, a plant sterol which has an anabolic and immune boosting effect in the body. Suma is also rich in a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals (particularly the rare mineral germanium), amino acids, allantoin (a cell building compound) and 6 pfaffic acids.
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
UVA URSI is also referred to as Bearberry, Mountain Cranberry and Mealberry. The leaves of this small shrub have been used as an herbal folk medicine for centuries as a mild diuretic and astringent, and in the treatment of urinary tract infections such as cystitis, urethritis and nephritis. Uva-Ursi contains a plant glycoside, Arbutin, which breaks down in the body to form hydroquinone, a chemical compound that serves as an effective urinary antiseptic and astringent. Uva-Ursi contains other compounds, among them ursolic acid, which are also known to be effective diuretics.
