The Research Proven Supplements for Adult-Onset Diabetes (Type II) by Brian B. Carter, MS, LAc

Q: What are some good herbs for diabetes?

Answer: All of the following info is based on research. See the references at the end of the article.

Typical Western (M.D.) Diabetes Treatments and Side Effects

Along with the usual lifestyle recommendations for Diabetes Type II (exercise, weight control, and diet therapy), MD's prescribe glucose-lowering drugs and insulin injections. Glucose-lowering drugs can have adverse effects like severe hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, idiosyncratic hepatocellular (liver cell) injury, permanent neurologic deficit, digestive discomfort, headache, dizziness, and death.

Herbs for Diabetes

There are some proven alternatives to glucose-lowering drugs. One hypoglycemic herb, Galega oficianalis, was integral to the development of Metformin. They may not all be potent enough to replace anti-diabetic drugs, but comprehensive Chinese herbal therapy may be. Many of the herbs were taken in combination with oral drug therapy, resulting in lowered glucose levels.

You should definitely consider herbs and drugs with the help and guidance of a physician or two - whatever kind of physician they are! (In California, acupuncturists are considered physicians)

Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic Herbs

Both Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine are systems of medicine. Each has its own herbs... for example, Ginseng and Dang Gui are Chinese Herbs. Prescriptions contain multiple herbs in specific proportions; each herb balances or enhances another. Western herbs, such as St. John's Wort, are generally used one at a time just like western drugs. Thus, there is more risk of side effects.

Western Herbs for Diabetes Type II

* Bitter Melon Dried powder 3-15g daily OR Standardized capsules 100-200mg 3 times per day

* Alium Cepa (Onions) One 400mg capsule daily

* Allium Sativum (Garlic) 4g Fresh or 8mg essential oil

* Bilberry 80-160mg 3 times daily of 25% anthrocyanoside extract

* Aloe Vera 1 tbsp juice twice daily

* Salt Bush 3g per day

Ayurvedic Herbs from India for Diabetes Type II

* Fenugreek 15g powdered, soaked in water; 10-100g daily

* Gurmar (Gymnema Sylvestre) 400mg daily

* Pterocarpus Marsupium 2-4g daily

Chinese Herbs for Diabetes Type II

* Asian Ginseng (Panax) 1-3g of root or 200-600mg standardized extract See the article "Diabetes & Ginseng" (http://pulsemed.org/diabetesginseng.htm)for more information before taking Ginseng

* American Ginseng

* Green Tea (No specific dosage recommended)

* Quei Fu Di Huang Wan (formula) 26 mg/kg every 8 h, three times daily

* Rou Gui 50 mg/kg

* Tang Niao Kang (formula) (No dosage specified)

Many Chinese herbs have the proven ability to lower glucose levels. However, they should be prescribed according to pattern discrimination (diagnosis). Your Chinese medical physician will diagnose you and then prescribe a personalized herbal formula or patent medicine that contains the appropriate herbs.

Here is a list of these proven chinese diabetes herbs for your reference:

Jiang Can

Li Zhi He

Yu Mi Xu

Di Gu Pi

Bai Zhu (atractylodes)

Cang Zhu

Fu Ling

Gen Gen

Gou Qi Zi

He Shou Wu (polygonum)

Hu Zhang

Huang Bai

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BIO:

Acupuncturist, herbalist, and medical professor Brian B. Carter founded the alternative health megasite The Pulse of Oriental Medicine (http://www.PulseMed.org/). He is the author of the book "Powerful Body, Peaceful Mind: How to Heal Yourself with Foods, Herbs, and Acupressure" (November, 2004). Brian speaks on radio across the country, and has been quoted and interviewed by Real Simple, Glamour, and ESPN magazines.

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