Almost 29 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, have diabetes. That’s a shocking number and it is increasing by the day! More Americans are looking at natural methods to either prevent or manage diabetes. Here, we look the various herbs and plants that help treating the deadly disease. The first part talks about how to prevent diabetes naturally. The second section contains information on how to manage and control diabetes naturally.
Herbs To Prevent And Control Diabetes
1. Indian Kino
The Indian kino tree, also called as Vijayasar, is commonly used as a natural treatment for diabetes and helps regenerate pancreatic cells. Until recently, pancreatic regeneration was thought impossible. In India, a tumbler is carved from the heartwood of this tree in which water is stored overnight and drink the next morning on an empty stomach. This is known to prevent and control diabetes.
2. Asian Ginseng
Asian Ginseng is effective in reducing the level of glucose in the blood. It has the ability to enhance the release of insulin from the pancreas and increase the number of insulin receptors. In clinical studies, it has shown a direct blood-sugar lowering effect.
3. Bilberry
Bilberry is effective in treating eye problems linked to diabetes. Bilberry helps prevent diabetes-related blood vessel damage that affects the retina nerve and vessel functions.
4. Blueberry Leaves
The leaves of the blueberry plant contain hypoglycemic properties beneficial to diabetics. Eating blueberries is linked to a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and reduces blood sugar levels to normal.
5. Collards
Collards are a rich source of calcium, iron, and fiber and are high in many essential vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E. Collards are also a good source of niacin, which helps to reduce high cholesterol and the possibility of contracting diabetes.
6. Neem
Neem is widely prescribed by contemporary Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of diabetes. It increases insulin receptor sensitivity and is effective in treating type 2 diabetics. Neem leaf extracts and seeds are used in medications as an effective cure for diabetes. Research shows that neem is highly effective in treating the disease.
Herbs To Manage Diabetes Naturally
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in bioactive components that lowers blood sugar levels and is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. It has a beneficial effect on fasting plasma glucose, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, if you are on a blood-thinning medication, avoid taking cinnamon.
2. Fenugreek
Diabetic people must include fenugreek in their diets. Its hypoglycemic activity improves glucose tolerance and lowers blood sugar levels. Its fiber content slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and sugars.
3. Ginger
Ginger contains anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic and anti-oxidative properties that are useful in controlling blood sugar levels. Ginger also improves insulin sensitivity, reduces oxidation, reduces cholesterol levels, and even helps with weight-loss.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is an effective spice to control high blood sugar. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-atherosclerotic, heart-protecting and weight-reducing actions help people with diabetes to manage blood sugar levels and reduce diabetes-related complications.
5. Garlic
Garlic also helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels in diabetics because of its anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic properties. The sulfur compounds present in garlic offers protection against oxidative damage and even high cholesterol.
6. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are useful in managing high blood sugar. Vital minerals in this herb helps maintain normal glucose level in the blood. It also influences carbohydrate metabolism and reduces the risk of oxidative stress.
7. Aloe Vera
Regular use of aloe vera tones up the hepatic-biliary system and regulates sugar and fat. Drinking aloe vera juice helps improve blood glucose levels, which is useful in treating people with diabetes. It has many positive effects as it contains compounds such as lectins, mannans and anthraquinones.
8. Bitter Gourd
Bitter gourd active substances with anti-diabetic properties, including charantin, vicine and an insulin-like compound known as polypeptide-p. These substances work individually or together to help reduce blood sugar levels. Bitter gourd also reduces blood glucose concentrations by acting on peripheral tissues and suppressing appetite.
9. Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is rich in vitamin C. Its juice promotes efficient functioning of the pancreas. Extract the juice of the amla, mix it with water and drink it on an empty stomach daily to control diabetes.
Preventing diabetes is essential as more and more Americans are contracting the disease because of their diet, hereditary, lifestyle and other reasons. Whatever the reason, it is best to keep this disease at bay. However, if you already suffer from diabetes, it’s still not too late. Numerous plants, herbs and fruits are highly capable of keeping this disease under control. With regular usage, diabetes would cease to be a cause for your concern.
