Herbs for diabetes - natural treatments for Diabetes Mellitus?Herbs for diabetes - Many herbal remedies are used to treat signs and symptoms of diabetes mellitus and have shown results in naturally lowering blood glucose (sugar) levels. Scientific diabetic research is continually shedding new light on the mechanisms used since ancient times to treat diabetes with herbs and nutrition.
Diabetes was noted as far back as Ancient Greece. The name comes from two Greek words meaning the siphon and to run through, which describes the diabetic symptom of excess urine. The true cause of diabetes is not known but 90% of those with Type 2 diabetes are obese. Ninety to ninety five percent of all diabetics suffer from diabetes mellitus type 2 with the other five to ten percent suffering from diabetes mellitus type 1. Most academics and scientists consider that diabetes is triggered by numerous factors, including inheritance, nutrition, obesity, infection, hormonal imbalances, and stress.To treat or improve the treatment of diabetes mellitus certain herbs are considered to be useful. These include Herbs for diabetes: Bilberry and diabetes mellitus Bilberry is one of the most commonly used herbs to treat diabetes. It is also known as European Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus). This plant contains powerful antioxidants in its fruit and leaves called anthocyanidins. These antioxidants help to prevent damage to tiny blood vessels that sometimes result in nerve pain. It also helps the diabetic condition called retinopathy which is damage to the eye’s retina. In studies, the leaves of this plant have been shown to lower blood sugar levels.
This plant’s Hindi name translates as “sugar destroyer,” . It is regarded as one of the most powerful of herbs for blood sugar control as it assists the pancreas in the production of insulin in Type 2 diabetes. This plant is said to reduce the craving for sweets. Gymnema sylvestre is also said to improve the ability of insulin to lower blood sugar level in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is also known as Gurmar in some parts of the world.
Cinnamon is the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree, Cinnamomum, native to South East Asia - India and Sri Lanka. Cinnamon is a spice used booth in sweet and savoury foods but is useful for diabetics. It is thought to have insulin like properties which is able to lower blood glucose levels, triglycerides as well as the bad cholesterol. Herbs for diabetics: Salt Bush and diabetes mellitus Scientists have explored the antidiabetic effect of the salt bush - a shrub that grows throughout the Mediterranean region, in the Middle East, northern Africa, and southern Europe and has found that it contains chromium.The high chromium content of the salt bush can improve blood sugar control of people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
Chromium is a trace mineral which is thought to enhance the action of insulin. Chromium also aids the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Herbs for diabetics: Ginkgo biloba and diabetes mellitus Ginkgo biloba is normally to treat the side effects of diabetes by increasing blood flow especially to the limbs. Since it relaxes the blood vessels it is also used to prevent diabetic retinopathy. The active ingredient is called ginkgo flavoglycoside. Ginkgo also provides improvement in cognitive function and reduces the feelings of depression in both diabetics and non diabetics alike.
Banaba possesses the powerful compound corosolic acid, lagerstroemin and tannins.This powerful herb is thought to stimulate glucose uptake in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and is highly regarded as plant insulin.
Fenugreek seeds can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes and lower blood cholesterol levels. The soluble fibre content of fenugreek can play a role in aiding weight loss of people suffering from diabetes.
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