Widely Used Herbs to Cure Diabetes

Herbs have been used for centuries as natural cures for diabetes. Individuals who have incorporated them in their diet while following a healthy lifestyle (proper diet, rest and plenty of exercise) have found that they are far more effective in treating their condition than prescribed medicines.

The following are some of the most effective natural cures for diabetes:

BITTER MELON: Bitter melon (also known as bitter gourd) contains several compounds that increase insulin-like activity and control Type 2 diabetes by increasing the amount of glucose that enters the cells.

• Bitter melon juice taken on an empty stomach goes a long way in fighting diabetes.
• This herb can be cooked as a vegetable.
• When eaten raw (as a salad), it provides the body with plenty of nutrients, besides ensuring diabetes control.
• Dietary supplements containing bitter melon extracts can also be used.

CINNAMON: This is one of the most effective natural cures for diabetes. Not only does cinnamon help increase insulin receptivity (by affecting the number of insulin receptors in the body), but it also acts like natural insulin and lowers blood sugar. LDL cholesterol (specifically), serum glucose, triglycerides and the total cholesterol count in Type 2 diabetes patients have been known to dip after they have made it a point to take cinnamon in some form daily.

• Cinnamon tea is the best way to enjoy the beautiful aroma and medicinal properties of this herb.
• Cinnamon powder can be added as a flavoring agent in any low fat and low sugar food item
• Supplements containing cinnamon are available in the market.

GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE: This Indian herb has hypoglycemic properties and helps prevent and fight both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It contains a compound which enhances the activity of the pancreas and boosts insulin production naturally. It is also known to reduce glucose uptake by the intestines and lower fasting blood glucose levels.

• Gymnema acts best when used in combination with other natural cures for diabetes like chromium, calcium citrate and other herbs.
• Fresh leaves of this plant can be brewed to prepare tea.
• Herbal supplements containing gymnema sylvestre with other herbal extracts are available readily.

BANABA: Banaba plants mostly grow in the Philippines, Australia and India. This herb is known for stimulating glucose uptake by the cells and for having insulin-like properties. Studies show that banaba is one of the most effective natural cures for diabetes. The active compounds present in this herb help diabetic patients lose weight as well. It is in fact known as “plant-insulin”.

• Banaba leaves can be taken orally.
• The most common way of consuming banaba is in the form of dietary supplements in combination with other minerals and herbs that help fight diabetes.

GARLIC: Garlic is a highly recommended herb for diabetes treatment. It is widely available, has a brilliant flavor, and contains one of the most amazing compounds, allicin. This active compound is known to reduce blood sugar levels, LDL levels, and the risk of health complications associated with diabetes. It also increases insulin serum in the blood.

• Garlic can be consumed raw with other vegetables.
• Using garlic abundantly in soups or other dishes will enhance the taste and also provide medicinal benefits.
• For those who dislike the strong odor or taste of this herb, supplementary pills are a great option.

Using natural cures for diabetes may take a little perseverance on the patient’s part, but it surely eliminates the harmful side effects of allopathy drugs.