Effective Herbs to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Prescription drugs do not need to be the only thing you use to manage your high blood sugar. There are several homeopathic remedies available to help lower blood sugar. A comprehensive treatment plan to effectively lower blood sugar levels should include medicinal herbs capable of alleviating diabetic symptoms.

What is High Blood Sugar?

Prolonged hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, can cause severe damage to the body if left untreated. For a diabetic patient, the results may be life-threatening. One possible complication is diabetic ketoacidosis, a lethal condition where toxic acids accumulate in the blood. In patients with prediabetes, keeping blood sugar levels at bay is the primary way to avoid developing full-blown diabetes.

How to lower blood sugar levels

Besides conventional drugs and lifestyle changes, people looking to lower blood sugar should supplement their treatment plan with quality herbal remedies. Consider:

• Herbal medicines predate today’s pharmaceuticals by centuries. In fact, modern drugs are mostly chemical extracts from herbs.
• Herbs are generally safer than conventional pharmaceutical medicines.
• Naturopathy is the use of herbal medicine that works by prioritizing full body health. Thus proper herbal remedies focus primarily on restoring body conditions such as blood sugar to their normal state. 

Some herbal remedies interfere with active ingredients in regular drugs and can cause serious health complications. Discuss with your healthcare provider before taking any herbs. 

Another important note is that herbal medicines cannot act as standalone treatments for diabetes. That said, the right herbal remedies are an excellent complement to a standard treatment to lower blood sugar.

8 Effective Herbs to Lower Blood Sugar 

Rosemary

A member of the mint family, Rosemary has been renowned for its medicinal value since ancient times.  Rosemary effectively promotes weight loss, boosts immunity and normalizes blood sugar. 

Typically prepared whole ,as a dried powder, or liquid extract, the herb is safe to consume in low doses. However, larger doses may have side effects such as vomiting and spams, so do not consume high amounts of rosemary without a prescription from a naturopathic practitioner.

Ginseng

Modern researchers have shown that it reduces the rate of carbohydrate absorption and accelerates insulin production, effectively lowering blood glucose in diabetic patients. 

Ginseng root powder is blended to make extracts and tea infusions. The extracts drunk regularly, boost a diabetic immune system, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. In addition, ginseng may also reduce cholesterol levels and manage erectile dysfunction in men.

Oregano

This is an important aromatic oil and dietary supplement. There is  evidence that oregano can help fight bacteria and regulate blood sugar. As an antioxidant, it helps eliminate toxins that put the body at risk of diabetes and cancer.

Tea blends and oil extracts made from oregano leaves, are used as a dietary supplement for diabetic patients. Concentrated extracts of oregano help with rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and depression. Although these latter claims are yet to be verified, there are no known side effects of using oregano.

However if you are allergic to mint leaves, you should steer clear of oregano products. Like other herbal remedies, you should always check with your doctor before starting. 

Fenugreek

Fresh, dried fenugreek seeds add flavor and spice up culinary dishes. Fenugreek is also a major ingredient in several products, such as maple syrup, cosmetics and soap. For centuries, the plant has been used to tackle digestive disorders, manage muscle pain, and treat high blood pressure.

Studies show that fenugreek extracts have antidiabetic properties and can be used to lower blood sugar, improve weight loss, and body immunity. Although it does not interact negatively with many drugs, add it as a supplement in small amounts, to avoid an overdose.

Pregnant women and people with allergies or chronic conditions should avoid using considerable amounts of fenugreek. Again, to prevent complications check with a healthcare professional.

 Ginger

Used extensively in Asian cuisine, ginger is an aromatic herb that may help reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer and other health problems. Ginger has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. 

Cross-sectional studies have come to the conclusion that adding powdered ginger roots to meals are effective in treating a variety of conditions, particularly lowering blood sugar. 

Aloe Vera

Used in many cultures across the world, aloe vera is a succulent plant with potent anti-inflammatory properties for enhancing insulin sensitivity and treating indigestion. According to a study, a dosage of two tablespoons of aloe vera per day can reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.

Dried aloe vera leaves made into to tea blends. However patients on oral medication should ingest aloe vera one hour before using their drugs since aloe vera can slow down their absorption. 

Gurmar

Grown in the tropical forests of India, Australia, China and Africa, Gurmar in different forms lowers blood sugar. Gurmar contains chemical agents that hinder the absorption of sugar from the intestine. It stimulates pancreatic cell growth increasing insulin production. 

Typically prepared as a liquid extract, Gymnema leaves can minimise sugar cravings and reduce hunger. Not only does this help with weight loss, it also helps to reduce blood sugar in diabetic patients. 

Using Gurmar is quite safe to in controlled quantities. However, discuss with your doctor to confirm that it will not interact negatively with any of your prescribed medications. 

Sage

This evergreen shrub belongs to the mint family, in addition to other herbs such as rosemary and oregano. Even small amounts of sage offer a diversity of vitamins and minerals for the body. Loaded with antioxidants that benefit the immune system, reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of cancer.

Sage can be bought as whole leaves, grounded powder, or a liquid extract. People looking to lower their blood sugar can sprinkle the leaves on dishes, combine it with butter, or add to tomato sauce. Drinking sage tea is a popular way to consume it.

Sage has no current reported side effects. Like other herbal remedies, sage cannot cure diabetes by itself. However, as a complement to other aspects of your treatment plan, such as insulin supplements and lifestyle change, the herb can keep blood sugar levels under control.