Diabetes and herbal medicines

Diabetes and herbal medicines ===================== The place of herbal medicines in the treatment of diabetes In recent years, herbal medicines as a complementary treatment option are considered for diabetes. In traditional medicine and complementary medicine, the use of medicinal plants is recommended not only to control blood sugar, but also to strengthen the overall function of the body and prevent complications caused by diabetes. These herbs are usually used as part of a holistic treatment approach, along with chemical medications and lifestyle changes. Traditional medicine and complementary medicine view on diabetes Traditional medicine, especially in eastern cultures such as Iranian, Indian and Chinese medicine, has always emphasized the use of herbal medicines. In this approach, diabetes is seen as a disturbance in the balance between different body systems, especially in the digestive and metabolic system. In terms of traditional medicine, medicinal plants are usually used to correct these imbalances and strengthen the functioning of the organs. For example, in traditional Iranian medicine, various herbs such as cinnamon, fenugreek, aloe vera, and nettle are specifically recommended to help reduce blood sugar and improve the functioning of various body systems such as the liver and pancreas. In traditional Chinese medicine, plants such as Gymnema sylvestre and ginseng root are used to increase insulin sensitivity and strengthen the body's energy. In complementary medicine, which is known as the combination of modern and traditional treatment methods, the use of medicinal plants along with chemical drugs and changes in diet is one of the key strategies. Benefits of using medicinal plants - **Lowering blood sugar**: Many medicinal plants have hypoglycemic properties (lowering blood sugar). These herbs usually help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity or stimulating the natural release of insulin from the pancreas. For example, cinnamon is known to directly affect glucose metabolism and increase insulin sensitivity. - **Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory**: Many medicinal plants contain antioxidant compounds that can prevent damage to cells and tissues due to oxidative stress. This is especially important in diabetic patients who are at risk of complications such as cardiovascular diseases. Turmeric, especially its active compound curcumin, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and protect blood vessels in diabetes. - **Reducing the level of cholesterol and blood fat**: Plants such as olive leaf and green tea, in addition to affecting blood sugar, also help to reduce the level of harmful fats in the blood (LDL) and increase the beneficial fats (HDL). This is especially important in preventing cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. - **Adjustment of digestive function**: Some medicinal plants can help improve digestion and better absorption of food. It helps diabetics, who usually have digestive problems, to use food and medicine more effectively. Precautions and limitations Although herbal medicines can help control diabetes, using them without consulting a doctor can be dangerous. Some precautions and limitations are: **1- Interference with chemical drugs**: Many herbal drugs can interact with chemical drugs and reduce or increase their effect. For example, some herbs may enhance the effect of anti-diabetic drugs such as metformin or insulin, which can lead to severe drops in blood sugar. For this reason, it is necessary that diabetic patients always use medicinal plants under the supervision of a doctor and with his advice. **2- Accuracy in dosage**: The use of herbal medicines should be based on the recommended dosages. Taking too much of some herbs may increase other risks, such as liver or kidney problems, instead of helping to lower blood sugar. For example, excessive consumption of cinnamon may increase hepatotoxicity in some people. **3-Side effects and allergies**: Like any other drug, medicinal plants may also cause side effects for some people. Especially people who are allergic to some plants should avoid using them. Allergy to plants such as fenugreek, cinnamon or aloe vera may cause severe allergic reactions in some people. **4-long-term effects**: Many studies in the field of medicinal plants for diabetes have been conducted based on their short-term use. The long-term effects of certain herbs are still under investigation, and more information needs to be gathered before long-term use. **5- Avoiding self-medication**: One of the biggest problems in using medicinal plants is self-medication. Many diabetic patients may use herbs as their primary treatment without consulting a doctor. This can cause poor blood sugar control and unwanted side effects. Herbal medicines can play an important role in the management and control of diabetes, especially when used as an adjunctive therapy alongside chemical drugs and lifestyle changes. However, for the safe and effective use of medicinal plants, it is necessary for patients to be under the supervision of a doctor and avoid arbitrary and indiscriminate use of these plants. Medicinal plants effective in blood sugar control Medicinal plants have always been considered as an effective treatment method in disease control. Especially in diseases such as diabetes, which requires continuous control of blood sugar and prevention of long-term complications, medicinal plants can be used as complementary therapy. In this section, we will review some medicinal plants effective in blood sugar control and how to use them. 1- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is one of the most well-known medicinal plants in the treatment of diabetes. This fragrant spice has compounds such as coumarin and cinnamaldehyde that can help regulate blood sugar. Cinnamon increases insulin sensitivity and facilitates the transfer of glucose into cells. Some studies have shown that daily consumption of cinnamon can help reduce fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In addition, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can be useful in controlling the complications of diabetes. Cinnamon can be used as a powder or stick in teas, foods, and beverages. The best way to control blood sugar is to consume 1 to 6 grams of cinnamon powder daily. This amount is usually divided into two or three meals to take advantage of its positive effects on blood sugar. 2- Fenugreek: Fenugreek is another effective medicinal plant in controlling diabetes. This plant contains active compounds such as fiber and saponins that help reduce blood sugar and increase insulin sensitivity. Fenugreek can also improve digestive function and reduce sugar absorption from the intestines. Research shows that fenugreek can be especially beneficial for type 2 diabetics. The recommended amount for consuming fenugreek in the form of powder or extract is about 5 to 10 grams per day. This plant is usually consumed as tea or in the form of supplemental capsules. Fenugreek powder can also be added to foods or smoothies. 3- Qaraqat (blueberry): Blueberry is a fruit with very high antioxidant properties. This fruit contains anthocyanins and polyphenols that can help improve insulin function and reduce insulin resistance. Antioxidants in blueberries protect beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for insulin production. This fruit also helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which are factors that contribute to diabetes. To take advantage of the anti-diabetic properties of blueberries, they can be consumed fresh or dried. Blueberry extract can also be consumed in the form of capsules or tea. 1/2 to 1 cup of fresh blueberries or 200 mg of blueberry extract is recommended daily. 4- Aloe vera: Aloe vera is known as a medicinal plant with various healing properties. Aloe vera contains active compounds such as anthraquinones and glucomannans that can help lower blood sugar. This plant also has anti-inflammatory properties that can prevent damage to blood vessels and other internal organs that are damaged by diabetes. To use the properties of aloe vera, you can use aloe vera gel or its extract. Usually, 1 to 2 teaspoons of aloe vera gel daily is recommended for controlling blood sugar. Also, the extract of this plant is also available in the form of capsules that can be taken daily. 5- Turmeric: Turmeric, especially its active compound called curcumin, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar. In addition, turmeric can help regulate glucose metabolism and prevent diabetes complications such as damage to the liver and kidneys. To take advantage of the properties of turmeric, it can be used as a powder in foods, drinks or teas. The best way to use turmeric for diabetes is to take 1 to 3 grams of turmeric powder daily. Also, some people prefer to take turmeric with black pepper to increase curcumin absorption. 6- Sylvester's Gymnema: Gymnema sylvestre is one of the medicinal plants known to reduce blood sugar. This plant can help reduce the desire to consume sweets and carbohydrates and also improve insulin secretion from the pancreas. Gymnema also helps to reduce insulin resistance and hence is known as an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre is available in the market as extract or capsule. The usual dose for its consumption is 400 to 600 mg of the standard extract per day. This plant is usually consumed in two or three meals. 7- Green tea and olive leaves: Green tea and olive leaves both have anti-diabetic properties. Green tea can help reduce blood sugar and blood lipid levels due to its catechins and polyphenols. Olive leaf also helps regulate blood sugar and fats with its antioxidant compounds. These plants help improve cardiovascular function in diabetic patients and prevent complications such as heart disease and stroke. Green tea can be consumed as tea. The best time to consume it is in the morning or after a meal. For olive leaves, you can also use its extract or infusion. The consumption of green tea is usually 2 to 3 cups per day, and olive leaves are consumed as tea or capsules. Medicinal plants have positive effects on blood sugar control and can be used as a complementary treatment method along with chemical drugs and lifestyle changes. However, for the safe and effective use of these herbs, it is recommended that diabetic patients consult their doctor before starting to use herbs to avoid drug interactions and side effects. Tips on the safe use of herbal medicines The use of herbal medicines to control diseases, including diabetes, can be effective and beneficial, but this use should be done with caution and full awareness. Medicinal plants, although natural, may still have side effects or drug interactions that may threaten a person's health. Therefore, for the safe use of herbal medicines, it is necessary to observe some points. ### Consultation with a doctor before use: Before starting to use herbal medicines, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor can provide the necessary recommendations for the use of medicinal plants by examining the health status of the person, the chemical drugs used and the specific conditions of the patient. This advice is especially important for people with diabetes because many herbs can have severe effects on blood sugar or interfere with antidiabetic medications. The doctor can determine the appropriate dosage of medicinal plants and also adjust the timing of their consumption according to the current treatments of the patient. ### Continuous monitoring of blood sugar status: Continuous monitoring of blood sugar status is one of the key points in the safe use of medicinal plants. Many herbs, such as cinnamon and fenugreek, can lower blood sugar, so daily blood sugar measurements are especially important for diabetics who use these herbs. This action helps the person to avoid an unexpected drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and, if necessary, receive the necessary treatment. In addition, continuous monitoring of blood sugar can help regulate chemical drugs more precisely and keep a person away from possible risks. ### Avoid self-medication and overdose: Self-medication with medicinal plants and their excessive use can have many risks. While medicinal plants appear natural and without side effects, their excessive or incorrect use may cause problems such as severe low blood sugar, damage to the liver and kidneys, or digestive problems. Also, the simultaneous use of several herbs that have a similar effect on blood sugar may cause interactions and adverse effects. Therefore, one should always avoid arbitrary consumption of medicinal herbs and observe the recommended dose under the doctor's supervision to avoid possible problems. **To receive a visit (online or in person) with Dr. Yazdan Panah, fill out the form below**