Herbs and Botanicals For Type 2 Diabetes

Over the centuries, people have relied on herbs and natural ingredients to cure all sorts of diseases. And with 29.1 million type 2 diabetes patients in the United States alone, the search for a cure has taken many to turning to these traditional remedies.

A comprehensive review of literature and studies of diabetes and herbal medicine (Chapter 19 Diabetes and Herbal (Botanical) Medicine; Cefalu, et al) suggests there is no evidence to support the use of any of these botanical remedies to treat type 2 diabetes or any of its related symptoms.

However, studies and clinical research are undergoing and should provide more data in the future.

The website Everyday Health cites some of the most commonly used botanicals and herbal remedies for type 2 diabetes.

Ginseng

Ginseng has been an important ingredient in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and there is evidence that it may help reduce blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.

Specifically, a study in mice found ginger berry helps in normalizing blood sugar levels and even improve insulin sensitivity. A Canadian study by the University of Toronto found similar results.

Another study found that adding ginger to a normal diabetes regime of diet, physical activity, and medication resulted in a reduction of 9% in blood sugar levels compared with the results obtained from taking a placebo.

Fenugreek

Traditionally, this herb has been used as medication as well as a spice in the Middle East for thousands of years.

More recently, its positive effects for diabetes patients have been described in both animal and human clinical trials. For example, a study of 25 people found that fenugreek had a significant impact on maintaining blood sugar levels controlled.

Another study, published in 1990 in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, also suggests the benefits of this herb with reducing blood sugar in people who took 50 grams of fenugreek seed powder twice a day compared with those who took a placebo.

Cinnamon

Besides its traditional use as a spice, cinnamon is becoming increasingly popular as a supplement to aid in the treatment of some illnesses, including diabetes.

Although it is still not well understood how cinnamon affects glucose levels, it is believed that the active component in cinnamon is the polyphenol type-A polymers are among the primary active components.

However, even if researchers are studying the effects of cinnamon in diabetes more closely, the results of clinical trials completed to date are not yet consistent.

Aloe vera

The healing properties of aloe vera have been well known and used for centuries. However, even though aloe vera has been used in medical treatments in the Arabian Peninsula and India for thousands of years, its positive effects on diabetes are still contested by contemporary medicine.

Some studies, clinical trials, and comprehensive reviews suggest that aloe vera juice helps controlling blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. However, other preclinical studies are not conclusive.

Bitter melon

Bitter melon is widely used in Asian cuisine and has also been considered a medicinal food for diabetics in this region.

It is mostly known for helping relieve symptoms like thirst and fatigue, and evidence suggests it may have some benefits.

For example, bitter melon seems to help reduce blood sugar. A study points to its possible mechanism of action - a component called polypeptide-p, with a structure similar to insulin in animals. This, in turn, indicates it may contribute to lowering glucose levels.

However, while these and other studies point out to possible benefits, only half of the total studies made on bitter melon have demonstrated its efficiency.

Since none of these herbs has proven benefits against diabetes, it's recommended that patients ask their doctors before taking any new supplement, especially in combination with regular diabetes medication.

Alternative Natural Treatments For Acne

Acne has plagued humans for centuries upon centuries and although we have improved our methods to reduce acne, not everybody is a fan of having to take pills or use chemical-based creams every day.

Recently, studies relating to natural or home remedies for acne treatment have been displaying some significant results.

Products such as Manuka Honey, at-home facials, tea tree oil, and many others have progressively displayed the ability to reduce acne without the need for added chemicals.

If you prefer to go the all-natural route, then take a look at our list below and decide which natural remedy is right for your acne.

Manuka Honey

Manuka Honey comes from New Zealand and is known for its anti-bacterial traits. Since Manuka honey is known for treating bacteria, it is likely to only work on bacteria-based acne.

Manuka Honey is to be used like a topical cream or gel. You apply a thin layer to the area of acne everyday (once/day is fine) and let the anti-bacteria agents in the honey do the rest.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a widely known and accepted method for treating acne. Several studies have been done in order to display the effects of tea tree oil on acne and the results tend to remain consistent.

Although tea tree oil does not work as quickly as conventional acne treatments, studies have shown that a significant reduction in acne was seen after about three months.

Side effects such as dry skin, excessive oil, dry lips, dry mouth, etc. are common amongst chemical-based acne treatments.

Many participants in these all-natural studies reported a decrease in these side effects with the tea tree oil, making it effective and just less irritating over all.

*Works for all types of acne.

Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is typically found in whole-grains and several animal products. The natural acid is known for its antibacterial agents and has shown to be just as effective in treating acne as most conventional methods.

A doctor prescribes Azelaic acid in a cream form. The user applies a thin layer twice/day to his/her acne and should begin to see results after 3-4 weeks. This form of acne treatment only works with bacteria-based acne.

There are side effects to Azelaic acid, but they are mild. Consult with your doctor about possible side effects and inform him/her if any occur.

Willow Bark

No this is not the act of rubbing actual bark on your skin, don’t worry! A few studies have been done regarding the use of a cream containing willow bark as a way to reduce acne.

The results were fairly consistent, showing that willow bark works about as well as salicylic acid when used daily for several months.

Willow bark contains a natural form of salicylic acid, which helps reduce the possibility of harsh side effects. The product naturally removes skin cells that have died while gently exfoliating the skin.

Willow bark is much more gentle than conventional salicylic acid, so dry skin or redness and irritation are less likely to occur as well.

Change up your diet

For those of you readers who don’t like the idea of putting creams or gels on your skin, you do have another option.

Not all acne is caused by stress or bacteria; some forms of acne are actually caused by what we consume and how our body reacts to it. The most common dietary supplements that are known for causing acne are dairy products, sugar, and greasy foods.

To reduce acne, try eliminating certain substances from your diet and see if that helps clear your skin. If your skin is very oily, reduce your consumption of greasy foods or fast foods.

If your acne is more cystic, try cutting out dairy products (or at least limiting yourself). For inflammatory acne, cut out spicy foods.

Conclusion

There are plenty of other holistic options for reducing acne, but the ones above have been thoroughly researched and backed by doctors.

Take some time to test out the ones that you feel apply to your type of acne and give the all-natural method a try!

Did you find this post fun, informative and useful? If so, please share it with others!

If you have a comment, question or suggestion, please leave a comment below!

Cheers, Helene Malmsio


Related Reading: https://www.discoveryhub.net/Alternative-Health-Practices.html

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