Medicinal herbs for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

An endocrine disease caused by a lack of the hormone insulin is diabetes mellitus. Consider ways to treat this pathology with medicinal herbs.

Today, plants and herbal infusions are used to treat almost all diseases. Phytotherapy acts more gently, but is no less effective than pharmaceuticals. In modern medicine, there are doctors who specialize in this type of medicine.

Diabetes affects 5% of the population and progresses every year. To treat the painful condition, medicinal herbs with the following properties are used:

• Stimulation of the immune system.
• Stimulation of beta cell formation.
• Lowering blood sugar levels.
• Strengthening the vascular system.
• Herbs for the gastrointestinal tract.
• Prevention of diabetes complications.

Diabetes mellitus has several types, which determine the choice of herbs and infusions:

1. Insulin-dependent – usually develops from childhood, occurs with autoimmune disorders. Characterized by dysfunction of the pancreas. The cells of the affected organ stop producing insulin, that is, the hormone responsible for blood sugar levels. Herbal treatment acts as a preventive measure, since the main emphasis is on vital insulin injections.
2. Insulin-independent – most often occurs in people over 40 years of age. The disease is associated with a violation of the perception of cell receptors to insulin. At the same time, beta cells are not damaged and continue to produce the hormone. Very often develops in patients with a genetic predisposition and excess weight. This type of disease is diagnosed in 90% of diabetics.
3. Gestational – develops during pregnancy at 15-28 weeks. Occurs due to hormonal changes in the body. The disease is temporary and goes away after childbirth. But without the right diet, the pathology can develop into the second form of diabetes.

Benefits of herbal treatment:

• Gentle effect on the body.
• Various forms of herbal preparations.
• Natural composition and environmental safety.
• Versatile therapeutic effect.
• Simplicity in preparation of medicines and their availability.
• Highly effective in mild forms of the disease.
• General health effect.
• Possibility to replace a component if it is intolerable.

Disadvantages of herbal medicine:

• Difficulty in determining the mechanism of therapeutic action.
• Difficulty in establishing appropriate dosage and duration of therapy.
• The dependence of the therapeutic effect on many factors.
• Risk of developing severe adverse reactions and overdose symptoms.
• Impossibility of quality control of natural ingredients.

Medicinal plants with insulin-like action help to reduce blood glucose levels. Herbs for diabetes help the kidneys remove sugar from the body and restore the pancreas. Herbal therapy can only be carried out after consultation and permission from the attending physician. Most often, it is used as an addition to the main therapy.

Indications herbs for diabetes

Today, there are more than 200 species of plants with sugar-lowering properties. Indications for the use of phytotherapy are based on the medicinal properties of the herbs used. They are valued for the biologically active substances included in their composition: inulin, galenin, inosine and others.

Phytotherapy has certain principles of action:

1. Individuality – when choosing a herb, the diagnosis of the disease, its stage and severity of the pathological process are taken into account. The presence of concomitant symptoms and chronic diseases.
2. Monotherapy and multi-component collections - one plant or their complex can be used for treatment. The advantage of monotherapy is the ability to establish the mechanism of action of the biologically active substance, which is almost impossible in the second case. When using several products, their compatibility and area of therapeutic action should be taken into account.
3. Staged approach – in phytotherapy, the dosage of all components and their interaction with medications are taken into account. The duration of treatment and the possibility of a repeated course are taken into account.
4. Complexity – to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect, phytotherapy should be combined with medications and physiotherapeutic methods. To activate the recovery processes in the body in case of endocrine pathologies, reflexology, hirudotherapy, massage, acupuncture, aromatherapy and other methods are used.

The following remedies are prepared from herbs:

• A decoction is a fairly common form of medicine that is prepared by infusing the raw material in hot or cold water with boiling. Decoctions should be stored for no longer than two days and, if possible, prepared fresh before each use.
• Tincture - differs from decoction in that the raw material is poured with boiling water or alcohol and infused for several hours or days. Tinctures can be cold or hot.

Most herbal preparations with sugar-lowering properties are permitted only for mild type 2 diabetes, as they are ineffective for type 1 diabetes. The main feature of such therapy is that it can be carried out over a long period of time, as the plants are not addictive. To reduce the risk of developing resistance, herbal preparations are supplemented with other components every 20 days.

Herbs for diabetes type 1

Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas fails to perform its functions. The organ does not produce the necessary amount of insulin to break down carbohydrates and glucose entering the body. This form accounts for about 10% of diabetes cases. Treatment is based on regular hormonal injections.

Herbs for diabetes type 1 are used as an additional therapy. Most often, patients are prescribed teas, infusions and decoctions from the following plants:

• Common barberry
• Lemon
• Marsh calamus
• Galega officinalis
• Elecampane high
• Nettle
• Black chokeberry
• Cowberry

With timely diagnosis and a comprehensive approach to treatment, insulin levels can be maintained within the norm. This allows minimizing the risk of developing adverse reactions of endocrine pathology.

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Herbs for diabetes type 2

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes, i.e. type 2 diabetes, is characterized by normal hormone production. But the peculiarity of the pathology is that tissue sensitivity to insulin is impaired in the body. For treatment, medications are used that stimulate the pancreas to produce the hormone and reduce the resistance of cells to it.

Phytotherapy most often includes the following herbs for type 2 diabetes:

• Burdock root
• Grape leaves
• Rose hip
• Dandelion
• Chicory
• Mint
• Milk or Kombucha

Herbal treatment increases the effectiveness of drug therapy and combats painful symptoms of the disorder. Herbs reduce swelling of the extremities, restore visual acuity and support normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

Herbs That Lower Blood Sugar in Diabetes

The medicinal composition of plants allows them to be used in the treatment of many diseases. Herbs that reduce blood sugar in diabetes have a positive effect on metabolic processes in the body, restoring them:

• Normalizes the metabolism of nutrients.
• Increase the speed of metabolic processes.
• They cleanse the blood and lymph of toxins and other harmful substances.
• They restore glucose transport in liver cells and glycogen synthesis.
• Normalizes the functioning of the urinary system.
• Restores the functioning of the digestive tract.

Sugar-lowering herbs for diabetes are used as an adjunct to the main drug therapy. All plants are divided into the following groups:

1. The first group includes herbs, cereals and vegetables that normalize blood glucose levels: onions, parsley, spinach, dill, garlic, oats. They strengthen the body's defenses and prevent the risk of developing infections. Recommended for patients with glucose disorders of the first and second types.
2. Herbs, roots, fruits and leaves of plants. From such raw materials, decoctions, infusions are prepared or they are consumed in pure form. This group includes: nettle, stevia, mulberry, flax seeds, blueberry leaves, bay leaf, dandelion, walnut, goat's rue. Such plants are relevant for type 2 diabetes. For patients with type 1 disease, they can be used to strengthen the immune system.
3. These are medicinal products for maintaining the health of the liver, kidneys and other internal organs. They include: black currant, horsetail, red rowan, dandelion root, corn silk, chamomile.

The endocrinologist selects the herb. The doctor takes into account the type of disease, its accompanying symptoms and other characteristics of the patient's body.

Diuretic herbs for diabetes

One of the symptoms of a serious endocrine disease is fluid retention in the body. Diuretic herbs for diabetes are necessary to increase urine volumes and improve excretory functions. Plants provide relief for the circulatory system, reduce blood pressure and constrict blood vessels.

Diuretic herbs should be used with extreme caution. Diuretics are selected individually for each patient. Most often, patients are prescribed:

• Sushenitsa - used as a decoction 2-3 times a day. To improve the results of therapy, the drink should be supplemented with regular warm baths before a night's rest.
• Black elderberry - the roots and berries of the plant have diuretic and calming properties.
• Blueberry - its leaves are used for decoctions. They have a tonic and diuretic effect.
• Chicory - leaves and roots are used for medicinal purposes. Regulates the functional capabilities of the body and accelerates the removal of excess fluid.
• Ginseng - its root increases vitality, removes fluid, calms and strengthens the nervous system.
• Burdock and elecampane - their roots are used for treatment. They reduce blood sugar levels and have a diuretic effect.

All herbs can be used only after consultation with your doctor and a comprehensive examination of the body.

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Cleansing Herbs for Diabetes

To cleanse the blood of pathogenic microorganisms and accelerate their elimination, cleansing herbs are often used. For diabetes, the following plants are used to stimulate the regeneration of beta cells:

• Dandelion greens
• Aloe
• Chicory
• Garlic
• Sagebrush
• Yarrow flowers

Plants containing tannins are recommended for cleansing: bay leaf, radiola, dogwood, aspen bark. They help remove toxins, destroy free radicals and minimize the risk of inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory plants have no less useful properties: chamomile, aloe, St. John's wort, walnut, cinnamon, calendula. To regulate metabolism, use: plantain, dandelion and burdock root.

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Herbs for swelling in diabetes

One of the signs of systemic damage to vascular tissues is swelling of the extremities, usually the lower ones. Herbs for swelling in diabetes mellitus help prevent the development of trophic ulcers and other serious complications.

To restore peripheral circulation and tissue sensitivity with edema, the following plants are recommended:

• St. John's Wort
• Ginseng root
• Oats
• Burdock
• Hydrastis
• Evening primrose

To quickly eliminate swelling, it is recommended to use cayenne pepper. The plant restores blood vessels and nerve endings. Before using such medications, you should consult an endocrinologist.

Release form

Phytotherapy is very popular in the treatment of diabetes. Knowing the names of medicinal plants and their mechanism of action, you can make an effective herbal collection. Let's consider the main types of drugs and their names:

1. Beta cell stimulants

• Burdock roots
• Walnut leaves
• Flax seeds
• Licorice
• St. John's Wort
• Plantain
• Blueberry
• Goat's Rue

The above-mentioned plants have diuretic and diaphoretic properties and stimulate the pancreas.

2. Blood sugar lowering drugs

• Dandelion roots
• Jerusalem artichoke roots
• Burdock roots
• Knotweed
• Bay leaf
• Birch buds
• Ginseng
• Blueberry shoots

Herbs improve the passage of glucose molecules through the walls of blood vessels and suppress the processes of its formation. Protect insulin from destruction. To achieve a therapeutic effect, the drugs are taken for 1-3 months.

3. Strengthening of blood vessels

• Lemon, garlic, mint – cleanse blood vessels.
• Sweet clover, hawthorn, sea buckthorn, and chestnut fruits are anticoagulants that prevent the formation of blood clots and increased blood clotting.
• Rose hips, lingonberries, nettles, and dandelions supply the body with vitamins.
• Chamomile, eucalyptus, yarrow, aloe, elderberry, ginger – anti-inflammatory effect.

4. Improving the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract

• Peas
• Senna grass
• Aloe
• Spicy greens
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sagebrush
• Carnation seeds
• Walnut leaves

The above mentioned remedies cleanse the intestines and liver, restore the rate of carbohydrate absorption. Herbs increase the liver's ability to accumulate excess glucose.

5. Plants against diabetic complications

• Knotweed
• Clover
• Licorice
• Chamomile
• Violet

The above mentioned products have biostimulant and antioxidant properties. To prevent ophthalmological complications, cranberries, lingonberries, nettle leaves and knotweed, and sleep-grass are recommended.

Monastery grass

A fairly popular folk remedy used for diabetes is monastic grass. This concept includes several plant components that have a complex effect on the body. Monastic tea improves metabolic processes and normalizes carbohydrate metabolism in the body. The remedy is most effective for type 2 diabetes.

Monastery grass for diabetes most often consists of the following components:

• Rose hips
• Horsetail
• Goat's Rue
• Blueberry
• Chamomile
• St. John's Wort
• Elecampane root
• Forest moss

The herbal collection strengthens blood vessels, which are most vulnerable to endocrine pathologies. It has a beneficial effect on the growth of beneficial microflora in the digestive tract. It maintains blood glucose levels at a normal level and regulates metabolism.

Regular use of the collection minimizes the symptoms of the disease, alleviating the condition of patients. Before using the product, it is necessary to determine the sensitivity of the body to its components. In the presence of contraindications or the development of adverse reactions, the ingredients of the medicinal collection should be replaced.

Ginkgo Biloba

A unique plant used in many areas of medicine is ginkgo biloba. Only its leaves have medicinal properties, containing: flavonoids, procyanidins, ginkgolides, bilobalide, sesquiterpenes.

The specific and exceptional composition has the following effect on the human body:

• Dilates blood vessels.
• Increases the elasticity of blood vessel walls.
• Restores blood circulation.
• Stops inflammatory processes in the body.
• Has an antioxidant effect.
• Reduces blood cholesterol levels.
• Normalizes metabolic processes
• Maintains blood pressure.
• Strengthens the cardiovascular system.
• Reduces blood sugar levels.

Ginkgo biloba leaves are used in medicinal tinctures. To prepare the medicine, take leaves and alcohol (vodka) in a 1:10 ratio. The components are mixed and infused for 14-20 days in a dark, cool place. After that, the tincture is filtered and taken 10 drops per 100 ml of water 2-3 times a day. The duration of therapy is 1 month.

In addition to the tincture, diabetics can use the tablet form of the plant extract or tea based on it. Ginkgo biloba is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to its active components, as well as during pregnancy and lactation.

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Amaranth grass

An annual plant with pronounced medicinal properties for endocrine diseases is amaranth grass. Its seeds are used in therapy, which contain the following substances: phospholipids, tocopherol, squalene, phytosterols and others. The product saturates cells with oxygen, stimulates metabolism and lowers blood cholesterol levels.

The peculiarity of the grass is explained by its composition:

• The high content of linoleic acid (more than 50% of the composition) supports the development and growth of internal organs, regulates hormonal balance in the body.
• The increased protein content has a beneficial effect on the entire body.
• The plant is a source of low-calorie fiber. Reduces the risk of varicose veins, atherosclerosis and other diseases.
• Despite its nutritional properties, the herb is not a cereal, so it is approved for use by people with a tendency to allergic reactions to food cereals.

Amaranth effectively affects the body, promoting its recovery. Most often used for type 2 diabetes. In combination with traditional methods, it allows achieving positive treatment results in a short period of time.

The plant is used in the form of tea, oil and flour, combined with diet therapy. Oil and flour are used as a dressing for salads and other dishes. To prepare tea, dry raw materials are poured with boiling water and infused, taking ½ cup 2-3 times a day.

Amaranth is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for children. Side effects include gastrointestinal disorders, nausea and vomiting, headaches and dizziness. The therapeutic effect is observed after 7-10 days of regular use of the drug.

Wormwood herb

A plant used in the treatment of many diseases, including diabetes, is wormwood. The herb contains amino acids, tannins, essential oils, vitamins A and B. The natural remedy is most effective in metabolic disorders, hepatitis and cholecystitis.

For diabetes, enemas, infusions, decoctions, and teas are made from wormwood. Let's look at the most effective recipes:

1. Grind the dry raw material thoroughly, place it in a filter bag and pour 500 ml of boiling water. The infusion should be infused to room temperature. The resulting liquid is used for therapeutic enemas.
2. Grind fresh wormwood to a mushy state. Take a thin crumb of black bread, put some grass on it, roll it into a ball and eat. The course of treatment is 10-14 days.
3. Take 2.5 kg of wormwood and 2 liters of Cahors wine. Wash and dry the fresh grass, chop and squeeze out the juice. The result should be at least 400 ml of juice. Add warm wine to it and mix thoroughly. Take 20 ml 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 1-2 months.

Wormwood is contraindicated in case of allergic reactions to its active components and pollen. It is not recommended during pregnancy and lactation, in case of anemia, ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract and erosions, pancreatitis, cholecystitis. Long-term use and exceeding the dosage can cause headaches, hallucinations, convulsions.

Cress grass

A herbaceous plant with rough leaves and stems, as well as pronounced medicinal properties, is the herb thale cress. In medicine, the above-ground part is used, which is harvested during its flowering period. The natural remedy contains saponins, flavonoids, glycosides and glycochirzutin.

Useful properties of thale cress:

• Reduces swelling and removes excess fluid from the body.
• Reduces sugar levels.
• Tones.
• Having an expectorant effect.
• Diuretic effect.

For diabetes, infusions, decoctions, juices and teas are prepared:

1. Wash the fresh plant, dry it and grind it thoroughly. Squeeze the juice from the resulting pulp and take 1 teaspoon 3-4 times a day.
2. Pour 30-50 g of the herb with a liter of boiling water and simmer over low heat. Cool to room temperature, strain and take 200 ml 3-4 times a day.
3. You can make an ointment from thale cress that speeds up the healing of wounds in diabetes. Grind the product and squeeze out the juice. Mix the liquid with 50 g of butter. Apply the ointment to the damaged tissue. Perform the treatment 2-3 times a day.

Before using the plant, make sure there are no contraindications to its use. Cress is prohibited for children and pregnant women.

Balance herb for diabetes

Biologically active additives are used to support the body in many diseases. Balance grass for diabetes is produced in the form of herbal tea in packages and filter bags.

The dietary supplement contains the following components:

• Bean pods – hypoglycemic and anti-inflammatory effect.
• Blueberry – diuretic, astringent, hypoglycemic effect.
• Nettle – contains vitamins B, E and K, accelerates tissue regeneration and improves immunity.
• St. John's wort - has a beneficial effect on the body and contains tannins.
• Plantain – destroys pathogenic microorganisms and accelerates wound healing.

Balance normalizes carbohydrate metabolism and improves the sensitivity of peripheral tissues to insulin. Increases endurance and physical activity, improves overall well-being. To prepare the medicine, herbal tea is poured with boiling water and infused. The remedy is taken 200 ml 2-3 times a day. The duration of treatment is individual for each patient. Before using the medicine, you should consult with your doctor.

Pharmacodynamics

Any medicine, including those of plant origin, has a certain mechanism of action. Pharmacodynamics, that is, the biological processes that occur with the herb after it enters the body, depend entirely on the components that make up its composition.

Let's look at the pharmacodynamics of the substances included in the most effective herbs for diabetes:

• Alkaloids are organic compounds with nitrogen that dissolve well in water. They have high biological value and toxic effects. They have an exciting, stimulating, analgesic and relaxing effect. Decoctions, infusions and extracts are prepared from plants containing them.
• Glycosides – consist of glycone and aglycone. Unstable compounds are destroyed immediately after their collection. Glycosides restore the cardiovascular system, have diuretic and choleretic properties, stimulate the central nervous system.
• Coumarins and furocoumarins are organic acids that are practically insoluble in water, but are easily destroyed by light. They are mainly found in the roots and fruits of plants. They have a vasodilatory and antispasmodic effect.
• Essential oils are volatile nitrogen-free compounds. They have a pleasant aroma and a pungent taste. They dissolve quickly in organic solvents, but not in water. They have anti-inflammatory, stimulating and antispasmodic properties.
• Tannins are natural components from the tannin group. They have astringent, vasoconstrictive, analgesic and bactericidal effects.

The chemical and biological composition of plant substances is poorly studied, which is associated with their diverse therapeutic effects on the body.

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Pharmacokinetics

The processes of absorption, distribution and bioavailability of components of medicinal herbs are their pharmacokinetics. To date, these features of antidiabetic plants have been poorly studied.

Plant substances have a cumulative therapeutic effect, which manifests itself within 10-14 days with their regular use. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve stable normalization of blood sugar levels and get rid of unpleasant symptoms of diabetes.

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Dosing and administration

The success of treating any disease depends not only on the right drug, but also on the method of its use, doses. Herbs for diabetes, like other herbal remedies, can be used externally and internally.

Orally:

• Squeezed vegetable juice.
• Decoctions.
• Extracts from roots, seeds or fruits with water or alcohol-containing liquids.
• Powder of dried parts of the herb.

External use:

• Enemas.
• Lotions and compresses.
• Wraps
• Baths.

There are certain principles that must be followed during herbal therapy:

1. Continuity – mild herbal preparations are most effective for chronic diseases that require long-term, continuous use. Of course, the components of such therapy must be changed periodically to avoid addiction.
2. Time of use – when choosing medicinal herbs, their biorhythmological characteristics and the peculiarities of the body’s functioning should be taken into account. Thus, CNS stimulants are best used during the daytime, narcotic, sleeping pills, antibiotics and those for improving the cardiovascular system – in the evening, and drugs with a diuretic effect in the afternoon. Correct use will allow achieving a pronounced therapeutic effect within a short period of time.
3. Dosage – involves an approach from small doses to higher ones. At the initial stages of treatment, general strengthening therapy with food plants is carried out. Later, they are combined with potent agents.

Rules for preparing herbal medicines:

• It is necessary to strictly follow the instructions and doctor's directions, observing all conditions when preparing a solution or infusion.
• Plant materials should be stored in sealed packaging, away from moisture, dust and direct sunlight.
• It is better to prepare decoctions in enamel containers or glassware. To prevent the evaporation of useful components, the dishes should be covered with a lid.
• Sweeteners such as sugar, honey or jam should not be added to the prepared medicine.
• It is better to store the finished product in a thermos, but not more than 24 hours. Heating in a microwave is contraindicated.

Since many plants have a wide range of therapeutic effects, the method of application and dosage are determined by the attending physician, individually for each patient.

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Use herbs for diabetes during pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a problem that about 6% of pregnant women face from the 15th week of gestation. As a rule, the pathology disappears after childbirth, but the risk of developing regular diabetes increases significantly. The endocrine disorder is accompanied by disorders of carbohydrate, protein, fat and water-salt balance. The disease affects all organs and systems of the body.

Using herbs for diabetes during pregnancy, or herbal medicine, is one of the treatment methods. It is usually combined with diet and other medications.

Natural components have the following properties:

• Normalizes blood sugar levels.
• Improve general condition.
• Prevent the development of complications.

Consider herbal recipes for treating gestational diabetes:

1. Pour a liter of boiling water over a tablespoon of blueberry leaves. Let the mixture sit for 20-30 minutes, then strain. Take 100 ml of the medicine 3-5 times a day.
2. Peel and chop 100 g of garlic. Pour a liter of dry red wine over it and leave it to infuse in a dark place for 2 weeks. Strain and take 40-50 ml 3-4 times a day before meals.
3. Finely chop 50 g of dandelion root and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Let it brew in a closed container for 20 minutes. Strain and take 70 ml per day.
4. Grind 10 rose hips thoroughly and pour 250 ml of boiling water over them. The raw material should be infused in a thermos for 4-5 hours. Before taking, strain the decoction and drink 100 ml before each meal.
5. Pour 500 ml of boiling water over a tablespoon of aspen bark and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Strain and take 100 ml 3-4 times a day before meals.

Secretin, which is found in carrots, cabbage and artichoke, has a pronounced stimulating effect on the functions of the pancreas. Freshly squeezed juices can be prepared from these plants. Eating raspberries, sea buckthorn, blueberries and lingonberries is no less useful. Chamomile, clover, licorice and violet flowers have biostimulating properties.

If diabetes during pregnancy is left untreated, the metabolic disorder will cause negative consequences for the entire body. The disease is dangerous due to gestosis, that is, late toxicosis, intrauterine death of the fetus, premature birth and miscarriages are also possible.

Contraindications

Phytotherapy for diabetes, like other treatment methods, has contraindications for use.

Herbal treatment is prohibited in the following cases:

• Tendency to allergic reactions.
• The only method of treatment for severe conditions.
• Marked instability of blood sugar.
• Hypo and hyperglycemic coma.
• A sharp decline in renal function or visual organs.

All components of the medicine must be selected by the doctor individually for each patient. This is due to individual intolerance to herbs. The type of diabetic disorder and other features of the body are taken into account.

Phytotherapy is not recommended if the patient's condition worsens during its implementation. This method is used with special caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as for pediatric patients.

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Side effects herbs for diabetes

Failure to comply with the rules for using medicinal herbs entails many consequences. Side effects depend on the characteristics of each plant and its effect on the body.

Most often, patients experience the following reactions:

• A sharp deterioration in health.
• Allergic reactions.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• The appearance of new symptoms.
• Exacerbation of psychoneurological pathologies.
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.
• Intoxication of the body.

There are no safe plants. When choosing an antidiabetic and sugar-lowering agent, its possible side effects should be taken into account:

• Ginkgo biloba – intracranial bleeding, effects on platelet function.
• Elecampane - skin dermatitis.
• Sweet clover – kidney dysfunction, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, headaches.
• St. John's wort - constriction of blood vessels and libido, increased blood pressure.
• Cranberries, viburnum, raspberries – ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, changes in acidity.
• Nettle and corn silk – increased blood clotting.
• Walnut – spasms of cerebral vessels, severe headaches.
• Wormwood – convulsions, hallucinations, nausea.
• Licorice – increased blood pressure, hypotrichosis, fluid retention, decreased libido.
• Violet – skin allergic reactions, diarrhea and vomiting.
• Garlic - irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa.
• Rosehip - pronounced changes in tooth enamel.

Phytotherapy is safest only with the correct selection of all its components.

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Overdose

If the dosage and duration of phytotherapy prescribed by the doctor are not followed, adverse reactions may develop. Overdose is manifested by deterioration of general health, headaches, nausea and vomiting. In particularly severe cases, diabetic coma is possible.

To eliminate unpleasant symptoms, you must stop taking the medicine and seek medical help. The doctor may prescribe gastric lavage and other methods to remove plant components from the body. Subsequently, maintenance therapy is carried out, new drugs are prescribed or the dosage of the ones used is adjusted.

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Interactions with other drugs

Treatment of diabetes with medicinal herbs is an auxiliary method of correcting metabolic disorders. Interactions with other drugs should be strictly controlled by the attending physician. This is due to the fact that herbs have a wide range of action, which in some cases may be incompatible with the drug therapy.

Herbal infusions are most often prescribed as diuretics, sedatives, laxatives and hypoglycemic agents. The interaction of official medicine and phytotherapy can be considered successful. Herbs saturate the body with useful substances and enhance the effect of pharmaceutical products. Thanks to this, diabetes treatment becomes more accurate and effective.

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Storage conditions

When carrying out phytotherapy, the storage conditions of medicinal raw materials deserve special attention. Let's consider the basic rules of this procedure:

• Plants should be stored in clean, dry and well-ventilated areas. The storage area should be protected from direct sunlight and preferably dark. The optimal temperature is 10-18°C, and humidity is about 13-15%.
• It is better to store plant materials whole, so their beneficial properties are preserved longer. Roots for tinctures and decoctions should be kept crushed or in powder form. Dried berries are hygroscopic, so they should be stored in airtight or vacuum packaging.
• Each type of plant, as well as parts of one, should be kept separately. That is, grass, flowers, roots, fruits and seeds should be stored separately from each other. Individual packaging should be for poisonous plants and preparations with volatile substances.
• It is better to use paper bags, wooden boxes or fabric bags as containers for raw materials. The packaging should be labeled with the name of the herb and the date of its packaging, which will allow you to monitor the expiration date.

Already prepared infusions and decoctions should also be stored in sealed containers, away from food and children.

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Shelf life

When choosing raw materials for phytotherapy, you should take into account their expiration date and adhere to storage conditions. Using expired herbs is dangerous, as it causes uncontrolled side effects on all organs and systems of the body.

Prepared infusions and decoctions should be stored in a cool place and no longer than 24 hours. It is best to prepare fresh medicine every day. As for dry raw materials, leaves, buds and flowers can be stored for no more than 2 years, dried fruits for 2 years, and bark and roots for about 2-3 years.

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Reviews

Numerous positive reviews of herbs for diabetes confirm the effectiveness of this method of treatment. The effectiveness of herbal therapy is determined by the composition of the plant material and the mechanism of its action for each patient individually.

In order for the treatment to be successful and safe for the body, it is necessary to consult a doctor. The doctor will select the appropriate remedy and establish the features of its use.

Effective Herbs for Diabetes

Many treatment methods are used to combat endocrine diseases. But herbal medicine deserves special attention. Herbs for diabetes help restore pancreatic functions, combat the symptoms associated with the pathology, and normalize blood glucose levels. They are an effective complement to traditional therapy, improving the overall condition of the body and immune system.

The following natural components are considered the most effective:

• Burdock (leaves and roots).
• Bean pods.
• Blueberry.
• Elecampane (leaves and roots).
• Clover.
• Oat and barley sprouts.

Decoctions and infusions are prepared from them, added to the diet. No less effective are ginkgo biloba, ginseng, eleutherococcus. Another important stage of herbal therapy for diabetes is diet. The patient's diet should include vegetables, fruits and greens, which regulate metabolic processes and strengthen the immune system. The following products are considered the most useful: beets, carrots, garlic and onions, lettuce leaves, celery.

Herbs for diabetes are most effective in the early stages of the disease. But they can be used to support the body and in severe metabolic disorders. All herbal remedies can only be used with a doctor's permission. Since despite the beneficial properties, medicinal plants have a number of contraindications and side effects.

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