Herbs for diabetes - what should be used as an adjunct to therapy (not instead of treatment)?

Diabetes mellitus belongs to the group of metabolic diseases. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are diseases that can lead to serious complications. In the case of type 2 diabetes mellitus, we are more likely to deal with an asymptomatic or asymptomatic onset of the disease. Symptoms of diabetes include thirst that is difficult to quench, frequent urination, decreased physical activity, and trouble concentrating.

How does diabetes develop?

Diabetes mellitus develops as a result of a violation of the natural mechanisms of insulin secretion. In type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes), the pancreas stops producing insulin, which prevents the body from properly using the glucose that enters the body. As a result of a lack of insulin, blood glucose levels rise after a meal, but it cannot be used as an energy source for body cells. Excess glucose is excreted in the urine. There are two main mechanisms involved in the development of type 2 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes). First, there is abnormal production and secretion of insulin in the pancreas. Secondly, there is a decrease in the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to this hormone (the so-called insulin resistance).

Herbs and Diabetes Treatment

Treatment of diabetes mellitus is necessary, as this disease leads to severe complications that threaten health and life, and also increases the risk of developing other diseases. Symptoms that may indicate diabetes mellitus are an indication for urgent medical advice. It is worth remembering that the so-called herbs for diabetes will not replace traditional treatment, as well as the use of a properly balanced diet. Physical activity also plays an important role in managing diabetes.

When used properly and after consultation with your healthcare provider, herbs can help treat diabetes by reducing the absorption of sugars from food, increasing tissue sensitivity to insulin, and lowering blood sugar levels.

We can use both herbal blends for diabetics and single-ingredient teas to support treatment. When choosing the right remedy, the quality and origin of the herbs should be taken into account.

Herbs to lower sugar

Traditionally used herbs to lower blood sugar include:

• white mulberry leaf - reduces blood sugar levels, delaying the breakdown of carbohydrates entering the body - thanks to white mulberry, blood sugar levels do not rise quickly after eating;
• rue herb herb - contains derivatives of guanidine and chromium salts, which effectively reduce blood glucose levels. Moreover, rutwick grass also shows m. anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect;
• common juniper fruit - reduces blood sugar levels by up to 35%. This is due to the high content of compounds that affect the level of glycemia, which include, among others, catechin tannins, mineral salts, sesquiterpenes and flavonoids;
• fenugreek seeds - increase the sensitivity of tissues to insulin and reduce the absorption of sugars from food.

It can also be used to lower blood sugar levels. bean pericarp. It provides the body with guanidine derivatives, chromium salts and other compounds that restore carbohydrate balance, effectively reducing too high blood glucose levels, and also have diuretic properties. Other herbs for diabetes include: bitter lemon, traveler’s chicory root, blueberry leaf, nettle leaf, sage leaf And dandelion root.

Diabetes herbs are very popular among people struggling with this disease, as well as those who are at risk of developing diabetes. You can buy them in most pharmacies and herbal stores, not only in the form of dried, but also in the form of easy-to-use tablets. It is worth remembering that herbs for diabetes should be an addition to diabetes therapy and cannot replace traditional methods of treatment.

Sources:
K. Walkiewicz, A. Nasik-Palka, M. Gętek, M. Mutz-Wierzgon, T. Kokot, K. Klakla, E. Nowakowska-Seidel: “The importance of active substances of plant origin in diabetes.” Post Phytoter 2016; 17(1): 49-54
M. Dziak, B. Kuznitska: “Herbs and their uses. History and Modernity”. National Medical Publishing. 3rd revised and enlarged edition, Warsaw, 1984
Marcin Samosey: Phytotherapy in Diabetes. Post Phytoter 2019; 20(1): 68-72