Several herbal remedies and health supplements lower blood glucose and can be used in pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetics.

Several clinical studies support the usefulness of these herbs in improving blood sugar control and improving the management of this illness.

Studies have shown the following health supplements to have used in dealing with this illness:

• Aloe vera
• Bitter Melon
• Bilberry extract
• Cinnamon
• Fenugreek
• Okra
• Ginger

Oriental and Ayurvedic medicine commonly use these remedies to manage blood glucose. There remains scepticism about their use in the west.

Aloe Vera

This succulent plant grows in the Caribbean, South Africa and Latin American. 

The gel is extracted from the plant's leaves & is known to have rejuvenating, soothing and healing properties. 

It is available as lotions, gels, creams, ointments, shampoos and conditioners. It also comes as capsules, drinks, tablets, toothpaste and mouthwashes.

Research suggests that it is helpful in:

• Treating people with diabetes
• Decreasing blood lipids in high cholesterol. Because of the risk of heart disease in this illness, a key goal of managing diabetes is the control of cholesterol. 
• Increased wound healing and reducing swelling. Leg ulcers are a common complication of this illness, and people with diabetes often have slow healing powers. This herbs ability to improve wound healing is of great use in this condition.

These benefits are mainly because Aloe Vera contains chemicals such as mannans, lectins, & anthraquinones.

Other Benefits 

• It is known worldwide for its ability to heal and soothe skin irritations and injuries.
• It supports gastrointestinal health, and many consultants recommend it to promote the healing of ulcers for use in inflammatory gut diseases and irritable bowel disease. As it is also of benefit for constipation, this makes it extra valuable for managing irritable bowel.
• Its healing properties are effective in the treatment of pain and inflammation. For this reason, it is a frequent ingredient in dental products, particularly for those with sensitive and sore gums. 
• Its healing properties are why it is often recommended post-surgery for healing lesions and minimise scars.

Bilberry Extract

Bilberries fruit (vaccinium myrtillus) is similar to blueberries but smaller, darker and softer.

Bilberries contain anthocyanosides which strengthen blood vessels and have protective properties against types of retinal damage linked to this disease.

Anthocyanosides are a type of flavonoids found in many fruits, vegetables & plants. Most commonly, they are found in purple, blue and red berries and also in purple coloured vegetables.

Research suggests that Bilberries and Bilberry supplements have the following health benefits for diabetics:

• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Improved circulation
• Prevents cell damage
• Helpful in minimising and treating retinopathy
• Strengthening of blood vessels
• Treats diarrhoea

Eye Health

Uncontrolled blood sugars can cause retinopathy (eye problems) or a decline in the eyes' tissue (maculopathy). Small-scale studies show that people with diabetes taking Bilberry supplements had improved strength in their retina's blood vessels, which reduced haemorrhaging (bleeding) within the eye.

Controlled Blood Glucose Levels

Only a little research is available on the use of this herb in diabetes. Some people have noticed an improvement in controlling blood glucose levels when taking it, but further studies are required. You should always be careful when using alternative therapy in this disease in case hypoglycemia occurs. Generally, extra care in monitoring glucose levels suffices but should you notice large drops please contact your pharmacist.

Cario vascular benefits

As this fruit contains Anthocyanosides, they are known to improve circulation and reduce blood clots forming. Studies have shown that the combined benefit of lowered blood sugars with reduced cholesterol levels both contributes to Bilberries having a beneficial impact on your heart's health.

How to Take 

Bilberry supplements can be taken as tablets or capsules, as herb teas, or eaten as fresh or dried food and added to smoothies.

Other foods that contain a potent level of Anthocyanosides include blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, aubergines, acai berries, and red cabbage.

It is considered safe for most people. More research about taking Billberry extract at high doses is needed. 

Bitter Melon

Bitter melon, bitter gourd or karela is a fruit used as both a food and a health supplement. It is sour to the taste, so hence its name. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. This plant grows in the tropical & subtropical parts of South America, Asia, parts of Africa and the Caribbean. 

It is a long-established alternative therapy. It contains three active chemicals which have anti-diabetic properties. These include charanti, which studies have shown to have a consistent blood-glucose-lowering effect. It also contains vicine and polypeptide-p, which mimics insulin. These three chemicals work together.

It also contains Lectin, which has an action on the body's peripheral tissues and acts as an appetite suppressant. This effect is similar to the effect insulin has on the brain. This Lectin is considered a significant contributor to Bitter Melons' ability to reduce blood sugar levels.

Other Benefits

It has long been used in Colic, Burns, Cough, Fever, Skin irritations, wound healing, and period pain. It has immunity-boosting properties. More research into its impact on viral diseases, cancers, and malaria is required.

How to Take this Herb

It can be taken naturally as the fruit and taken as a powder, juice extract or capsule.

Cautions

Taking more than the recommended dose can upset the stomach and, in certain situations, even cause diarrhoea. When using it, make sure that you carefully monitor your blood sugar levels and consult with your pharmacist before taking it.

Cinnamon

It has been used for thousands of years throughout the world as a medicine and in cooking. Research shows that it is of use in managing this disease as it can improve blood sugar control and improve insulin sensitivity.

Clinical studies show that its bark improves blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with type II diabetes. 

It reduces serum glucose levels, LDL (bad cholesterol), triglycerides, and total cholesterol when 6 grams are taken daily for a minimum of 40 days. Because 6 grams of it a day also slows gastric emptying, not only do you feel full for longer (and consequently eat less) your levels of sugar in your blood do not rise sharply. Higher doses increase a body's sensitivity to insulin. All of these effects combine to manage diabetes, and in a significant number of people, reverse it.

Other Health Benefits 

As well as lowering blood glucose and cholesterol, it has the following health benefits:

• It relieves stomach upset and soothes gastroenteritis.
• It boosts the bodies immunity and is of benefit in some forms of leukaemias and lymphomas. It also is of use in resistant yeast infections.
• This herb is an excellent source of nutrients, including manganese, iron and calcium. Natural bark powder is an excellent source of fibre.
• It has an anti-clotting effect and so can be cardioprotective in certain people.
• It can relieve pain in arthritis.

How to Take

It is available as sticks, oils, teas, powders and tablets. 

Fenugreek

This herb grows naturally in South Asia, North Africa and parts of the Mediterranean. It is commonly used in curries and is also a well-established alternative treatment. The leaves are used as vegetables or dried and used as a herb. The seeds, which are bitter tasting, can be taken whole or powdered to form a spice.

Its seeds are a great source of fibre. Soluble fibre lowers sugars levels in your blood by slowing down the absorption and digestion of carbohydrates. Many studies show that it reduces blood glucose & improves glucose tolerance. 

Studies have shown that a daily dose of 100 grams of defatted seeds (powders) significantly lowered fasting blood sugars, improved blood glucose tolerance and lowered total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides. A study using 15grams daily showed this effect directly on postprandial (after food) blood glucose levels. A daily dose of 2.5 grams is sufficient for people without this illness.

Other Benefits 

• Its seeds are full of vital nutritious vitamins and minerals. They also contain potent antioxidants. These antioxidants protect the body from free radicals and improve their immunity.
• It stimulates breast milk production.
• It has powerful antiviral properties and is used to treat sore throats, bronchitis, and colds.
• It reduces the body's production of cholesterol.
• It treats skin conditions such as wounds, rashes, boils, and abscesses.
• It is useful for hair loss: constipation, upset stomach, kidney irritation, heartburn and impotence.

How to take 

Fenugreek seed powder is available as powder and capsules. 

Ginger

It is grown in Africa, India, China, Australia and Jamaican. Used as a warming spice in cooking, it is also a popular drug in both the western and far east. It is added to fragrances, soaps and cosmetics for its aroma and warming properties.

It's used as a warming spice or flavouring agent in cooking. It is an alternative ‘herbal’ remedy for various ailments such as nausea and indigestion and fragrance in soaps and cosmetics.

It is used either fresh or dried and can be powdered or juiced. It has a sharp, pungent smell. It has many benefits, including:

Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Several studies have shown that this herb can improve long term control of sugar levels in your blood. This glycemic control is due to one ingredient, gingerols. This compound helps muscle cells to take sugar from the blood and metabolism (use) it. The enhanced removal of sugar helps control hyperglycemic (high sugar) levels.

Production of Insulin

Studies have shown that ginger oil extract can increase blood insulin levels, which reduces blood glucose levels. 

Cataracts

A large study suggests that a small daily dose of ginger extract helps delay cataracts' development in the eyes.

Other Health Benefits

It is well established as a drug in China, India, and Arabic for centuries.

• Its typical use is to help digestion; it fights the common cold and as pain relief. 
• It is used for upset stomach, heartburn, nausea and vomiting (including travel sickness and morning sickness) and diarrhoea.
• It contains gingerols which are potent anti-inflammatories. As a result, it can be helpful in the management of arthritis, swelling and pain. It may be an alternative or an adjunct to an NSAID painkiller in people with a history of stomach ulcers or indigestion.
• Its extract or supplements is useful for bronchitis and upper respiratory tract (i.e. lung) infections.
• It may also be of use for menstrual pain.

How to take

Its root can be purchased as the natural root, in powder form as a supplement and is available as extract oil. 

Okra

Also known as ladyfingers, their full names are either Abelmoschus esculentus or Hibiscus esculentus. It is grown naturally in Africa, the Mediterranean, India, America and the Caribbean. It is rich in nutrients and used in stews and soups.

Numerous clinical studies have confirmed that it reduces glucose levels in your blood and control diabetes in as little as ten days. In Turkey, Its seeds are established as a health supplement for hyperglycaemia for centuries. It contains high soluble fibre levels, which slows the sugar absorption rate from the gut into the bloodstream. This herb also leads to you feeling fuller for longer and hence reducing calorie intake.

Other Benefits 

It is a rich source of soluble fibre, vitamins and minerals. This vegetable is also known to be of benefit for:

• Improving immunity and reducing the risk of certain forms of cancer such as colorectal. It is also effective in preventing and treating constipation and dealing with irritable bowel.
• It lowers cholesterol and has a heart-protecting effect.
• Its ability to improve depression and mood are well established. It also increases energy levels.
• Its strong immunity boosting properties make it ideal for sore throats, ulcer healing and lung inflammation such as asthma.

Ann O’Flynn B.Pharm, MA, BSc, MPSI

Ann is the owner of dPharmacy and has a particular interest in Health foods and supplements. Ann is a Tutor pharmacist and has gained numerous qualifications in alternative therapies - which she uses alongside her extensive clinical training. If you have any queries on supplements or health foods, please reach out to us by email, text or phone.

   Chat online >>
   Call us on >>
   Email us at [email protected] >>

Disclaimer

Please be aware that the information on our site is for information only. While we hope you find it helpful, it is not our intention for our articles to be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect you may have a health issue or wish to start taking any medicine, please consult your pharmacist, doctor or contact us directly. You can get in touch with us by phone, email, online chat or text. We would be delighted to run through any concerns you may have. Our goal is to deliver health directly to you - pleasantly and effectively. However, dPharmacy will not accept responsibility for any side effects or health damages from the use of medicines offered on this site.