Some people with diabetes consider using alternative treatments for diabetes, including herbal medicine. Although some types of herbal medicine may be effective, others can be ineffective or even harmful. Patients who use herbal remedies for diabetes need to let their healthcare providers know what they are doing.

This article focuses on a couple of herbal medicines for diabetes, including:

* Ginseng
* Garlic.

In addition to these examples of herbal medicines, other alternative treatments for diabetes involve:

* Vanadium
* Omega-3 fatty acids
* Chromium
* Coenzyme Q10
* Magnesium.

Overall, there is limited scientific evidence on the effectiveness of treating diabetes with herbal medicines. And the evidence that is available is not sufficiently strong to prove that any of the herbal medicines discussed in this article have benefits for type 2 diabetes or its complications.

Also, if you decide to use herbal medicine for diabetes, keep in mind that what you see on the label may not accurately reflect what is in the bottle. Some herbal supplements, for example, have been found to be contaminated; some tests of herbal supplements have found that the contents did not match the labeled dose on the bottle.

Ginseng

While several types of plants are referred to as ginseng, most studies on ginseng and diabetes have used American ginseng. Those studies have shown some glucose-lowering effects in fasting and post-prandial (after meal) blood glucose levels as well as in A1c levels (average blood glucose levels over a 3-month period).

However, larger and more long-term diabetes research studies are needed before doctors recommend using this herbal medicine for diabetes. Researchers also have determined that the amount of glucose-lowering compound in ginseng plants varies widely.

Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an herb used to flavor food. Garlic can also be processed and made into dietary supplements. In some cultures, garlic is used for medicinal purposes. The chemical in garlic of most interest for health purposes is allicin, which gives garlic its strong taste and odor. One of the claims for garlic is that the rates of certain diseases are lower in countries where more garlic is consumed. However, it has not been proven that this herb (and not some other factor, such as lifestyle) is the reason.

Research Findings on Garlic

Few rigorous studies have been conducted on garlic and allicin for type 2 diabetes. In the diabetes research studies that have been done, findings have been mixed. There are some studies that suggest that garlic has some biological activities that are relevant to the treatment of diabetes. However, the evidence so far does not support the belief that there is a benefit from this herbal remedy for diabetes.

Side Effects and Other Risks With Garlic

Garlic is safe for most adults. However, garlic appears to interact with various types of drugs. For example, when combined with certain medicines used to treat HIV/AIDS (NNRTIs and saquinavir), garlic may decrease their effectiveness. Garlic may also interact with and affect the action of:

* Cyclosporine
* Birth control pills
* Blood thinners (including warfarin)
* Medications that are broken down by the liver.

Other possible side effects of garlic include:

* Diarrhea
* Skin rash
* Stomach disorders
* An allergic reaction
* An odor on the breath or skin.

Final Thoughts on Treating Diabetes With Herbal Medicine

Do not replace scientifically proven diabetes treatments with an herbal medication that is unproven. The consequences of not following one’s prescribed medical regimen for diabetes can be serious, even life-threatening.

People should inform their healthcare providers about any herbal medicine that they are currently using or considering. This will help ensure a safe, coordinated course of care. Prescribed medicines for diabetes and all other major health conditions may need to be adjusted if a person is also using herbal medicine for diabetes. Pharmacists can be another helpful source of information about herbal supplements.

Women who are pregnant or nursing (or people considering using herbal remedies to treat a child) should use extra caution and be sure to consult their healthcare provider.

If people with diabetes decide to use herbal medicine and notice any unusual effects, they should stop and contact their healthcare provider right away.

Read More

Natural Remedies for Diabetes Coenzyme Q10
Natural Remedies for Diabetes an Introduction
Alternative Treatments for Diabetes
Oral Medications for Diabetes
An Overview of Diabetic Medication
Treating Diabetes an Overview
Diabetes and Exercise
Herbal Medicine for Diabetes
Diabetes Supplements