Diabetes comes in three different stages, Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational Diabetes. Type 1 is the worse stage documented because you have to be put on insulin to make sure your body is getting what it needs. Type 2 can be controlled simply by diet and exercise and some herbal help also. Gestational Diabetes is found when you become a diabetic only when you are pregnant. Herbal remedies can however give relief in all three areas of diabetes.

You should though always ask your doctor to ensure that you are doing what is best for your body, not because herbs are dangerous but because you could hurt yourself through an allergy or maybe even a drug you are taken that interacts with the herb. Diabetes is marked by the body not being able to produce a certain amount of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts carbohydrates into energy.

Some people find themselves talking to a Naturopath which is a person who knows about herbs and how they work. Kind of like an herb doctor, they can tell you what is best for you what will do your body the most good. However they are not allowed to diagnose you as a diabetic or prescribe you in medicine. If you are seeing a Naturopath for your diabetes then you most likely know some of the helpful herbs that I am about to discuss.

Turmeric is a spice that comes from the ginger family, it can be found in both Caribbean and Indian recipes. When tested on rats, this spice showed an encouraging effect in lowering blood glucose levels. Turmeric powder is good for cuts and bruises obtained from around the house. Turmeric has also been noted for its help with liver disorders, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease not to mention its help with depression.

Fenugreek plant has been a way to treat diabetes for several hundred years it is a proven hypoglemic in many studies that have been performed on animals. Fenugreek is both used as an herb and spice and is a known world-wide semi-arid crop. Through-out history Fenugreek has become a popular herb, it was found that it was used during 4000 B.C. and even before. When King Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered and opened Fenugreek seeds were found inside. The seeds yellow and people generally use them when canning pickles. There are three main components found in Fenugreek that help to treat diabetes, Rigonelline, 4-hydroxyisoleucine and Fenugreekine. The 4-hydroxyisoleucine is used to stimulate insulin to the pancreas therefore helping to produce it to the rest of the body. The Rigonelline absorbs insulin slowly from the intestines, which prevents the diabetic patient from gaining a high sugar level.

Two other herbs you will find that can help you get some relief and a lower blood sugar are American Ginseng and and Asian Ginseng. First of all Ginseng is great for many things, memory and energy are two very important things that Ginseng helps lower blood sugar among other things. The roots are taken from each plant and dried to help make things like Ginseng tea for you to drink daily to help your body maintain a sense of peace which in turns mellows everything else. American Ginseng helps to promote Yin energy and takes any excess yang from the body while also calming your body. Its root is taken from the plant and then sliced and simmered in a pan; this makes a fluid like substance that can be put into tea. Asian on the other hand is kind of like the opposing side of American Ginseng, we can call American Yin and Asian Yang when talking about Ginseng. Asian Ginseng improves circulation and increases blood supply back to your body, your body is stimulated through this Ginseng and those who have been diagnosed with Aids can find comfort in feeling rested and less weak. Asian Ginseng can be found in two different forms. White Ginseng and Red Ginseng each with their only special way of being peeled and dried in order to become a new herb for you to try to get some comfort from diabetes.