Herbalicious remedies for blood sugar management
Botanicals have long known to be useful towards treating a plethora of health conditions. Herbs and spices can provide effective and sustained alleviation of many of the signs and symptoms of all types of blood sugar disregulation. Research shows that herbs such as bitters, turmeric and ECGC are very effective in lowering blood sugar and other forms of diabetes.
*As with taking any supplements, always consult your health care provider before incorporating any of these herbs into your Diabetes management plan.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon’s unique healing abilities come from three basic components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon acetate, and cinnamon alcohol, found in the essential oils. Research has shown that cinnamon may act as an insulin substitute in Type 2 Diabetes, by lowering fasting serum glucose by as about 18-29%. (Murray). The effective dosage is as little as 1 gram (or 1/4 teaspoon) per day.
Usage: Simmer with ginger and lemon for a cup of hot tea, add to your breakfast oatmeal or sprinkle on your favorite nut butter for an extra kick of flavor and health!
Fenugreek: Used for centuries in India, fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber, alkaloids, and saponins which help lower blood sugar by slowing down carbohydrate digestion and absorption. Research suggests that fenugreek may also contain a substance that stimulates insulin production and improves blood sugar control. (Univ. of Michigan). A dosage of > 5grams/day is found to be effective.
Usage: Soak 1 tsp of fenugreek seeds in 1 cup of hot water overnight, strain and drink in the morning.
Turmeric: A key component of Chinese and Indian systems of medicine, Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial agent. Turmeric’s super powers come from it’s yellow pigment, Curcumin, which has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in numerous studies (Murray). Research has shown that, curcumin appears to improve overall function of β-cells, reverse insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and reduce inflammatory symptoms assoc. w/obesity and metabolic diseases. A dosage of 500 mg a day can help lower fasting glucose and improve β-cell function.
Usage: Simmer with ginger for a potent anti-inflammatory tea or add to curries, soups and stir fry’s!
EGCG: A compound found in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG is a powerful metabolism booster and blood sugar regulator.Researchers have found that EGCG influences the primary way that glucose is absorbed. EGCG may also help diabetics by mimicking the actions of insulin and inhibiting the liver’s production of glucose, thus lowering blood sugar. (Pacific College).
Usage: 5-6 cups of green tea a day, with or between meals is a great way to improve metabolism and support blood sugar regulation. ProTip: add a squeeze of lime!
Bitters: With many metabolism properties, bitters trigger digestive secretions, including those from the pancreas. Stimulation of the islets of Langerhans within the pancreas creates a mild change in the levels of circulating insulin and glucagon. (Bauman Textbook). The many forms of bitters are milk thistle, dandelion root, bitter melon, and bilberry leaf.
Usage: Drink in the form of tea (milk thistle, dandelion root) or a juice (bitter melon) at least once a day, and preferably before a meal.
References:
http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-2090006
http://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/08/01/green-tea-lowers-blood-sugar-level