How to Lower Blood Sugar Levels with Natural Herbs

Ginseng has natural properties for lowering blood sugar.

Maintaining an appropriate blood sugar level is a requirement for people with diabetes. While diabetic blood sugar levels can be controlled with diet changes and the use of insulin injections, many people are turning to alternative or complimentary medicine, including the use of herbs. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 38 percent of American adults use some form of complementary medicine. While there are numerous herbs that can help to reduce your blood sugar, it is important to discuss their use with your physician before adding them to your regular diet. Reducing your blood sugar too much can result in hypoglycemia, or extremely low blood sugar.

Things You'll Need

• Ginseng
• Blond psyllium
• Fenugreek

Instructions

1. Take 200 milligrams daily of ginseng for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This will help reduce blood sugar levels.

2. Take 15 grams of blond psyllium per day, divided into equal amounts to take with each meal. This helps to reduce the glycemic index in the food you eat.

3. Take 10 to 15 grams per day of fenugreek divided into equal amounts for each meal. Fenugreek helps to reduce blood sugar after meals.

Tips & Warnings

• Other natural herbs that can help reduce blood sugar include ginger, cinnamon, bitter melon, bilberry, turmeric and stevia.

• Do not begin herbal supplements for blood sugar reduction without first consulting with your physician, alternative health care provider or nutritionist.

• Do not take more than one herbal supplement designed to lower your blood sugar as too many may increase your changes for hypoglycemia and serious medical conditions. Always monitor your blood sugar levels.

References

• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the United States; December 2008
• "Journal for the American Association of Integrative Medicine"; Herbs that Lower Blood Sugar; Jonathan Klemens, B.S.; 2006
• MedlinePlus; Ginseng, Panax; April 22, 2011
• MedlinePlus; Blond Psyllium; July 1, 2011
• MedlinePlus; Ginger; April 22, 2011