Some herbs work pretty well.
There are lots of herbs that have been used for this.
There is some science for this use of herbs, but most of it is not very good science.
There are problems with standardization. Lots of variation, and not much uniformity.
-- Aloe vera has a long association with herbal medicine. Many scientific studies of aloe vera have been done. There is preliminary evidence that Aloe vera extracts may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, minor skin infections, Sebaceous cyst, diabetes and elevated blood lipids in humans. A Japanese study evaluated the effect of aloe vera gel on blood sugar. Researchers isolated a number of active phytosterol compounds from the gel that were found to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. We used aloe vera juice, and Maria tolerated it well. When we ran out, I replaced it with Aloe vera gel. She didn't like the gel, so we discontinued it.
cinnamon
--cinnamon may improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. The results of a study from 2003 in Pakistan showed lower levels of fasting glucose, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol after 40 days with levels continuing to drop for 20 days after that. Several mechanisms by which cinnamon might lower glucose have been proposed. Cinnamon may have an insulin-like effect, causing glucose to be stored in the form of glycogen. In one study of rats, cinnamon reportedly caused an increase in a compound IRS-1, which is responsible for increasing glucose uptake in muscle tissue. Cinnamon has also been reported to cause an increase in the transporter mechanisms (GLUT-4) that take glucose out of the blood stream and into tissue. Some forms of cinnamon contain a compound (coumarin) that can reduce the blood’s ability to clot. Maria found that the cinnamon we got from the store was irritating to her stomach. extracts of cinnamon that we got at the health food store were not.
milk thistle
-- Silymarin (a component of milk thistle) has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for liver disorders. In a recent Iranian study, after taking milk thistle for four months, the milk thistle group showed improved blood sugar control and cholesterol and triglyceride levels. milk thistle has been reported to occasionally cause a laxative effect, upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, and allergic reactions, but Maria tolerated it well.
Dandelion
--Herbalists often use dandelion in treatment of type 2 diabetes, eczema, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, liver disease, and heartburn. Tests on diabetic mice show that dandelion extract may help regulate blood sugar and keep cholesterol in check. Hypoglycemia can be one of its adverse reactions.
nopal (opuntia)
-- ingestion of prickly pear cactus reduces serum glucose levels among persons with diabetes on the order of 10 to 30 mg/dL at 30 to 180 minutes post-ingestion. Concern was raised about possible kidney toxicity in one species. Maria never had any trouble with it.
turmeric
--Turmeric has a long history of use in reducing inflammation, healing wounds and relieving pain. Research done atthe Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, dound that turmeric-treated mice were less susceptible to developing Type 2 diabetes than control mice. It is thought that curcumin lessens insulin resistance. Maria used it for awhile, but found it a little irritating to her stomach.
Gymnema sylvestre
--has been used as a treatment for diabetes since ancient times. in 1988, research was published that documented its positive effect on glucose homeostasis in diabetic animals. The study went on to show normalization of glycosylated hemoglobin and glycosylated plasma proteins. In 1990, an article in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology said:"This herbal therapy appears to bring about blood glucose homeostasis through increased serum insulin levels provided by repair/regeneration of the endocrine pancreas." I seem to recall that we watched this one closely for signs of hypoglycemia, but Maria tolerated it well.
fenugreek
--has been used to treat diabetes, sore throats, and sores and abscesses. has a strong modulating effect on blood lipid levels and can substantially reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. In diabetics, who usually suffer lipid imbalances, it has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lower cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels while raising HDL levels. Another property of fenugreek is the reduction of platelet aggregation. has a strong modulating effect on blood lipid levels and can substantially reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. In diabetics, who usually suffer lipid imbalances, it lowers cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL levels while raising HDL levels. It can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. It also reduces platelet aggregation. It has been shown to lower blood glucose levels of Type II diabetics by as much as 46 percent. It is very rich in a dietary fibre that modulates post-prandial blood glucose levels by delaying the absorption of sugar, as well as fat and cholesterol in the intestines. One nice thing about fenugreek, is that you can just add it to your PLORB, without even affecting the flavor.
hawthorne berries
--Hawthorn leaves, flowers and berries are used by herbal practitioners in the UK to treat hypertension in conjunction with prescription drugs. It acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood supply to the heart and improving circulation to the extremities by decreasing arterial resistance.
It can also break down cholesterol and fat. I have used it personally for angina.
Guereque (Ibervilea sonorae)
--has been used medicinally by various ethnic groups in Northwestern Mexico for many centuries.
The root is used as a remedy for diabetes.
It has a strong effect on lowering blood sugar levels. We used it once in awhilr, but we were afraid of it, and used it very carefully.
cloves
--extracts of cloves were found to improve the function of insulin and to lower glucose, total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides in people with type 2 diabetes, without changing HDL People with kidney or liver disorders or who have had seizures should avoid clove. It may also cause an increased bleeding risk. We always though of it as very strong and were very careful to avoid upset stomach.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid benefits people with diabetes by helping to :
convert glucose (blood sugar) into energy-
LOWERING your blood sugar.
prevent cell damage throughout the body caused by high glucose levels.
allows more glucose to be absorbed into the cells.
attacks free radicals that cause damage to the cells.
rids the body of harmful substances from the environment.