Does Diabetes Have a Cure?
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It is only safe and precautionary that people manage their health effectively, and a proven way to do this is to use natural remedies and herbs. Let us look at seven herbs to improve diabetic health.
12 Herbs that Cure Diabetes
Gymnema Sylvestre
This plant, in Hindi, literally means “destroyer of sugar”. It aids the reduction of sensitivity to sweetness in taste buds. This potent herb contains some gymnemic acids known as glycosides which significantly suppress sugar cravings. What’s more? The Gymnema Sylvestre herb is potent in treating type-2 diabetes. It increases the enzyme activity in the cells, thereby resulting in the utilization of excess glucose in the body. It also has some positive impacts on the production of insulin. Interestingly, when you consume Gymnema prior to consuming sugary content, the gymnemic acid obstructs the sugar receptors on your taste buds. The Gymnema Sylvestre herb, which may be referred to as Gurmar, is also regarded as a traditional remedy for snakebites, weight loss, and malaria.
You can consume the Gymnema Sylvestre herb in its powdered form or make some tea with its leaves. The herb is also available in capsules, in case the other forms of consumption do not appeal to you.
How to make some tea with the plant? Simply steep its leaves in some boiled water for 10 minutes. You can also add its powder to a cup of lukewarm water, and – there you go! It is advisable that you consume the herb in the morning or 20 minutes before meals.
Neem
Neem leaves contain compounds and glycosides that may help manage blood sugar levels and ensure there is no surge in glucose. Research shows that neem may prove helpful in preventing or delaying the onset of diabetes. Also, its leaf powder controls diabetic symptoms on non-insulin dependent male diabetics.
To manually make neem, boil about 20 of its leaves in half a liter of water for about five minutes. With this, the leaves tend to appear soft, resulting in green coloration. Strain and store the liquid in a container. Drink this decoction at least twice a day.
Aloe Vera
This evergreen succulent plant, with its homely appeal, is cultivated worldwide. Its popularity and widespread use stem from centuries of numerous, beneficial compounds. Today, Aloe Vera is relevant in food, cosmetics, and health industries. The aloe vera liquid, known as aloe latex, is used in juices, tablets, capsules, and dental care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Findings show that a regular dose of aloe vera juice helps to keep blood sugar levels in check.
The maximum daily dose for aloe vera juice is a recommended 50ml, while the recommended dose for capsules is between 200 and 300 mg per day.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek helps to slow down the rate of sugar absorption in the stomach, doubled with its stimulation of insulin. Both of these effects lower blood sugar and the intake of carbohydrates in people living with diabetes.
Consuming 50 grams of fenugreek seed powder twice daily reduces the amount of sugar in urine ― this especially appeals to people living with type-1 diabetes.
A way to consume fenugreek is to soak its seeds overnight. You could also drink its liquid early in the morning. Also, you may have fenugreek seeds or its leaves during lunch or dinner.
We recommend that you either consume two teaspoons of fenugreek seeds, a teaspoon of its powder, or 200g of its leaves.
Ginseng
Ginseng has many health benefits such as increased energy levels, sharper cognitive abilities, and prevention of cancer. Ginseng extracts are also beneficial in the control of blood glucose level. The Ginseng plant also boosts the immune system and treats erectile dysfunction–related problems in men.
Ginseng eases the absorption of carbohydrates, boosts insulin production, and heightens pancreatic cell function. For diabetics, the consumption of ginseng lowers blood glucose levels by 15–20%.
Ginseng comes in roots and powder forms. To use the former, you can chop its roots and add it to some boiled water, and let it steep for 5–6 minutes. For the powdered ginseng, simply mix it in lukewarm water and consume it. You may consume ginseng early in the morning and before dinner.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains an active component, curcumin, which can decrease the level of glucose in the blood as well as other diabetes-related complications. Its extracts could also help stabilize blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. Adding turmeric to your diet may delay the onset or development of diabetes. This is because they help to prevent fatty deposits in the blood vessels.
You can chew turmeric on an empty stomach or use its powder in cooking and for smoothies. Like cinnamon, turmeric is also available in capsules.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon serves well in cooking and baking. It contains properties that are beneficial for blood sugar regulation and treating type-2 diabetes. Consuming a gram of cinnamon per day can increase insulin sensitivity and help manage type-2 diabetes.
You may add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your smoothie or juice for breakfast. It is also available in sticks or quills, and capsules.
Clove
Cloves offer anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and digestive health benefits for diabetics. Findings show that the compounds found in cloves may help to keep blood sugar under control. They are popular among gingerbread baked goods and Indian cuisines. Clove extracts help to promote insulin production with the combination of a balanced diet.
One way of making the most of cloves is through clove tea: To manually make this, you could coarsely grind a teaspoon of clove into powdered form. Add this powder to a cup of water and allow it to boil for 8-10 minutes. On reaching boiling point, add half a teaspoon of tea powder and let this mixture steep for few more minutes. Strain the liquid and let it to cool.
Ginger
Widely grown in China, India, Australia, Africa, and Jamaica, this aromatic and spicy supplement reduces blood sugar levels and regulate insulin response in people with diabetes. What’s more? Ginger is low in carbohydrates and calories. It has only 1.3 grams of carbs per teaspoon.
You should not consume more than four grams of ginger per day.
Sage
Some herbal toothpaste products include the sage herb in their composition for oral health. Belonging to the mint family, the sage is packed with a variety of significant nutrients and compounds. Other herbs belonging to the mint family include basil and thyme.
Sage is used as a traditional remedy against diabetes, and can also improve insulin sensitivity. Findings show that consuming sage on an empty stomach may significantly help reduce blood glucose levels.
It is best to consume sage in its tea form. You may also chew sage leaves
To prepare sage tea, pour some boiling water into a cup and add 1–2 sage leaves. Leave it to steep for 5 minutes. Simple, isn’t it? Yes, just like regular tea.
You may chew sage leaves on an empty stomach. You could also drink sage tea too, and of course, you can include sage leaves in meals for lunch or dinner.
Bilberry
Like the Gymnema Sylvestre herb, bilberry is beneficial to type-2 diabetics who suffer from high blood sugar levels. The bilberry plant is closely related to blueberries, and they both stimulate insulin, which is the hormone responsible for transporting sugar from the blood to the cells. Bilberry prevents the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates. It also improves vision and fights inflammatory infections.
You can have bilberry extracts once in the morning and once in the evening, preferably an hour before dinner.
Oregano
Oregano has both medicinal and cooking properties. The oregano herb contains glycosides responsible for blood sugar reduction in the body. Oregano herb also aids the increase of insulin activity and the mobilization of glucose in the cells for carbohydrate reduction.
A teaspoon of dried oregano supplies about 8% of your daily vitamin K needs. You may also consume oregano tea with some boiled water; simply steep for five minutes. Chewing fresh oregano leaves early in the morning is also healthy.