Diabetes is one of the most common disorders affecting people today. Not only is this disease dangerous due to hyperglycemia, but it can also lead to severe complications that can include dysfunction of nerves, eyes, kidneys and blood vessels. Because of the gravity and prevalence of this disease, efforts to make available all kinds of treatments, including herbal ones, are being exhausted to find the most effective remedies.
Herbal remedies have become popular methods in dealing with diabetes, especially for patients who have found only little success with conventional Western medicinal methods. One of the most common alternative treatments known to ease diabetes is herbs. Herbal treatments come in different forms, and to varying degrees of effectiveness. Here is a list of the different forms of treatment involving herbs and a look into how effective they are.
A standard vegetarian diet
For type 2 diabetes sufferers, a diet that only contains plant food such as vegetables and herbs has been proven to be of great help. This is true especially for those who detest having to endure insulin injections, as well as people who want to avoid developing the disease in their bodies. This diet is recommended because vegetables and herbs are loaded with fiber and complex carbohydrates, which mean an improved metabolism and a step in decreasing sugar levels in the blood. Lastly, people who only consume vegetables and herbs avoid high cholesterol levels and can easily manage their weight.
Herbal cures as ingredients in supplements
Recently, there has been a boom in the industry that produces supplements that include herbal ingredients. However, research has not shown enough evidence that can support the claims of these supplements having pharmaceutical effects, particularly on diabetes. Currently, products like capsules, tablets and teas with herbal ingredients flood the market, promising diabetics with better control of their blood sugar levels. Herbs that contain these elements have been said to complement diabetes treatment:
- alpha-lipoic acid
- chromium
- coenzyme Q10
- magnesium
- omega 3 fatty acids
Thus, supplements containing garlic, bitter-lemon, ginseng, coccinia and gymnema sylvestre have been recommended. But it is essential that interested patients use these products with caution only after consulting a physician, especially if they still continue on medicating themselves with conventional treatments, as these herbal supplements may interfere with the latter’s effectiveness.
Ayurveda
Another treatment grounded on herbs and plants is the ancient Indian holistic treatment system known as Ayurveda. Maintaining internal balance to the ancient Indians means a multidisciplinary approach to diabetes, initially focusing on diet. In the recommended diet for diabetics in ayurvedic medicine, sugar is done with and simple carbohydrates are removed in favor of complex carbohydrates. An ayurvedic cleansing treatment called Panchakarma is recommended for diabetics, which include massages, fasting and therapy based on herbs and their healing power. A strict diet of herbs and veggies compose the treatment’s basis.
Aromatherapy
Another form of herbal treatment for diabetics comes in the form of aromatherapy. Concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants and herbs are supposed to improve the patient’s mind and body.
Some essential oils, when mixed in appropriate amounts, may help some diabetics, particularly when used in conjunction with massage therapy. These include eucalyptus, juniper and geranium oils.
Pure herbal remedies
Aside from the one mentioned earlier about herbs being used as ingredients in supplements, herbs themselves, in their fresh and pure form, may aid diabetics in easing their symptoms. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Bitter gourd – This is known to reduce blood sugar levels.
- Garlic – This contains allicin that can decreases levels of sugar in blood.
- Fenugreek – This is said to suppress the sugar excretion through the patient’s urine.
- Cinnamon – This is known to bring blood sugar levels to normal as well.
- Onion – Onion has hypoglycemic properties.
- Indian plum seeds – These are said to control the conversion of starch to sugar in the pancreas.
- Mango leaves – Drinking filtered juice from boiled mango leaves is also a popular diabetes remedy.
- Blueberry leaves – These are said to contain anthocyanosides, which can improve capillary health, and enhance the overall tone of your vascular system.
Safety tips when using herbal remedies
Herbal remedies for diabetes are lauded to be as effective as they are safe. As herbs are from nature, one can be sure that they should be good for the body, with no harmful effects. However, keep the following tips in mind:
Clear any herbal treatments you may want to use as diabetes treatment with a health professional. This is applicable especially if:
- You are taking herbal supplements that have been prepared with various other ingredients and chemicals, which may prove to do more harm than good (e.g. ephedrine, which is supposed to be “natural”, but then is also addictive and has harmful side effects).
- You are taking herbal treatments together with conventional medicine. Dosages and scheduling may have to be altered by a physician as one herbal treatment may have bad effects when used at the same time as conventional medicine.
Having “natural” treatment options with the use of herbs may cause some to be tempted to do self-medication. However, it must be noted that seeking the doctor’s advice may actually help you in seeking more effective treatments, even with the proliferation of herbal and natural options.