Herbs for Diabetes

Natural Diabetes Treatment with Gymnema (Gymnema
sylvestre) has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat
diabetes. It enhances the production of insulin by the
pancreas, improves blood-sugar control, and helps to
decrease blood sugar, trigylcerides, and cholesterol.
Gymnema even appears to help regenerate the pancreas and
is effective for both Type I and Type II diabetes. It has no
harmful side effects, but if you are taking gymnema, be sure
to tell your health-care practitioner because it can decrease
your need for diabetic drugs. Take 200 milligrams twice a day.

Natural Diabetes Treatment with Bilberry (Vaccinium
myrtillus) is helpful for preventing and treating diabetic
retinopathy, an eye condition common in diabetics that can
cause blindness. Bilberry helps to strengthen the small blood
vessels and prevents breakage. The active compounds in
bilberry, called anthocyanosides, are especially beneficial for
the blood vessels of the eye and improve circulation to the
retina. Take between 80 and 160 milligrams of an extract
standardized for 25 percent anthocyanidins three times per
day.

Natural Diabetes Treatment with Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) also
helps to strengthen the blood vessels, making them more
flexible and less likely to break. In addition, ginkgo improves
blood flow to the extremities, making it very helpful for
improving the poor circulation that often occurs with
diabetes. Take an extract standardized for 24 percent ginkgo
flavoglycosides, 40 to 80 milligrams three times per day.