^

Health

Herbs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
Fact-checked
х

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Today, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is being made more and more often. However, this is not a verdict. With diabetes, you can live, while living a fairly long and high-quality life. Many diabetics use herbs for diabetes They are used both as medicines that alleviate the condition of the body, and as sugar substitutes, food additives. Herbs are useful, diverse, have virtually no side effects (with proper and rational use). Consider the advisability of using herbs for diabetes in more detail.

What herbs are good for diabetes?

The first, most common, and quite logical question is: “What herbs are good for diabetes?”. First of all, those herbs that contribute to the normalization of metabolic processes in the body, which relieve and prevent the inflammatory process, eliminate the violation of carbohydrate metabolism, and reduce blood glucose levels will be useful in diabetes mellitus. Also shown are herbs that have a diuretic effect, eliminate swelling, cleanse the body, eliminating metabolic by-products, intoxication products, autoantibodies.

In diabetes, herbs such as galega, cuff, stevia are often prescribed. Stevia has a wonderful sweet taste and refined aroma, so it is used not only as a means of normalizing carbohydrate metabolism, but also as a sweetener. In addition, it has an antiviral, anti-infective effect, normalizes immunity indicators. Red grass, goat's rue, amaranth, wormwood are widely used. Altai herbs have a positive effect on the body, which are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, maintain a high level of functional activity of the body, and normalize metabolic processes. Herbs such as wood lice, rezuha, yarrow, arfazetin are also used.

There are many different ways to use herbal medicines for diabetes. So, herbs are used as part of monotherapy, or medicinal preparations are prepared from them. Many herbs are used in the form of herbal decoctions, infusions, balms. Some use it as a tea, or as food supplements.

Herbal treatment for diabetes

In diabetes, herbal treatment is indicated, since herbs allow for long-term, cumulative treatment. Herbs gradually affect the body, exerting a mild effect on it. They gently normalize metabolic processes, stabilize blood glucose levels, and help maintain chronic diseases in remission. Many medicinal herbs normalize the immune system, increase the body's endurance and resistance, and increase efficiency. At the same time, side effects from herbs occur much less frequently than with the use of many pharmaceuticals.

It must be understood that in the pharmaceutical industry, herbs are usually understood as medicinal raw materials of plant origin, which are dried or fresh parts of herbaceous plants. As a rule, the collection of herbs is carried out during flowering, less often - during budding and fruiting. The raw materials, called herbs, are stems with leaves and flowers. Sometimes there are also buds and immature fruits on the stems.

In some plants, only the tops are collected, in others - the entire above-ground part. There are also plants that are harvested along with the root. Therefore, the collection technology is the subject of study of a whole science - pharmacognosy. If you decide to try herbal treatment for diabetes, it is still better to purchase ready-made grass from a pharmacy. It is assembled by specialists in compliance with all requirements and standards, and has the most useful properties. However, herbal treatment for diabetes can be done with self-harvested herbs. The main thing is to consult in advance, or study the basic principles of collecting each medicinal plant. It is also important to know the method of preparation and the form of application. Some herbs are used in the form of tinctures, some - in the form of decoctions. Some herbs are used in ground form as a dietary supplement, while others are used as a tea.

Indications Herbs for diabetes

In diabetes mellitus, herbs are widely used, both for therapeutic and preventive purposes. A characteristic feature is that many herbs are used as substitutes for those foods that should not be consumed in diabetes. For example, stevia is a great substitute for sugar. Some herbs, such as hawthorn, wild rose, lingonberries, can be used as food additives, tea.

The main indication for use is the actual diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (of any type), or suspicion of it. Herbs can also be used when certain symptoms appear that indicate the development of diabetes mellitus, or a violation of carbohydrate metabolism. So, ginseng, stevia, hawthorn, aralia, contribute to the normalization of immunity, normalize hormonal levels, have antiviral and antibacterial effects. Herbs are indicated for edema, fluid retention in the body, for cleansing the body and improving metabolism, removing metabolic by-products, and eliminating intoxication.

Herbs for type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, herbs and herbal preparations are prescribed. The method of preparation can be different - these are herbal decoctions, and infusions, and fees. You can cook them yourself, or buy them ready-made in a pharmacy. For type 2 diabetes, the following herbs can be recommended:

  • elecampane high;
  • the lure is high;
  • viburnum ordinary;
  • marshmallow root;
  • Siberian bloater;
  • Siberian fir;
  • medicinal sage;
  • mountain ephedra.

These funds are aimed at normalizing metabolic processes, lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, and eliminating comorbidities: edema, headache, nausea, appetite disorders, digestion, urinary system disorders, sleep disorders. In addition, these agents normalize metabolism, normalize hormonal levels and immune status, and have antiviral and antibacterial effects.

Herbs for type 1 diabetes

For type 1 diabetes, the following herbs can be recommended.

Plantain is an annual herbaceous plant. Leaves are used, which must be collected during the flowering period. The leaves are used both whole and in the form of briquettes. It has anti-inflammatory, hemostatic effect, normalizes metabolic processes, maintains normal vascular tone. Used mainly in the form of decoctions and syrups: 2-3 tablespoons 3-4 times a day. You can use pure plantain juice. The main effect is due to mucus, carotenoids, flavonoids and tannins. [1]

Peppermint is a perennial herb. Mostly flowers and leaves are used. Leaves are harvested during the period of mass flowering. The leaves contain at least 4% menthol, essential oils, flavonoids, esters of acetic and valeric acids. The active substances normalize metabolic processes, improve digestion, and have a calming effect on the nervous system. It has antispasmodic, choleretic, diuretic effect. It is used in the form of infusions, decoctions, collection Zdrenko. [2]

Chamomile flowers are the dried parts of the annual chamomile plant. The raw material is collected mainly in a mechanized way, and is a mixture of flowers, receptacles, flower baskets. Sometimes there are leaves and stems. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, anti-allergic effect. Has a diuretic effect. Applied inside in the form of decoctions, infusions. I use it in essential oils. Chamomile is also used as part of the fees, it can be added to tea. [3]

Release form

In diabetes, various herbs are used, both in pure form and as part of herbal preparations, teas, balms. In diabetes, herbs such as galega, cuff, stevia, red, goat's rue, maranth, plantain, sage, mint, chamomile, wormwood, wood lice, rezuha, yarrow, immortelle, arfazetin, hawthorn, and others are widely used. Other herbs may also be used. The main thing is that herbs lower blood sugar levels, have a decongestant, diuretic effect. In some situations, anti-inflammatory, cleansing herbs may be needed.

Grass Galega

Galega is a perennial herbaceous plant, which is popularly called goat's rue. This is a herb that is used to normalize metabolic processes in the body, to reduce blood sugar levels. It has an antiviral, immunostimulating, wound-healing effect. Contains flavonoids, tannins. It is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, due to which the normalization of metabolic processes occurs. It is used in the form of infusions, decoctions, as one of the main components of various medicinal preparations. [4]

Grass Cuff

It is a perennial herb that is widely used in medicine for various purposes. So, this herb is a real storehouse of vitamins and minerals. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals: vitamins A, B, E, C. Grass cuff contains a large number of macro- and microelements, in particular, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, calcium. The herb has a rejuvenating, immunostimulating, hemostatic, wound-healing effect, lowers the level of sugar, cholesterol in the blood. Eliminates allergic, autoimmune reactions, normalizes digestion, relieves swelling. It is used mainly in the form of decoctions. [5]

Herb Stevia

Stevia is a perennial herb that uses leaves and stems as medicinal raw materials. The herb is applied in crushed form. She is a sugar substitute. It has a pleasant sweet taste, which allows it to be used as a dietary supplement. Many diabetics add it to tea instead of sugar. Stevia is aimed at normalizing metabolic processes in the body. First of all, it contributes to the normalization of carbohydrate metabolism, significantly reduces blood sugar levels. It also has an immunomodulatory effect: it normalizes the state of the immune system, increases the body's endurance, and resistance to infectious diseases. Stevia is characterized by an antiviral effect, it eliminates autoimmune aggression and signs of allergies. In fact, we can say that stevia has a complex effect on the body.

Most often, stevia is used in the form of decoctions. It can be drunk as tea in unlimited quantities: up to 2-3 liters per day. Stevia is brewed like regular tea at the rate of 1-2 teaspoons per 250-300 ml cup. The duration of treatment is at least 28 days, it can be longer. In addition, stevia has recently been sold in the form of disposable tea bags. In this form, it can also be used as a tea. In the form of infusions, they are rarely used, however, in a pharmacy you can also find an alcohol infusion of stevia. It is drunk according to the instructions. 

Red grass

A remedy such as red grass is widely used in medicine to achieve various goals. It is often prescribed for diabetes mellitus, as it helps to normalize blood glucose levels, increases the digestibility of carbohydrates. In addition, it normalizes the glycolytic function of the liver, which contributes to the normalization of carbohydrate and partially protein metabolism. It is also important that red grass can normalize hormonal levels, which is especially important for insulin-dependent patients. It is used both in the form of infusions and decoctions. [6]

Grass goat's rue

Goat's rue is a perennial medicinal plant that uses mainly leaves and stems. Grass is harvested throughout the summer, dried. It contains a large amount of flavonoids, tannins, silicic acid compounds, which significantly normalizes metabolic processes, lowers blood sugar levels, and also improves appetite. The herb has a diuretic, choleretic effect. It is also a powerful source of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant. Accordingly, the body is cleansed, free radicals and toxins are eliminated. Used in the form of infusions and decoctions. It has anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects. Included in the anti-inflammatory collection according to Zdrenko's prescription.

Altai herbs

Under the concept of "Altai herbs" they combine a fairly large number of herbs that are grown mainly in Altai. These are plants that have various effects on the body. As a rule, they have a general strengthening, stimulating effect on the body, normalize metabolism, and introduce toxins. They are used both as medicinal herbs and as an effective means of preventing many diseases. Altai herbs can be purchased at a pharmacy. In homeopathic stores, in special herbal stores. Altai herbs include a rather extensive list of herbs, among them: calamus, marshmallow, barberry, wild rosemary, cuff, goat's rue, anise, coltsfoot, lavender, ephedra, eleutherococcus, and others. Before you start taking herbs, you need to consult with your doctor. Firstly, it is important to choose the right remedy that will be most effective in diabetes. Secondly, you need to correctly determine the method of application, dosage, draw up a regimen for taking the drug.

Grass Amaranth

Amaranth grass is a perennial bushy plant, which in its properties is as close as possible to a rose or wild rose. The plant has thorns and fruits. The flowers are pale pink, form inflorescences. Contains a large amount of essential oils, flavonoids, resins. Improves digestion, metabolic processes, has a choleretic and diuretic effect, lowers blood sugar levels. There are practically no contraindications, except for cases of individual intolerance and an allergic reaction. It is used in the form of decoctions, infusions, leaves and petals are added to tea. [7]

Wormwood grass

Wormwood grass is a perennial herbaceous plant. Grass and leaves are harvested as raw materials. Collect raw materials at the beginning of flowering. Cut off mainly the tops of the shoots. It is better to take not yet lignified shoots. Grass and leaves contain up to 2% essential oils, thujone, thujol, tannins. Wormwood has a bitter taste, which is provided by the content of terpene lactones. Both whole and cut grass and leaves are used. Wormwood is used as a means of normalizing carbohydrate metabolism and lowering blood sugar levels. In addition, wormwood stimulates appetite, increases salivation, and improves the functioning of the salivary glands. Apply in the form of decoctions, infusions. Often included in antidiabetic, gastric, fees to improve appetite. [8]

Woodlouse herb

Woodlouse is a herb that belongs to perennial spore plants. It is an evergreen low growing herbaceous plant. The raw material is grass, which is harvested from June to September, after the end of fruiting. It grows mainly in humid areas, especially in lichen, moss, shrub areas. Collected together with the root system. Prepare green and yellowing shoots. It contains a large amount of alkaloids of the quinolizidine series, as well as flavonoids and resinous substances. Apply in the form of decoctions at the rate of one tablespoon per 500 ml of boiling water. It normalizes metabolic processes, in particular, the metabolism of carbohydrates, removes toxins from the body, and also normalizes appetite. It has a diuretic and choleretic effect. [9]

Rezuha grass

It is a herbaceous plant, grass and leaves act as herbal medicinal raw materials. Gather young shoots with leaves (the first year of life). The composition includes echinoxosides, which stimulate metabolic processes in the body, improve the absorption of carbohydrates, and reduce blood sugar levels. They also contribute to the normalization of immunity, provide antiviral protection, normalize immunity. Used in the form of decoctions, infusions, is part of the medicinal collection. It is worth noting that it is better to use the substance in the form of an alcohol tincture infused with 40% alcohol, since in this form the active ingredients are better preserved. It is recommended to use the tincture in accordance with the instructions.

Yarrow herb

It is a perennial wild plant, herbaceous. It is used as a plant raw material for various diseases, including diabetes mellitus. Collect flowers and leaves at the beginning of flowering. Both whole and cut leaves (herbs and flowers) are used. It has the ability to lower blood sugar levels, has hemostatic and wound healing properties, and relieves inflammation.

It is widely used in the form of infusions, decoctions. It is better to use in the form of an infusion with 40% alcohol, since in this form the herb retains its healing properties better. It has a diuretic, choleretic effect, stimulates appetite, normalizes digestion, the degree of absorption of nutrients, normalizes carbohydrate metabolism, and other types of metabolic processes. The main effect can be achieved due to the content of substances such as thujone, thujol lactones, flavonoids, tannins. [10]

Herbs for diabetes

In diabetes, you can use not only individual herbs, but also whole fees. Such fees can be purchased at the pharmacy in finished form, or purchased independently by preparing plants as medicinal raw materials. You can combine different properties of plants. For example, herbs that reduce sugar levels work well with herbs that have anti-inflammatory or decongestant effects. Often preparations are made by combining herbs to reduce sugar with diuretic herbs.

Consider the individual fees used in diabetes.

  • Collection number 1.

Calamus marsh, cuff and stevia in the ratio 1:1:2. Brew 1-2 tablespoons per cup of boiling water, drink a third cup three times a day.

  • Collection number 2.

Birch fungus, Echinacea purpurea and sandy immortelle in a ratio of 1:2:1, pouring a glass of boiling water. Drink a glass a day.

  • Collection number 3.

Ginseng, Eleutherococcus prickly, ephedra mountain in the ratio 1:1:2 (1-2 tablespoons of the mixture per cup of boiling water).

  • Collection number 4.

Common thyme, common fennel, medicinal sage, hop cones in the ratio 1:1:1:2. Take 2 tablespoons of the collection for 250-500 ml of water. Insist, drink during the day.

  • Collection number 5.

Chamomile, field horsetail, Scotch pine (needles) in a ratio of 2:2:1. 4-5 tablespoons per 500 ml of boiling water. Insist day, drink a glass a day, 5 days.

Arfazetin collection

This collection is sold in a pharmacy in finished form. It is often prescribed in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, as it helps to normalize carbohydrate metabolism and lower glucose levels. The data collection is prepared according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor. Can be used as a decoction in a tablespoon per glass of water (boiling water). The duration of treatment is from 1 to 3 months. The composition includes the following components: blueberries, beans, eleutherococcus, wild rose, horsetail, St. John's wort and chamomile. It is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing. General strengthening properties.

Cleansing herbs for diabetes

With diabetes, there is a need to take cleansing herbs, because the body's metabolism is disturbed, which often leads to the accumulation of toxins, waste, metabolic by-products. Autoimmune aggression is also often observed, in which a high level of autoimmune antibodies accumulates, aimed at destroying the body's own structures. Cleansing herbs act as sorbents, bind and remove toxins to the outside, which leads to a cleansing of the body.

The following herbs act as cleansing herbs: calamus, aloe vera, common anise, birch mushroom, elecampane, small centaury, oak bark, buckthorn bark, lure grass, safflower-like leuzea, Chinese lemongrass, dioica nettle, common juniper.

Many of these herbs not only have a cleansing effect on the body, but also have a powerful immune-stimulating, anti-inflammatory, antiviral effect, which provides not only cleansing of the body, but also reliable protection against diseases.

Diuretic herbs for diabetes

In diabetes, diuretic herbs are prescribed, since a high level of glucose in the blood leads to serious disorders of carbohydrate metabolism, one of the manifestations of which is fluid retention in the body. All this leads to the development of persistent edema. Therefore, funds are needed to promote the processing of fluid and its excretion in the urine. As the main diuretic herbs for diabetes, herbs such as Manchurian aralia, Japanese Sophora, water knotweed, snake knotweed, ginseng, cornflower are used. These funds are recommended to be used in the form of alcohol infusions (using alcohol with a concentration of 40%). You can also use water decoctions, for the preparation of which it is necessary to pour vegetable raw materials with boiling water, hold under a closed lid for about 20-30 minutes.

The list of diuretic herbs is not limited to the indicated agents, but it is recommended to use these particular agents, since, in addition to the diuretic effect, they also have an immunomodulatory effect and normalize carbohydrate metabolism. Partially reduced blood sugar levels (with prolonged use). With severe edema in diabetes mellitus, these herbs can be combined with each other in various ratios, which enhances their diuretic and anti-edematous effect.

Herbs that lower sugar in diabetes

Most often, herbs that reduce sugar are prescribed for diabetes. This is not surprising, since one of the most unfavorable symptoms of diabetes is a high level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. As herbs aimed at reducing sugar, the herbs discussed below act.

Marsh ledum. It is an evergreen shrub. Young shoots are used as raw materials. It is better to choose those that are not yet covered with leaves, or only slightly covered with a thin layer of bark. The shoots must be thin and annual, in no case should lignified old shoots be harvested. The plant is poisonous, so it must be used carefully, strictly in accordance with the instructions. As side effects, or in case of an overdose, nausea, vomiting, headache can be observed. It is used in the form of a decoction: about a pinch of herbs in a glass of hot water (boiling water). Leave for at least an hour. Drink a tablespoon 2-3 times a day, or as directed by a doctor. [11]

Yarrow. It is a perennial herbaceous wild plant in which stems are mainly used. Grass and flowers are used, both whole and cut. It is recommended to use in the form of alcohol infusion. May be used as an aqueous solution. Often included in various medicinal collections. Helps to increase appetite, normalize metabolic processes, reduce blood sugar. Has a hemostatic effect.

Barberry ordinary is a perennial branched shrub. It has a powerful root system that penetrates deep into the soil. Roots and leaves act as raw materials. You can harvest them throughout the growing season. Applied in the form of a decoction, alcohol infusions, medicinal fees. It is also available in finished form in the form of a preparation of berverine bisulfate, a collection according to Zdrenko's prescription. It normalizes carbohydrate metabolism and blood sugar levels, and also has a choleretic and hemostatic effect. [12]

Maclea heart-shaped is a perennial herbaceous plant covered with a bluish bloom. Contains milky orange juice. Collected during the formation of buds or flowering. Used in dried form. The raw material is represented by a mixture of pieces of stems, leaves, buds and flowers. Available in the form of decoctions, infusions, extracts. Contains a large amount of alkaloids. The main alkaloids are sanguinarine and chelerythrine. Reduces sugar levels, and also in the form of an ointment is applied to wounds that do not heal for a long time.

Stephania smooth is a perennial dioecious vine. Tubers with roots act as medicinal raw materials. Raw materials are harvested in autumn, cut into pieces, dried. In this case, it is necessary to take plants that have reached the age of 2-3 years. Contains alkaloids. Normalize the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, reduce the level of glucose in the blood. [13]

Pharmacodynamics

Most herbs prescribed for diabetes are primarily aimed at lowering blood sugar levels. They not only reduce sugar levels, but also normalize carbohydrate metabolism in general. As a rule, most herbs are involved in the normalization of other types of metabolic processes (directly or indirectly). So, the normalization of carbohydrate metabolism, as a rule, entails the normalization of protein and fat metabolism. A characteristic feature of herbs in diabetes is the ability to normalize the immune status and hormonal background of a person. In addition, most herbs are a rich source of vitamin and mineral components, the saturation of which leads to the normalization of metabolism. Many herbs have absorption properties (absorb and remove toxins, metabolites, metabolic products). An important feature of pharmacodynamics is that herbs in diabetes have anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects. Many of them are diuretic.

Most herbs for diabetes have tonic properties, which allows you to maintain optimal tone and mode of functioning of the body. They stimulate physical and mental performance, increase the overall resistance and endurance of the body, which allows it to withstand the effects of many adverse factors of both endogenous and exogenous origin. It is also worth noting that almost all herbs have a general strengthening effect, have a positive effect on restoring the normal functional state of the body, and are effective in recovering from surgery, after serious illnesses.

Pharmacokinetics

Herbs for diabetes have a positive effect on the body of a diabetic, primarily due to the fact that they contain a large amount of lignan and phenolic glycosides, as well as pectin, resins, gums, anthocyanin compounds, essential oils. Pharmacokinetics is a series of transformations that begin from the moment a substance enters the body. It should be borne in mind that many herbs for diabetes are a rich source of iron, vitamin C, which allows you to quickly normalize vitamin and carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Herbs contain about 14% moisture, and about 40% extractives, which are extracted with 40% concentration of ethyl alcohol. The remaining 46% is accounted for by various mineral, organic and inorganic substances. That is why most herbs for diabetes are prescribed in the form of alcohol infusions or extracts.

Dosing and administration

In this case, it is impossible to describe the method of application and doses for herbs in diabetes, since various herbs are used in diabetes, and even their collections. The treatment regimen, dosage, concentration, duration - it all depends, first of all, on the type of herb used. Some herbs are used in the form of alcoholic infusions, others - in the form of decoctions, others - are added to tea or food. There are herbs that you can drink just like tea, in almost unlimited quantities. There are herbs that are drunk strictly according to the prescribed scheme, according to the hours of admission. Therefore, before starting herbal treatment for diabetes, it is necessary to consult a doctor or a homeopathic specialist. It is better to consult with the attending physician, since he initially knows the entire history of the disease, and when choosing treatment tactics, he proceeds from the patient's individual history.

  • Application for children

Before prescribing herbs for diabetes in children, you need to consult a doctor. The use of herbs for children in diabetes has a certain specificity, requires special knowledge and skills. The use of herbs for children is more justified than the use of pharmaceuticals, but this is not always justified. It is necessary to take into account the age of the child, his individual characteristics, history of the disease, comorbidities, the presence of chronic diseases. The treatment regimen, duration, dosage of the herbal remedy, and even the method of preparing the herb, can only be determined by a doctor. In no case should you self-medicate, as this can have serious adverse consequences for the health of the child. Not all herbs can be given to children, so the advisability of choosing one or another herb should be consulted with a doctor.

Use Herbs for diabetes during pregnancy

There is still no consensus on the advisability of using herbs for diabetes during pregnancy. Some researchers are inclined to believe that during pregnancy it is better not to use any medicines, including herbs, herbal remedies, homeopathy. Other researchers and practitioners, however, conclude that elevated glucose levels require reduction, regardless of whether a woman is pregnant or not. This is due to the fact that high blood sugar negatively affects the health of both the mother and the fetus. In addition, high glucose levels can become a life-threatening condition.

In any case, when choosing between pharmaceuticals and herbs for diabetes, it is better to opt for herbs, as they are safer, have significantly fewer side effects and contraindications, and can be used for a long time. However, in any case, before you start taking herbs for diabetes, you should consult your doctor. Only a doctor can choose the right herb, prescribe the optimal treatment regimen, dosage regimen. Also, the doctor takes into account contraindications. Not all herbs are allowed to be used during pregnancy.

Contraindications

The main contraindications to the use of herbs in diabetes can be an acute serious condition, exacerbation of diabetes, a sharp increase in blood sugar levels. In this case, you need to act quickly, provide the patient with emergency assistance aimed at lowering blood glucose levels. Herbs are designed, as a rule, for long-term use. They gradually reduce glucose levels, allow you to control it and maintain it at a stable level. As a rule, herbs have a cumulative effect, that is, first a certain level of active substances must accumulate in the body, and only after that it has an effect, which is not always rational in the treatment of acute emergencies.

There are also some contraindications based on concomitant diseases. So, it must be borne in mind that, for example, St. John's wort is contraindicated for women. It dramatically increases blood pressure. In addition, it contains a high level of male hormones, which can cause hormonal imbalance in the body. On the contrary, peppermint is contraindicated for men, since it sharply reduces pressure, and also contains a large amount of female hormones, which also causes hormonal imbalance in men.

During pregnancy, burnet, nettle, wormwood, and a number of other herbs are contraindicated, since they have an abortive effect and can cause bleeding. It should also be borne in mind that many herbs can be given to children starting at the age of 5-6, so the use of individual herbs may be limited due to age. Sage, chamomile, plantain are contraindicated in people with gastritis, peptic ulcer, and other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Side effects Herbs for diabetes

As a rule, herbs for diabetes do not cause side effects. Some of them may not be individually tolerated by the body, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, bloating, and flatulence. Signs of intoxication may develop. In some cases, there is a headache, dizziness, migraine, which can also be a sign of individual intolerance to the herb.

Also keep in mind that many herbs cause allergic reactions in humans. These can be reactions, both delayed and immediate type. The most dangerous are considered immediate-type allergic reactions (HRH NT), for example, anaphylactic shock. In such a situation, blood pressure drops sharply, a person loses consciousness, pulse, blood flow, heart function slows down, up to a coma. The patient needs immediate help. This is often observed in people with increased body sensitization, with bronchial asthma, with a tendency to suffocate, and a history of allergies. As a rule, such people are aware of the tendency to such reactions, therefore, before use, you need to check the tolerance of the herb by conducting a rapid test. To do this, a small amount of the product is applied to the back of the wrist. Then it should be applied.

Overdose

Cases of overdose with medicinal herbs are rare. This is due to the fact that most of them are almost completely processed by the body, and when the dose is exceeded, they are simply excreted unchanged in the urine. This increases the frequency of urination. For a person with a normal genitourinary system, this does not bring any inconvenience. However, if a person has a history of pathology of the kidneys or urinary system, this can lead to an increase in the load on the kidneys, and therefore inflammation of the kidneys and urinary tract develops, for example, cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis.

You also need to consider that there are certain types of plants that are classified as poisonous. An overdose of such drugs can lead to severe poisoning, even death. In some cases, an overdose can cause signs of mild intoxication: fever, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.

Storage conditions

As a rule, herbs are stored in dry places, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. It is best to store herbs in dry paper bags in a dark place. Herbs should be safely hidden from children and animals, as they are often attracted by the aroma of herbs, those substances that make up the composition. When buying ready-made herbs in a pharmacy, you need to carefully read the storage conditions on the package, strictly follow the recommendations. It is better to store such herbs in their original packaging.

Shelf life

Different herbs may have different shelf life. For most of them, the shelf life is not limited (when stored in an assembled dry form, and subject to all storage rules). Decoctions of herbs are stored for no more than 2-3 days. Therefore, you can not boil the entire package of grass at once. It is necessary to prepare fresh decoctions each time, as needed. As for infusions, packaged infusions are usually stored for up to 2 years. After opening the package, the shelf life, as a rule, does not exceed 3 months. Extracts, essential oils are stored much less - about 1 year. When buying herbs in a pharmacy, expiration dates are usually indicated on the packaging.

Reviews

If we analyze the reviews, it can be noted that among all the reviews about herbs for diabetes, positive reviews prevail. People like the fact that herbs can be drunk for a long period of time, that they are well absorbed and tolerated by the body, with practically no side effects. It is also quite difficult to cause an overdose with herbs. Also, many patients taking herbs for diabetes note that they are quite simple to prepare, they do not require special storage conditions. Herbs are quite effective. With prolonged use, they allow you to maintain a stable level of sugar in the blood, help prevent hyperglycemic attacks.

Negative reviews are extremely rare. Of the negative reviews that we were able to find, almost all of them are related to the fact that the person took the grass incorrectly. As a result, it turned out to be ineffective. This once again confirms the importance and significance of the correct selection of herbs, as well as the calculation of the correct scheme and tactics of treatment.

What herbs are not suitable for diabetes?

Quite a logical question that is often heard from patients: “What herbs can not be used for diabetes?”. Let's figure it out. So, in diabetes, all herbs that increase the level of sugar and glucose in the blood are strictly contraindicated. It is not recommended to take herbs that contribute to fluid retention in the body, herbs that can cause swelling, allergic reactions. Herbs that promote the retention of certain substances are contraindicated. In particular, carbohydrates in the body. Herbs for diabetes should be aimed at normalizing carbohydrate metabolism and lowering sugar, but not vice versa.

Below are herbs for diabetes that cannot be used: common anise, chokeberry, prickly hawthorn, common lingonberry, common oregano, common viburnum, Caucasian belladonna, threshed hay, raspberries, red pepper, fresh sea buckthorn, black chokeberry, bird cherry.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Herbs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

Translation Disclaimer: For the convenience of users of the iLive portal this article has been translated into the current language, but has not yet been verified by a native speaker who has the necessary qualifications for this. In this regard, we warn you that the translation of this article may be incorrect, may contain lexical, syntactic and grammatical errors.

You are reporting a typo in the following text:
Simply click the "Send typo report" button to complete the report. You can also include a comment.