Diabetes Herbs |
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| Written by Administrator | |
| Friday, 10 October 2008 | |
Most Effective Diabetes Herbs.
While most doctors immediately prescribe medications to help
control diabetes, many sufferers are investigating alternative means to control
their blood sugar. Proper diet and exercise are recommendations commonly made
to patients with diabetes. Certain herbs have shown some success in controlling
blood sugar levels in patients although medical personnel cannot officially
recommend them. Four such diabetes herbs are ginseng, fenugreek, cinnamon and
chromium. This article will briefly discuss each of these herbs
Ginseng:
Some research done on ginseng has shown a lowering of blood sugar levels in patients after taking this one of the diabetes herbs over those taking a placebo. In fact, the patients taking ginseng had blood sugar levels roughly nine percent lower than the ones who weren't taking the herb for diabetes. While the research is promising, scientists believe it is too early for diabetes patient to put too much stock in the benefits of ginseng. Concerns surround the fact that ginseng isn't regulated in this country so patients never really know the true ingredients in what they are buying. Also, the studies only researched American ginseng so it is uncertain if other types of ginseng would be as effective as herbs for diabetes control.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek seeds have long been noted as one of the best diabetes herbs in folk medicine for diabetes, and as also been clinically studied for its effectiveness. One study performed in Europe in the 1990s showed that patients with Type 1 diabetes who took two doses of fenugreek on a daily basis had lower blood sugar levels than the patients who were given a placebo. Some of the same regulation problems face fenugreek as ginseng and will have to be sorted out before recommendations can be made for these herbs for treating diabetes.
Cinnamon:
A study performed recently showed that taking a small amount of cinnamon extract daily can lower blood sugar by an average of 10% and is suspected to also lower cholesterol. This offers much hope to patients suffering from Type 2 diabetes since controlling blood sugar and cholesterol significantly reduces the risk of heart disease for these individuals. However it is important to remember that too much cinnamon can be dangerous to the body's system so use only water-soluble forms of the extract, which is available in many health stores.
Chromium:
There are several studies that provide evidence of chromium's success as an herb for controlling diabetes. While it isn't advisable to take too much of the mineral, a daily dosage of 400 - 600 micrograms can significantly lower blood sugar levels while posing no health risk to the patient. The ADA advises against the use of chromium for treating diabetes stating that the diet recommendations given to diabetes patients contain appropriate levels of nutrients and supplements aren't necessary.
Whenever considering the use of an herb or supplement, it is advisable to consult your doctor and inform him or her of your plans. Work together with your physician to combine your diabetes herbs supplements with the medical recommendations of your doctor for the most successful treatment of your diabetes.
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