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 Treating
Diabetes With Herbs
The name “Diabetes” originated from the Greek
words meaning 'siphon' and 'to run through', signifying chronic
excretion of excessive volumes of urine.
Diabetes mellitus, because of its frequency is probably the
single most important metabolic disease in the United States
today and is widely recognized as one of the leading causes of
death and disability in the U.S. In the past 10 years the
incidence of diabetes in the America has doubled. It affects
every cell in the body
Diabetes has been linked to the western
lifestyle, as it is uncommon in cultures consuming a more
primitive diet. As Americans switch from healthy natural diets
to more commercial foods, their rate of diabetes increases,
eventually reaching what researchers have dubbed as epidemic
levels in this country.
A great deal of research has been conducted into the possible
causes of diabetes. Most of the prevalent ideas can be
classified under one of the following categories: heredity,
endocrine malfunction, dietary imbalance, obesity, repeated
infection, as well as severe and continued physical stresses.
Many years of research have shown that diabetes is not simply a
matter of one or two things going wrong with your body. It is a
severe and very complex condition with a many possible causes.
Consequently, the conventional medical approach of simply using
insulin or oral hypoglycemic to treat diabetes is incomplete and
the person relying on them to prevent long-term complications
remains at risk.
Over time both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are accompanied by
many severe complications, such as blindness, renal failure,
nephropathy (kidney disease), lower- limb amputations,
cardiovascular disease, Neuropathy (nerve disease),
Arteriosclerosis (vessel disease) and stroke. For those with
Type 1 diabetes the object is not to find a way to get off
insulin but rather to prevent the long-term complications. It is
important to note that modern research has proven that the
amount of insulin required can be greatly reduced through
appropriate life style changes and the likelihood of reoccurring
complications is significantly lowered. For those with type 2
diabetes dietary modification combined with exercise, stress
reduction techniques, acupuncture and herbal/nutritional
supplements has been found to help significantly.
Diabetes has been treated with great success for thousands of
years with plant medicines. The following list of herbs has
proven most effective when prescribed in the proper combination
and dosage by a qualified health care practitioner. These herbs
are relatively non-toxic and have substantial scientific
documentation to attest to their efficacy.
European Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)-
The leaves of the blueberry plant
have been used in the treatment of diabetes by herbalists for
many years. It is known to slightly lower blood sugar levels.
The leaves contain a chemical called “myrtillin” that
contributes to visual acuity. Blueberry leaves are commonly used
to treat the vision problems associated with diabetes called
diabetic retinopathy. It also increases capillary integrity,
inhibits radical damage to the body and improves the tone of the
vascular system.
Caution: Do not use the leaves for longer than 3 weeks at a
time. The leaves lower blood sugar levels, so insulin-dependent
diabetics should not take them in infusion without professional
guidance
Gymnema sylvestre
– Gymnema leaves are an
Indian herb that has been recognized and used successfully for
centuries. It can balance blood sugar, control cravings to help
weight loss. It blocks intestinal absorption of sugar and the
sugar passes thru the system. It improves the ability of insulin
to lower blood sugar in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Bitter melon (Momordica
Charantia) - As
the English name suggests (bitter melon), the melon has a bitter
taste due to the presence of a chemical called “momordicin”.
There has been much research done on the effectiveness of using
bitter meon in the treatment of diabetes. It has been shown to
increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby
improving the body’s ability to produce insulin. This herb is
commonly used in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and other
forms of Herbology for it's ability to help with liver problems,
Diabetes and HIV.
Fenugreek (Trigonella
Foenum-Graecum) –
The seeds of this plant contain an active compound called
“trigonelline” which act as a blood sugar lowering agent.
Fenugreek is cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and has a
long history of herbal use for various ailments such as
digestive problems, loss of appetite and inflammatory skin
problems. If you have diabetes and are pregnant or nursing this
plant is actually good for you and the baby. It will actually
promote and increase lactation.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Verum)
- Cinnamon is derived from the
bark of a tree in the laurel family. In addition to spicing up
your foods; it also relieves stomach gas, eases nausea and
treats the loss of appetite. More than a decade ago, the
researchers have discovered that cinnamon makes fat cells more
responsive to insulin. Cinnamon increases the conversion of
glucose to energy by twenty times. It also blocks the formation
of free radicals. Reduction of free radical activity helps to
slow the progression of diabetic complications.
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng)
- Asian ginseng is
commonly used in (TCM) Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat
diabetes. It has been shown to enhance the release the release
of insulin from the release of insulin from the pancreas and to
increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct
blood sugar lowering effect.
There are also many acupuncture treatments
that address the primary disharmonies and underlying causes of
diabetes and its complications.
For more Information on the possible treatment options open to
you please contact East West Center for Natural Medicine.
574-246-9582
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