- Gymnema Sylvestre
This plant is literally called ‘sugar destroyer’ in Hindi, so you can well imagine its diabetes-busting properties. The herb is loaded with glycosides known as gymnemic acids. These essentially reduce your taste bud’s sensitivity to sweet things, thereby lowering sugar cravings in prediabeticsi . Even those who are already affected by type 2 diabetes can control their sugar levels with the help of this herb. It increases the enzyme activity in the cells, which results in utlization of excess glucose in the body. It can also positively affect insulin production.
How To Consume Gymnema Sylvestre & The Dosage
You can consume it in the powdered form, make tea with its leaves or have capsules. You can make tea by steeping the leaves in boiled water for 10 minutes. You can also add the powder to a cup of lukewarm water and consume it. The dosage is as follows.
- Capsule: 100mg
- Powder: ½-1 teaspoon
- Leaves: 1 teaspoon
When To Consume Gymnema Sylvestre
The best time to consume Gymnema Sylvestre is in the morning or 20 minutes before meals.
Where To Buy Gymnema Sylvestre
You can buy it online and at Ayurvedic stores or pharmacies.
- Ginseng
Ginseng has been known as an immunity boosting and disease-fighting herb for ages, but researchers have recently found that it also contains anti-diabetic properties. When you take ginseng, the absorption of carbohydrates slows down, and the cells take up and use more glucose. Apart from that, insulin production in the pancreas also increases. All these contribute to a healthier body that is less prone to diabetes. If you already have diabetes, this can help lower the blood glucose levels by 15 to 20%, better than placeboi , as shown by the research team from the University of Toronto.
How To Consume Ginseng & The Dosage
You can have ginseng root or powder. Chop the root and add it to boiled water. Let it steep for 5-6 minutes. You can also mix powdered ginseng in warm water and have it. The dosage is as given below.
- Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Root: 2-3 g or 7-8 slices
When To Consume Ginseng
Consume ginseng early in the morning and before dinner.
Where To Buy Ginseng
You can buy it online or at Chinese medicine shops and Ayurvedic pharmacies.
- Sage
Consuming sage on an empty stomach can help reduce the blood glucose levels significantly. It boosts insulin secretion and activity, which helps to curb blood sugar in prediabetics and manage it in type 2 diabetics. Apart from that, it also affects liver function positively, thus improving immunity. Although favored as an addition to meat dishes, this herb is at its medicinal best when it is consumed as tea.
How To Consume Sage & The Dosage
The best way to consume sage is in the form of tea. You can also include chew sage leaves or add them to your food or take sage supplements. To prepare sage tea, pour boiling water in a cup containing 1-2 sage leaves. Let it steep for 5 minutes. The dosage is as follows.
- Leaves: 4-6 g/day
- Dried leaves: ⅙-½ teaspoon
- Tea: 2-3 cups/day
When To Consume Sage
Consume sage tea or chew sage leaves early in the morning on an empty stomach. You can include sage leaves in your food for lunch and dinner.
Where To Buy Sage
You can buy sage at grocery stores or online.
- Bilberry
How To Consume Bilberry & The Dosage
Bilberry extract is widely available and is the safest way to control your blood sugar levels. Here’s the dosage.
- Bilberry extract: 10-100 mg with 25% anthocyanosidesi
When To Consume Bilberry
You can consume the extract once in the morning and once in the evening an hour before dinner.
Where To Buy Bilberry
You can buy bilberry extract at a pharmacy, Ayurvedic stores, or online.
- Oregano
Also known as marjoram, this exotic herb of Spanish and Mediterranean origin is known to contain glycosides that lower the blood sugar levels in the body. The water extracts of oregano exhibit a glycosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. The Rosmarinic acid separated from the extract has been shown to increase the pancreatic amylase activity. It also boosts the immune system. It helps in increasing insulin activity and mobilizes glucose in the cells, thus reducing the rate of carbohydrate formation.
How To Consume Oregano & The Dosage
Oregano is regularly used in different cuisines. You can use fresh or dried oregano in your food, chew the leaves, make oregano tea, consume diluted oregano oil or capsules. Make oregano tea by adding a teaspoon of dried or fresh oregano to a cup of boiled water. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Scroll down for the dosage.
- Oregano capsule: 600 mg per day
- Oregano oil: 4-6 drops per day (diluted)
- Dried oregano leaves: 1 teaspoon, twice a day
- Fresh oregano leaves: 4-5 leaves, twice a day
When To Consume Oregano
It is best to drink oregano tea early in the morning. You can also chew fresh leaves in the morning. Use dried oregano for lunch and dinner.
Where To Buy Oregano
You can buy oregano at any supermarket or online.