Diabetes mellitus is among the many lifestyle-related disorders that cannot be completely treated but can be alleviated.
Regardless of the stage of the disease process, patients are prescribed to take various medications that aim to lower blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes complications.
Along with taking medications, patients are also advised to adapt some changes in their diet and overall lifestyle.
In order to prevent progress of the disease and reduce the need to take more diabetes medications, considering the use of herbs for diabetes is a good treatment option.
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Best Herbs for Diabetes
Over the years, experts and herbalists have found a lot of herbs with potential anti-diabetic properties.
Several dietary supplements have eventually been formulated containing these herbs to help prevent the onset of diabetes and alleviate its symptoms.
The following are among the best herbs for diabetes proven to be safe and effective for patient use:
1. Ginseng
Not only is ginseng effective in treating sore throat and many other forms of respiratory diseases but it is also proven to be efficient in lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Experts have found that the compounds found in ginseng slows down carbohydrate absorption and helps maximize the use of glucose in the cellular level.
2. Fenugreek
Originally used as a culinary ingredient, Fenugreek is now among the top herbs for diabetes.
Fenugreek helps control diabetes by reducing fasting blood glucose levels among insulin-dependent patients as it lowers cholesterol levels.
3. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has long been an herb for diabetes in the Arabian region.
Today, various studies have found that the herb helps prevent diabetes by decreasing blood lipid levels among patients.
It has also been known to promote wound healing.
4. Holy Basil
Another traditional treatment used for diabetes even before the development of modern diabetes medications is Holy Basil.
In a certain study, Holy Basil was found to reduce fasting blood sugar levels by enhancing the release of insulin among patients.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is among the most popular herbs for diabetes following its publication in Diabetes Care Journal in 2003.
Studies have shown that the active compounds of cinnamon effectively improve blood cholesterol levels while lowering blood sugar levels in just a matter of days.
6. Bitter Melon
Used widely as a treatment for various ailments, bitter melon has also become a well-established diabetes herb.
Bitter melon contains Charantin, a compound found to be effective in lowering blood sugar levels. It also contains lectin, a powerful substance, which suppresses appetite and reduces sugar levels.
7. Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle, in a certain study, was found to effectively control diabetes by reducing insulin resistance of cells. This is made possible by its active compound silibinin.
8. Okra
Gaining popularity as a “superfood”, Okra is no longer just a cancer prevention herb but also an herb for diabetes. Okra, as found by several studies, helps lower down blood sugar levels.
9. Bilberry extract
Aside from reducing blood sugar levels, Bilberry extract is included in the list of herbs for diabetes as it is effective in reducing retinopathy and maculopathy which are the most common complications of long-term diabetes.
10. Indian goose berry
Indian goose berry or Amala helps reduce blood sugar levels by stimulating the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas and enhancing the release of insulin.
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