Shisandra
Goji Berries
Astragalus
One of the most beneficial of the Chinese herbs is called Bitter melon. It has a well-known reputation for lowering blood sugar levels. It has also been found to increase insulin activity. Both of these points are good news for diabetics who are looking for a more natural way of treatment.
Other herbs that have displayed favorable results include gymnema sylvestre and Trichonsanthis Root. Both of these have been proven to show relief to numerous diabetics. Next to bitter melon, another of the most popular herbs has been American ginseng.
Studies suggest that the herb Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) can lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Amazingly, Gymnema can actually make sweet foods taste less sweet, so you end up wanting to eat less of them. The herb is well-known for its ability to reduce fat accumulation and help with weight loss, thanks to its enzyme-inhibiting properties.
Additionally, one such study found that thanks to Gymnema's potent antioxidant activity, it may help prevent organ damage often seen in diabetes, as the disease is marked by increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), caused by long-term elevation of blood sugar.
Because Gymnema may significantly lower blood sugar levels, people taking medications for diabetes or using insulin shouldn't take Gymnema simultaneously unless they are closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
Although there are several different types of ginseng, the most promising studies on ginseng and diabetes have used American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). A meta-analysis has shown that American ginseng may significantly improve blood sugar control and fasting glucose (a marker of your general blood sugar levels) by increasing your body's insulin sensitivity. Look for capsules with a standardized extract of ginsenosides, the active ingredient.
A recent triple-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial looked at cinnamon supplementation in 140 people with type 2 diabetes over three months. In the study, participants were divided into groups and either given two capsules per day of 500 milligrams of cinnamon powder each or a placebo.
After three months, the statistically significant findings included improvements in body mass index (BMI), visceral fat, body fat, along with improvements in fasting plasma glucose, A1C, insulin production, insulin resistance, and lipids, as compared to the placebo group. The greatest effects were noticed in those with a BMI over 27 (technically considered overweight).
Although aloe vera gel is better known as a home remedy for minor burns and other skin conditions, one review suggests that aloe vera gel may help people with diabetes, thanks to a number of active phytosterol compounds from the plant that have been found to reduce blood glucose and hemoglobin A1C levels by enhancing glucose storage and utilization.
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TREATMENT OF DIABETES WITH CHINESE HERBS
Treatment of Diabetes with Chinese Herbs (itmonline.org)
TCM practitioners often prescribe Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, an herbal formula to nourish the energy of the kidneys. It is a commonly used Chinese herbal formula to treat diabetes. It contains herbs include Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu, Shan Yao, Ze Xie, Mu Dan Pi and Fu Ling
Chinese Medicine Treatment for Diabetes - TCM Simple
Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels.
Metformin is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Metformin is sometimes used together with insulin or other medications, but it is not for treating type 1 diabetes.