- Cinnamon is an excellent kitchen spice, and it can be used for medicinal purposes. In fact, the oils in cinnamon contain cinnamyl acetate, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamyl alcohol, which give this spice its unique ability to heal various ailments. According to the Mayo Clinic website, cinnamon extract may help reduce blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. In addition, cinnamon has antiparasitic, antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Add 1/2 tsp. of powdered cinnamon to any of your daily foods to help reduce the level of sugar in your blood. Cinnamon can be purchased at your local grocery store.
- Onions, or liliaceae, grow from a bulb and is a perennial herb. Onions are a very popular herb, and adding anywhere from 25 to 200 grams of onions to your daily diet can help in stabilizing your blood sugar. Onion appears to prevent insulin from being broken down, and it is effective in either raw or boiled form. Add it to salads or cook it into various dishes.
- Long used in Chinese medicine, this herb contains strong medicinal properties called panaxosides (or ginsenosides), which strengthen the immune system and enhance overall health. This herb helps the body to produce more insulin, reduce the level of fasting blood sugar and improve mood. A typical dose is 100 to 200 mg each day, but always check with a practitioner before starting on this treatment. Dry the root and place in capsules or tablets, or drink as a tea.
- Another useful Chinese herb is an ancient Asian tree known as ginkgo, or ginkgo biloba. This herb is rich in terpenoids and flavonoids, which are very powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants are vital for fighting off free radicals that cause the majority of chronic illnesses we face today. Typically, ginkgo is used to enhance memory and improve circulation, but it is also one of the best herbs for diabetic neuropathy. It may help with the flow of blood out to the extremities--arms, hands, legs and feet -- and thus helps to keep these tissues healthy and the nerves working. Take 40 to 80 mg in capsule form, three doses each day.
- Garlic is abundant in antioxidants and contains APDS (allyl propyl disulphide), which aids in reducing inflammation and keeping blood sugar levels low. The compound takes the place of insulin in the liver, and thus more insulin is left in the blood stream to help maintain blood sugar levels. As with onions, you can use as much garlic as you like in your daily diet. Garlic comes in several forms, including freeze-dried, dried, as a garlic oil, fresh, and as an aged garlic extract. As a food supplement, take 2 to 4 grams per day of the whole garlic clove. In extract form, take 600 to 1200 mg in divided doses every day, or take 200 mg in tablet form, two to three times daily.
- Talk to your medical doctor before taking any herbal remedies, especially if you're pregnant or nursing. Some herbs may interact with other supplements, over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
Cinnamon
Onions
Asian Ginseng
Ginkgo Biloba
Garlic
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