Natural Therapies For Diabetes: Herbs and Teas to lower blood sugar.
A sedentary life, irregular sleep rhythms, high levels of stress, and an unbalanced diet, combined with a genetic predisposition, can be the main causes of the onset of diabetes. Herbal And Natural Therapies For Diabetes come into the topic at this stage.
Diabetes is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the Western world. With a percentage of incidence that is continuously growing even among the youngest people. Diabetes is characterizing by the body’s resistance to glucose absorption. It is with consequent hyperglycemia. i.e. the accumulation of sugars in the blood.
How to cure diabetes naturally
Western medicine treats the symptoms of diabetes through the use of drugs such as metformin. It can lower blood sugar levels and increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin. A hormone produced by the pancreas that facilitates the absorption of sugars.
But many are also wondering how to cure diabetes naturally. Pharmacological therapy cannot replace, but Nature can come to our aid as always in facilitating our well-being.
In the ancient tradition of Indian Ayurveda, we can find splendid natural remedies. It is with favor the recovery of the correct functions of our body. The botanicals suggested by Ayurveda contribute to lowering blood sugar levels and improving metabolic activity.
Do you want to find out which herbs and teas to lower blood sugar suggested by Ayurveda as natural remedies for diabetes? Keep reading!
Diabetes in Western Medicine
Western medical science distinguishes three main forms of diabetes. The causes of which are tracing back to the interaction between genetic factors (family inheritance) and environmental factors (sedentary life and diet):
● Type 1 diabetes, characterized by the absence of insulin secretion, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels. Hereditary, type 1 diabetes is a delicate and irreversible pathology, the treatment of which involves the subcutaneous injection of insulin.
● Type 2 diabetes, caused by the body’s resistance to the action of insulin. Or by insufficient production of this hormone by the pancreas. Although it is often accompanied by previous insulin resistance. The onset of type 2 diabetes is facilitating by poor eating habits and the absence of constant physical activity.
● Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy with changes in blood glucose levels. Although regressing after delivery, this type of diabetes can recur years later as type 2 diabetes.
Failure to diagnose or inattentive treatment of diabetes can lead to very serious consequences for the health of our body. The accumulation of sugar in the blood affects the functionality of the kidneys, intestines, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Kidney failure, incessant thirst, polyuria, sleep apnea, rapid weight gain or loss, mental fatigue, thrombosis, and slowed blood circulation are some of the most dangerous effects of diabetes.
To improve metabolic activity and ensure the good health of patients, Western medicine resorts to the prescription of hypoglycaemic drugs and recommends following a balanced diet, low in complex sugars, together with adequate daily physical activity.
The hypoglycaemic drugs used in Western therapies are certainly the most effective method for treating the symptoms of type 2 diabetes, even if they can bring with them some side effects such as nausea, edema, loss of appetite, and important alterations in blood parameters.
For these reasons, it is possible to accompany pharmacological therapies with botanicals, phytotherapeutic remedies, and herbal teas to lower blood sugar capable of alleviating these unwanted effects.
Diabetes in Ayurveda
Ayurveda is an ancient practice born in India in 3000 BC. It is characterized by a holistic interest in the health of the person. It is a real medical philosophy, interested in ensuring the right balance between the vital energies that pass through our body, acting on the connection that unites our body, mind, and emotions.
Diabetes, according to Ayurvedic tradition, derives from the imbalance of Kapha, the warm energy dominated by the elements Earth and Water.
This imbalance is causing unhealthy habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, excessive sleep during the day, and the excessive consumption of warming foods rich in sugars, carbohydrates, and fats.
The excess of Kapha, according to Ayurveda, is what determines the typical disorders of diabetes: by influencing the activities of the intestine, pancreas, and heart, this energy causes a reduced ability to absorb glucose and fatigue of the cardiovascular system, thus increasing the accumulation of sugar in the blood.
Madhumeha
Since the body tries to free itself from the excess glucose through the urine, Ayurveda still defines diabetes today with the name of Madhumeha .
Composed of madhu (sugar, honey) and meha (urine), this word literally translates as “sweet urine” and describes the ancient method used by Ayurvedic medicine to diagnose diabetes by assessing the concentration of sugar in the urine of patients.
To help lower blood sugar levels, the advice of Ayurveda is similar to that of Western medicine: practice physical activity regularly for at least 30 minutes four times a week and follow a balanced diet, paying attention to the consumption of foods rich in sugars and complex carbohydrates. Warm, dry, and light foods, legumes such as beans, and a reduced consumption of red meat, milk, and derivatives allow for the right balance of Kapha and help reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Ayurveda also indicates several herbs capable of counteracting hyperglycemia thanks to their detoxifying and rebalancing active ingredients. These are plants rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, excellent for preparing infusions and herbal teas that facilitate the work of the liver, kidneys, and intestines by improving their ability to absorb sugars.
Let’s find out together what are the natural remedies for diabetes!
Herbs and teas to lower blood sugar and diabetes
The herbs recommended by Ayurveda to reduce blood sugar levels have hypoglycemic properties and also help improve the side symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Used in the form of herbal tea, infusion or mother tincture, these medicinal plants act by naturally stimulating the production of insulin and promoting the elimination of excess glucose from the body.
Garlic, Cinnamon, Eleutherococcus, Eucalyptus, Galega, Ginseng, Maca, Nigella and Nettle are the plants at the base of the herbal teas for diabetics most used as natural remedies in case of high blood sugar.
Garlic
Used since the third millennium BC, with its intense flavor garlic is not only an excellent ingredient in the kitchen but also an excellent ally for our health.
Rich in digestive enzymes and B vitamins, Garlic facilitates digestion and promotes proper absorption of nutrients after each meal . It also contributes to the maintenance of intestinal bacterial flora and has antimicrobial properties capable of protecting the intestine from external bacterial agents.
Its active ingredient is allicin , a molecule with surprising anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties capable of improving blood circulation by eliminating the accumulation of LDL cholesterol , the so-called “bad cholesterol”.
Finally, garlic has a fair amount of sulfur compounds with an anti-diabetic action , capable of lowering blood sugar levels in the presence of type 2 diabetes .
To enjoy its virtues, we can take garlic in the form of mother tincture or use its cloves for many simple and delicious recipes, such as a garlic and sage soup.
Alternatively, we can prepare a tasty garlic tea by placing six cloves in a saucepan with a liter of water. After bringing to the boil, just add the juice of half a lemon and leave to infuse with the heat off for about 10 minutes. After filtering everything, you will get a drink with an intense flavor and full of benefits.
Cinnamon
Spice with an enveloping and autumnal flavor, Cinnamon is known since ancient times for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Thanks to the active principle of cinnamic acid , Cinnamon also performs an important hypoglycaemic action and reduces the blood absorption of dietary sugars released from food. It also slows down gastric emptying after meals and promotes the elimination of LDL cholesterol.
Finally, the high concentration of fibers and mineral salts such as Iron, Manganese and Calcium make Cinnamon an excellent natural remedy in case of slow digestion and irritable bowel.
Versatile in the kitchen and suitable for sweet and savory recipes, Cinnamon is the perfect botanical to prevent the risks of hyperglycemia. Excellent for flavoring soups, biscuits or simply freshly grated in yogurt and smoothies, we can also use this spice to prepare tasty anti-diabetic herbal teas: leaving 3 grams of cinnamon in boiling water for about 8 minutes, in fact we will obtain a drink with a slightly spicy and delicate.
Eleutherococcus
Widespread mainly in the Asian continent, Eleutherococcus is a botanical famous for its adaptogenic tonic virtues.
Its roots contain a high percentage of polyphenols, polysaccharides and other trace elements which promote the well-being of our body thanks to their direct action on the endocrine glands.
By increasing serotonin levels, Eleutherococcus helps fight anxiety, chronic fatigue and improve physical and mental performance in situations of high stress. Its immunostimulant virtues prevent the onset of viral or bacterial infections, reducing the risk of flu and colds.
If you have type 2 diabetes, Eleutherococcus can be added to herbal tea to lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin production and glucose uptake by muscle tissue . In case of hypertension, however, it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Eleutherococcus.
With a sweet and slightly spicy taste, we can consume this botanical by adding a teaspoon of powdered Eleutherococcus to yogurt, smoothies, smoothies or simply by dissolving it in a glass of milk.
Eucalyptus
Originally from Australia and Tasmania, Eucalyptus is rich in exceptional properties for the well-being of our body.
The presence of polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins allows to extract from the leaves of this plant an essential oil with expectorant, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties, excellent for the treatment of flu, fever and colds.
The balsamic virtues of Eucalyptus essential oil are accompanied by an antioxidant and hypoglycaemic action , useful for lowering blood sugar levels in the presence of type 2 diabetes.
The intense smell and the pungent taste, reminiscent of licorice, make Eucalyptus an ideal ingredient for the preparation of infusions and herbal teas for diabetics: leaving 2 grams of Eucalyptus in boiling water for 10 minutes to obtain a balsamic herbal tea perfect to consume after main meals to favor the absorption of excess sugars .
Alternatively, we can enjoy the virtues of this botanical by dissolving ten drops of Eucalyptus essential oil in 100 ml of sweet almond oil.
Galega
A spontaneous plant typical of humid and marshy environments, the Galega has been used since ancient times for its galactogenic properties, capable of stimulating the production of mother’s milk during the breastfeeding period.
Thanks to the active ingredient of galegin , Galega has been recognized as an excellent natural hypoglycemic agent . Carrying out an action similar to that of Metformin, in fact, this plant promotes the secretion of insulin and the correct absorption of sugars by the tissues.
Galegin is also associated with a purifying effect on the liver and kidneys , target organs of the most serious symptoms of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Despite these beneficial qualities, it should be remembered that Galega acts as a supplement and its active ingredient in no way replaces the action of hypoglycaemic drugs. Furthermore, taking Galega in case of diabetes must be approved by the opinion of your doctor or trusted diabetologist.
To help reduce blood sugar levels, we can take thirty drops of mother tincture of Galega before the three main meals of the day. Alternatively, we can use the dried leaves of Galega to prepare decoctions or infusions with purifying power . By infusing a teaspoon and a half of Galega leaves in boiling water for about 8 minutes, we will obtain an infusion with a sweet and pleasant taste to drink at least twice a day.
Ginseng
With tonic and adaptogenic properties, Ginseng root is a real panacea for our body: it increases concentration and memory, supports heart functions, accelerates muscle recovery and helps strengthen the defenses of the immune system.
Recent clinical studies have shown that the active ingredient of ginsenosides is able to stimulate the production of insulin at an endocrine level , thus helping to decrease the concentration of glucose in the blood.
Excellent supplement in the presence of type 2 diabetes, Ginseng ensures a general improvement in the health of diabetic patients : thanks to its adaptogenic effects, it guarantees an elevation in mood and greater physical resistance to effort, preventing the onset of osteoporosis, atrophy muscles and states of chronic fatigue.
To enjoy its innumerable virtues, it is recommended to take 1 to 2 grams of Ginseng a day and it is good to consume it away from the night hours due to its stimulating power. In case of hypertension it is important to seek the advice of your doctor before introducing Ginseng into your diet .
Among the natural remedies for diabetes, Ginseng is an excellent herbal tea for lowering blood sugar. If you want an immediate effect of its active ingredient, however, you can also use the Ginseng mother tincture, taking 20 to 30 drops a day, twice a day, away from meals.
Maca
Also known as Peruvian Ginseng, Maca is a plant native to Latin America with adaptogenic and energizing properties.
Its roots contain a high percentage of mineral salts (iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc) and antioxidants. It has a much higher quantity of calcium than animal milk and is rich in protein, omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids and fibres.
Excellent food supplement for sportsmen, Maca powder is also an excellent ally for people with type 2 diabetes. Thanks to its direct action on the pituitary gland (hypophysis), in fact, it supports the secretion of hormones and accelerates the basal metabolic rate. promoting rapid absorption of blood sugar .
Taken daily, Maca powder can contribute to natural remedies for lowering diabetes, because it reduces blood sugar levels , strengthens the immune system and prevents the onset of osteoporosis and diseases affecting the nervous system.
With a particular spicy and bitter taste, we can use Maca as a substitute for flour in both sweet and savory preparations or added to smoothies, yogurt and porridge. Taken pure in the morning, mixed with a spoonful of honey, it gives a boost of energy and fights fatigue.
Cumin
Also known by the names of Nigella, “Cleopatra oil” and “blessed seed”, Cumin is a botanical native to the Asian continent used as a natural remedy since the ancient Egyptians.
With beautiful blue and white flowers, Cumin has antiseptic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that make it perfect for the treatment of acne, eczema and burns.
Rich in prostaglandins , this plant helps lower blood pressure and stimulates the absorption of excess sugars . This is why it proves to be a precious ally for the health of people with type 2 diabetes, by decreasing the concentration of LDL cholesterol and preventing the onset of cardiovascular diseases.
With an intense balsamic flavour, Nigella is extremely versatile in the kitchen: we can use it to flavor soups, curries and fish or meat-based preparations. Infused in boiling water, it also allows you to obtain a tasty anti-diabetic herbal tea .
Nettle
Although contact with its fresh leaves can cause annoying irritations to our skin, Nettle is a botanical with multiple phytotherapeutic virtues.
Widespread throughout the European continent, Nettle is rich in tannins, flavonoids and mineral salts which make it an exceptional natural remedy against osteoarthritis, urinary tract infections and digestive problems.
Thanks to a fair amount of creatine , a hormone present in the digestive tract, Nettle facilitates digestion and absorption of nutrients. Its astringent and purifying action stimulates lipid metabolism and diuresis, reducing the concentration of sugar in the blood and helping to lower blood sugar in diabetic patients .
With a flavor similar to that of spinach, nettle leaves widely used in the kitchen to prepare omelettes, risottos or soups. To enjoy the effectiveness of its active ingredients, it is recommending to use it in the form of a decoction or herbal tea for diabetics, especially in the case of type 2 diabetes.
By letting 4 grams of dried nettle infuse in boiling water for 10 minutes, we will in fact obtain a pleasant anti-diabetic infusion to drink at least three times a day.
The botanicals and herbal teas recommended for lowering blood sugar are a natural remedy for the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to remember that no herbal remedy replaces the therapy suggested by the doctor or diabetologist .
By learning about the virtues of our beloved plants and consciously integrating them into our diet, we will be able to offer extra support to our body on its journey towards well-being.
Furthermore, in cases of chronic pathologies such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, the support of Nature must always be accompanied by a virtuous change in one’s habits . A balanced and simple diet, physical activity and a correct night’s rest guarantee a healthy and balanced lifestyle and help our body to regain the natural balance of its functions.