Patients are seeking alternative remedies for diabetes though doctors prescribe medicines for it. Proper diet and exercise are recommended to bring down blood sugar level. Some drugs control blood sugar levels though doctors do not prescribe them officially. There are four such herbs for diabetes and they are ginseng, fenugreek, cinnamon and chromium. Each of these herbs and their benefits in treating diabetes is discussed here.
Ginseng
It lowers the blood sugar level of patients better than those taking placebo. People who take ginseng have a 9% low sugar level compared to those not using the herb. Researchers point out that it is too early to bank upon the herb for treatment of diabetes Ginseng is not regulated and you don t know that what ingredients are involved in it. American Ginseng is researched and we don t know whether others would be as effective as in controlling diabetes.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek seeds are not only folk remedy for diabetes but clinically tested for effectiveness. According to a 1990 study in Europe, patients with Type 1 diabetes who took two doses of fenugreek daily had a lower blood sugar level than those given a placebo. Same regulation problems face fenugreek as ginseng and it will have to be sorted out before prescribing.
Cinnamon
According to study, an intake of a small amount of cinnamon daily lowers blood sugar by an average of 10% and reduces the cholesterol level. This gives hope to Type 2 diabetes as blood sugar and cholesterol control lessens the risk of heart attack. But too much of cinnamon is dangerous to the body s system. You should use only water soluble forms of the extract available in many health stores.
Chromium
Many tests have provided the efficacy of chromium as an herb in controlling diabetes. While too much of it is bad, a daily dosage of 400-600 micrograms can significantly lowers the blood sugar level without any health risk to patients. The ADA is against the use of chromium as the diet for diabetes patients have nutrients and supplements are unnecessary.
Always consult your doctor whenever you wish to use herbs or supplements. Co-operate with your doctor and combine herbal supplements with medical prescriptions of your doctor for the most successful and beneficial treatment of your diabetes.