Using herbal remedies and plant derivatives to help in the treatment of diabetes should certainly not be discounted. Although numerous "miracle herbal cure" companies exist, and champion the ability of herbal compounds to supplement insulin as a treatment; these should not be taken at face value without thorough research and consultation with experts. That is not to say that some of the following herbs do not have properties that some diabetics will find beneficial. The herbs and plant derivatives listed below have largely been employed traditionally by native people in the treatment of diabetes, in the areas in which they grow. Many suffer from an inadequate knowledge base.
Allium
Allium sativum is more commonly known as garlic, and is thought to offer antioxidant properties and micro-circulatory effects. Although few studies have directly linked allium with insulin and glucose levels, results have been positive. Allium may cause a reduction in blood glucose, increase secretion and slow the degradation of insulin. Limited data is available however, and further trials are needed.
Ginseng is a collective name for a variety of different plant species. In some studies utilising American ginseng, decreases in fasting blood glucose were reported. Varieties include Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng and Japanese ginseng. In some fields the plant, particularly the panax species, are hailed as 'cure-all.' As is the case with many of the herbs employed around the world in the treatment of diabetics, further long-term studies are needed to verify the efficacy of ginseng.
