Top 10 Herbs For Diabetes Patients
These 10 herbs are scientifically studied for their anti-diabetic properties. Many clinical trials on humans and animals show that consuming these ayurvedic herbs along with your medications, like metformin can help you a lot in controlling your high blood sugar levels. These herbs are full of many beneficial compounds and anti-oxidants which have anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-allergic, anti-malarial, and anti-diabetic properties.
10. Insulin Plant or Costus Igneus
Costus Igneus commonly known as an insulin plant in India is well known for its anti-diabetic properties. It is believed that the consumption of its leaves helps in lowering blood glucose levels. Recently, several types of research have been carried out to evaluate the anti-diabetic potential of this plant.
One research done on insulin plants found that diabetic patients who took one fresh leaf or 1 teaspoon of shade-dried leaf powder in the morning on an empty stomach without discontinuing their past treatments for diabetes reduced their blood sugar level from day 15.
Many patients who had nonhealing leg ulcers and recurrent urinary tract infections reported that their problems resolved within fifteen to sixty days of regular consumption of its leaves. Therefore, we recommend you consume its leaves daily to start noticing improvements in your sugar levels.
9. Giloy
Giloy also known as Tinospora cordifolia or guduchi is a herbaceous vine and is used for centuries in Ayurveda to treat various disorders. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-malarial, and anti-diabetic properties.
Alkaloids present in this valuable plant known as berberine has been studied extensively for their anti-diabetic effects and has been found to have a blood sugar lowering effect that’s similar to the drug metformin, which is used to treat diabetes. Therefore, to see effective results drink giloy juice which is prepared by blending its stems and leaves.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon bark can improve your blood glucose levels and may also reduce risk factors associated with diabetes.
In one study reported in the July 2000 edition of Agricultural Research Magazine found that consuming just 1g of cinnamon per day can increase insulin sensitivity and help manage or reverse type 2 diabetes.
In addition, one more analysis published in 2007 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that 6g of cinnamon slows stomach emptying and significantly reduces hyperglycemia after meals without affecting satiety.
7. Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are very helpful for people with diabetes. These seeds are high in soluble fibre, which helps lower blood sugar by slowing down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.
A study published in the International Journal For Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that a daily dose of 10 grams of fenugreek seeds soaked in hot water may help control type-2 diabetes.
In another controlled trial, incorporating 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed into a meal eaten by people with type 2 diabetes reduced the rise in post-meal blood glucose levels.
6. Ginseng
Ginseng is well-known herb which is used for its medicinal properties. Its roots extract has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve blood circulation, relieve stress, and to help control blood glucose level.
Several animal studies have found that ginseng processed products or individual ginsenosides regulate blood glucose in diabetic mouse or rat models.
Its berry extracts increased insulin secretion to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients.
5. Ginger
Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicinal herb that has been used for centuries to aid digestion, combat the common cold, and relieve pain.
When it comes to diabetes, many scientific studies on ginger support the possible benefit of ginger in a diabetes diet.
A study published in the August 2012 edition of the natural product journal Planta Medica suggested that ginger may improve long-term blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, try to include some ginger in your daily diabetes diet plan.
4. Oregano
This herb is packed with many healthful polyphenols and flavonoids that help in lowering blood glucose levels. Many scientific researches on oregano plant have shown that this herb contain diabetes-fighting compounds that could provide a natural way to manage type 2 diabetes.
According to a new study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, this herb is rich in antioxidants and essential enzymes like polyphenols and their regular consumption can be a natural way to lower glucose levels in the blood.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric which is made from the root of the plant Curcuma longa has been used for centuries as a natural medicine for pain relief, improved digestion, and liver function. The most useful compound curcumin is present in turmeric and has an anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effect.
A 2013 review of studies suggests that curcumin can decrease the level of glucose in the blood, as well as other diabetes-related complications. Researchers found that the active compound curcumin may have a role in diabetes prevention.
2. Salacia oblonga or Saptrangi
Salacia oblonga or Saptarangi is a woody shrub that is known for its superb anti-diabetic and weight-loosening properties. The bark of this shrub constituents Salicinol and Kotolanol which help in controlling blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients.
One research study done at Ohio State University reports that researchers gave extracts of the herb Salacia Oblonga to 39 healthy adults and the results show decreased insulin and blood glucose levels by 29 and 23 percent, respectively.
Diabetes patients can take Saptarangi by making powder of its root extract and take one or two gram of its root powder daily to control diabetes.
1. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves popularly known as kadi patta in India are aromatic plants that add a distinct flavor to a variety of dishes. Apart from adding flavor, these leaves are also very beneficial in managing diabetes. Several scientific types of research on curry leaves confirm their effectiveness in controlling high sugar levels.
A research study published in the Die Pharmazie – An International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences showed that the anti-hyperglycemic properties of the leaves were beneficial in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The study further mentions that curry leaf extract was more effective than a certain anti-diabetic drug.
