Herbal Remedies for Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
By Jurriaan Plesman, BA(Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nutr.
The list of herbs have hypoglycemic action, but it should be realized that herbals may not be effective if the underlying biochemical disorders have not been addressed. Other medical uses are also mentioned. See:
Other uses: women's problems, PMT, diabetes,menopause, detoxification, arthritis, rheumatism, muscle relaxant, diuretic, insomnia, hot flushes, sciatica, tinnitus, hypertension, muscle pain , cramps, night sweats, vaginal dryness, gingivitus, diarrhea, fever, osteoporosis
Caution: avoid in pregnancy, liver diseases, hepatitis, nursing mothers
Other uses: Leaves contain glucoquinones which reduce blood sugar levels, pre-diabetes (hypoglycemia), diabetes associated conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, night blindness, diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy, diarrhea, peptic ulcers, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, fluid retention, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), urinary tract infection (UTI), decoction for ulceration of the mouth, treatment of diarrhea ( in children), treats hemeralopia (day blindness), and night blindness, dilates blood vessels, varicose veins, capillary fragility, kidney stones, atherosclerosis.
Caution: N side effects have been reported with bilberry.
Caution: Not to be used in hyperthyroidism, cardiac problems, lactation, high blood pressure.
Other uses: jaundice, liver enlargement, rheumatism, weak heart rate pulse,heart palpitations, galls stones, diabetes, sinus problems, bruises, increases appetite, stimulates gastric juices, stimulates production of bile, empty gall bladder, reduces fat, detoxification, hypertension, reduces swelling of testicles, obesity diabetes, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, External: acne, pimples,
Caution: avoid in kidney problems, kidney stones, people with low blood pressure, gastro-duodenal ulcers
Other uses: heartburn, diuretic, rheumatism, weak heart rate pulse, heart palpitations, galls stones, diabetes, replaces potassium loss, promotes bile, detoxification, antibiotic against yeast infection (Candida), bladder and urinary disorders, gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis of the liver, dyspepsia, gout, oedema (swellings) associated with high blood pressure, hypertension, eczema, acne, pneumonia, The plant has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococci, Meningococci, Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc, External use: latex contained in sap to remove warts, corns and verruca (ie., painful warts on sole of feet).
Parts used: Very young shoots, shoots an be chewed or cooked
Other Uses: diabetes, analgesic, antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, appetiser, coughs, memory loss, bronchitis, hypertension, osteoarthritis, low back pain, promotes menstrual flow, eye wash, hypoglycemic, tonic on blood and liver, bowel cramps, berries have been rubbed on sclap to combat lice and dandruff or to make hair shiny.
Caution: spikes of plant are an irritant, excessive menstrual bleeding, hypoglycemic drugs should be monitored, may cause hypoglycemia.
Parts Used: tubers
Other uses: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, fibrositis, tendinitis, gastrointestinal infections, low back pain, indigestion, heartburn
Caution: Devil's claw promotes secretion of stomach acid, any one having ulcers, heartburn, or gastritis, gallstones should consult physician before taking devil's claw, contraindicated in pregnancy and breast feeding, anticoagulant drugs like warfarin may increase bleeding time
Source: Central and South Europe
Parts Used: root
Forms available:
Used for: diabetes, hypoglycemia, digestive disorders, fatigue, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant and stomachic, stimulates liver, gastric infections, anorexia, gastric and duodenal ulcers,
Caution: None known, Persons with high stomach acidity and stomach ulcers may find that gentian aggravates their condition.
Other uses: Lowers cholesterol, rheumatism, arthritis, stimulates bile production, aids digestion, diuretic, diabetes, liver disease, jaundice, hepatitis, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, oedema (swellings), rheumatism, stimulates digestive enzymes, increase milk production in nursing mothers, removes stones from kidney and bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, (IBS)A substance known as cynarin found in leaves - a phenolic acid lowers elevated cholesterol and protect the liver.
Caution: Globe Artichoke should not be used by people with allergies to any member of the Compositae (milk thistle) family of plants.
- Patients with obstruction of the bile ducts or gallstones should use Globe Artichoke cautiously as this herb stimulates the flow of bile through the bile ducts.
- Globe Artichoke should not be used during pregnancy or lactation as its effects on the developing child are unknown.
Other uses: diabetes, mood swings, detoxification, overload of toxins, throat and other infections, boils, rashes, skin problems, psoriasis, dermatitis, elimination of heavy metals, cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, flatulence, gas, burns, bruises, herpes, eczema, impetigo, ringworm, bites, can be taken as an infusion or externally as a wash, stilmulates bile production, eliminates toxins, menopause, rheumatoid arthritis, stimulates perspiration (diaphoretic), diuretic,
Caution: Not recommended for children, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Large doses can cause skin eruptions, headache, and aching joints due to excessive elimination.
• Skin contact with burdock root has the potential for sensitisation.
Caution: Not known as yet.
Other uses: similar to great burdock, diabetes, detoxification, overload of toxins, infections of throat, sore throat, cough, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, boils, rashes, skin problems, eliminate heavy metals, antibacterial, anti-fungal, flatulence, burns, bruises, herpes, eczema, acne, impetigo, ringworm, bites, slight laxative, diuretic, fever, increase bile production, diuretic, high blood pressure,
Caution:
Other uses: diabetes, expels parasites from gut, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, flatulence, diuretic,fevers,lowers blood pressure, removes stones from kidney and bladder, angina, heart conditions, arteriosclerosis, skin conditions. onion juice for wasp sting and when warmed for earache, insect repellent.
Caution:
Other uses: diabetes, pain relief, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, improves heart conditions, diuretic, supports adrenal glands in production of corticosteroids, male sex hormones, improves blood flow to coronary arteries, arteriosclerosis, angina, analgesic, pain relief, helps stop bleeding (styptic), wound healing (vulnerary) both internal and external, nosebleeds, uterine bleeding, vomiting of blood (hematemesis), angina pectoris,
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy
Other uses: diabetes, expels parasites, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, flatulence, diuretic, fevers, promotes general health, juice useful ,in treatment for bee and wasp sting, fungal skin infection, as ear drops warmed for earache,
Caution:
Other uses: diabetes, asthma, dandruff, diuretic increases milk production for nursing mothers, hay fever, arthritis, anaemia, stems internal bleeding, excessive menstruation, hemorrhoids, arthritis, rheumatism, skin complaints, eczema, acne, gout, sciatica, neuralgia, hair problems, formic acid from the stings of the nettle is believed to have beneficial effects upon rheumatic joints, as a pain relief, juice of the nettle is used as an antidote to stings, infusion of fresh leaves is healing as a lotion for burns, benign prostate enlargement (hyperplasia), osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, urinary tract infection, as an anti-itch cream
Caution: can cause gastrointestinal upset, considered safe for breast feeding and during pregnancy,
Other uses: diabetes, stimulates liver function, strengthen nervous system, lowers cholesterol, sedative, antispasmodic, lowers blood pressure, exhaustion and fatigue, peptic ulcer, asthma, bronchitis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, protection against chemotherapy,
Caution: Not recomended for pregnant women, small children and breast-feeding women since so little is known about its possible long-term effects. Possible minor side effect is nausea.
Avoid taking Gynostemma if you taking taking blood thinning medications or drugs to prevent organ transplant rejection.
Other uses: Diabetes, Stimulates bile production, diuretic, soothes mucus membranes, kidney and bladder stones, mild vasodilator, cystitis, gonorrhea, gout, decoction used in nosebleeds, menorrhagia, swellings, wound healing, hypertension.
Caution: Not known
Other uses: Rarely used as a medical herb, the onion has a wide range of benefits, expels parasites from the gut, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diuretic, fevers,lowers blood pressure, eliminates stones from kidney and bladder, angina, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease. prevents oral infection, tooth decay, Onion juice for for bee and wasp stings, bites, grazes, fungal skin infections, speeds up wound healing
Caution: Toxic if consumed in large quantities, dogs may be susceptible.
Also known as Gurmarbooti, Gurmar, Gurmari
Caution: Generally safe, but caution in pregnancy, breast feeding.
Other uses: Antipruritic, stings, burns (external use), diuretic useful in gout, antiseptic, cholagogue (from pericarp), laxative, peptic ulcers, yeast infections, candida, HIV virus, flu virus, herpes, possibly for prostate and breast cancer, hyperacidity, immuno-stimulant, dandruff (oil for external use), febrifuge, sedative, hypertension, nervous tension, hypoglycemic, (may be a substitute for quinine for malaria), bark exudes substance as a vulnerary,
Caution: Not known, safety in pregnancy not established, no known drug interactions.
For other possible herbs see:
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