Wednesday, February 08, 2006

A Few More Herbal Remedies That Help With Sugar Metabolism

I talked about Cinnamon yesterday, and mentioned that it was being researched to help treat diabetes, because it seems to help the body metabolize blood sugar. There are several other herbal remedies that have been used traditionally to help with diabetes-like symptoms

Fenugreek Seed has been used medicinally for at least 2000 years, and is recommended in all conditions involving excess mucus, or lung congestion. It has also been used for both diabetes and gout. Recent research seems to confirm the ability of fenugreek to stabilize blood sugar levels, and that it seems to help cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.

Fenugreek is a traditional ingredient in many curry powders, and has been used in both Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicines for centuries.

Another herb which is gaining a lot of attention as a natural treatment for blood sugar problems and diabetes is Gymnema Sylvestre, an Ayurvedic herb more commonly called Gurmar, which I have read translates as sugar destroyer. It earned this name because if you chew the leaves of this plant, it decreases your ability to taste sugar.

Recent research shows that it helps improve your body’s ability to control sugar levels, and it seems to increase the effectiveness of insulin.

I am not suggesting that if you want to continue consuming vast quantities of white sugar, all you have to do is add Cinnamon, Fenugreek, and Gymnema Sylvestre to your diet and everything will be fine. I think it is a good idea to limit white sugar and white flour in your diet, and doing so is a good first step in improving your health.

And I am not saying that if you are diabetic and taking insulin, you should take these herbs and stop taking insulin; as always, if you are being treated for any medical condition, speak to your doctor before you begin using herbal remedies.

But if you are looking for natural ways to help stabilize blood sugar, these herbs are worth a try.

The material presented in this blog is for informational use only and should in no way be used as a substitute for needed medical treatment. I am not a doctor, I do not diagnose or treat disease. If you need medical care, please consult the appropriate medical professional. And please discuss with your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any herbal preparations

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