5 Medicinal Plants That Help Control Diabetes

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Thus, not controlling diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, gangrene, blindness, and indeed, even death.  In this article we will present you with information that may be of interest to you, as well as some medicinal plants that help control diabetes.

What is the diabetes?

It is defined as a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body does not use the insulin it produces. If this is not controlled, it causes an exaggerated rise in blood sugar.  This condition is classified as follows:

• Type 1: occurs when the pancreas does not synthesize insulin.
• Type 2: it  is related to the inability of the body to use insulin properly.
• Gestational: appears during pregnancy and involves an abnormal increase in blood glucose.

Symptoms

• Blurry vision
• Excessive thirst
• Fatigue
• Urge to urinate frequently
• Hunger
• Weightloss

Is there a cure for diabetes?

So far science has not discovered a drug that can completely cure diabetes. In reality, it can only be controlled with drugs, diet, and physical activity. The goal with these three strategies is to control blood sugar. 

Medicinal plants to control diabetes

There are medicinal plants that contribute to the goal of controlling blood sugar. However, it is important to consult a specialist doctor so that there is no opposite effect with regular medications. Among these plants are:

 1. Copalchi

It is a plant native to Mexico and Colombia. The bark of the trunk serves as a hypoglycemic, antipyretic, aperitif and refreshing. How does it help fight diabetes? The bark of the copalchi contains a molecule called coutareoside, which through hydrolysis generates glucose, in addition to a polyphenolic genin. However, caution is recommended, since it could cause hepatotoxicity, according to this study carried out by the University of Barcelona. It is advisable to consult a doctor first

S e is usually recommended in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as it serves to whet the appetite, control thirst and lower fever.  Next, its preparation (it is important to note that it has a rather bitter taste): 

Ingredients

• 1 glass of water (200 ml).
• 1 tablespoon of copalchi (20 g).

Preparation

• Pour the tablespoon of copalchi into the glass with water.
• Put it in a cool place.
• Let it sit overnight.
• Strain it.

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• Drink the mixture on an empty stomach.

2. Gymnema

This plant is located mainly on the Asian continent, particularly, in India, in the tropics and the southern part of the country. Its leaves have hypoglycemic properties.  Thanks to this it is also used to control diabetes, according to this study carried out by the University of Mumbai (India).

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of Gymnema leaves (15 g).
• 1 glass of water (200 ml).

Preparation

• Pour the water into a pot and bring it to a boil.

• Add the Gymnema leaves and leave for 10 minutes.
• Turn off and wait for it to cool down a bit.

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• Drink one or two cups a day.

3. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus is a plant well known for its properties to fight respiratory diseases. However, its leaves and fruits are also hypoglycemic, and help  to equalize the glycemic indexes, which helps to control diabetes. This is stated in this study carried out by the Zahedan University (Iran).

Ingredients

• Eucalyptus leaves (30 g).
• 1 glass of water (200 ml).

Preparation

• Boil the water.
• Add the eucalyptus leaves, previously washed.
• Let simmer for 10 minutes.
• Help yourself.

4. Cinnamon

Although cinnamon has a sweet taste, it is allowed for diabetics, according to this study carried out by Mashhad University (Iran). It has its origin in India. Its properties include its digestive, stimulant and hypoglycemic effects.

How does it help fight diabetes? This plant helps stabilize sugar levels by stimulating insulin receptors, which naturally lowers the glycemic index. It is prepared in the following way:

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks.
• Water (200 ml).

Preparation

• Boil the water.
• Add the cinnamon sticks. 
• Leave on for 10 minutes.
• Help yourself.

5. Stevia

Stevia is a sweetener native to Brazil and Paraguay. According to this study carried out by the Autonomous University of Chile, its leaves also have hypoglycemic properties and surprisingly, despite being up to 50 times sweeter than sugar, it is carbohydrate-free.

How does it help fight diabetes?  Induces insulin production, lowering glucose levels. It can be taken as follows:

Ingredients

• Stevia leaves (15 g).
• Water (125 ml).

Preparation

• Boil the water.
• Add the stevia leaves.
• Leave on for 10 minutes.

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• Drink a cup of the infusion a day.