Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info. Can you download me the rest of

the book?

--- JoAnn Guest <angelprincessjo wrote:

> Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes JoAnn Guest

> May 07, 2002 10:14 PDT

>

> Herbal Recommendations

> for Diabetes

>

> Before the advent of insulin, diabetes was treated

> with plant

> medicines.

> In 1980 the World Health Organization urged

> researchers to examine

> whether traditional medicines possessed any real

> medicinal effects.

> In

> the last 10-20 years scientific investigation has,

> in fact, confirmed

> the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of

> which are

> remarkably

> effective. This discussion is, of necessity, limited

> to a few

> plants—those that appear most effective are

> relatively nontoxic, and

> have substantial documentation of efficacy.

> The following plants are discussed: onions and

> garlic, bitter melon,

> Gymnema Sylvestre, fenugreek, salt bush, and

> pterocarpus. In

> addition,

> three other herbal medicines (bilberry, grape seed,

> and ginkgo

> extracts)

> are discussed because of their important roles in

> dealing with

> diabetic

> complications.

> Even though the herbs described here possess blood

> sugar-lowering

> effects, proper and effective natural treatment of

> the diabetic

> patient

> requires the careful integration of diet,

> nutritional supplements,

> and

> lifestyle, along with herbal medicines.

>

> Onions (Allium cepa and garlic (Allium sativum)

>

> Onions and garlic have demonstrated blood sugar

> lowering action. The

> active principles are believed to be the

> sulfur-containing compounds

> allyl propyl disulfide (APDS) and diallyl disulfide

> oxide (allicin),

> respectively, although other constituents such as

> flavonoids may play

> a

> role as well. The cardiovascular effects of garlic

> and onions, that

> is,

> cholesterol and blood pressure lowering actions,

> further substantiate

> the liberal intake of garlic and onions by the

> diabetic patient.

>

> Bitter Melon

>

> Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also know as

> balsam pear, is a

> typical fruit widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and

> South America.

> The

> unripe fruits are eaten as a vegatable. Bitter melon

> is a green,

> cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over

> it. It looks

> like

> an ugly cucumber. In addition to being eaten as a

> vegetable, unripe

> bitter melon has been used extensively in folk

> medicine as a remedy

> for

> diabetes. The blood-sugar lowering action of the

> fresh juice or

> extract

> of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in

> human clinical

> trials as well as experimental models.

> Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with

> confirmed

> anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by

> alcohol, is a

> hypoglycemic agent composed of mixed steroids that

> is more potent

> than

> the oral hypoglycemic drug tolbutamide. Momordica

> charantia also

> contains an insulin-like polypeptide P, which lowers

> blood sugar

> levels

> when injected subcutaneously into type I diabetics.

> Since it appears

> to

> have fewer side effects than insulin, it has been

> suggested as a

> replacement for some patients.

>

> The oral administration of bitter melon preparations

> has shown good

> results in clinical trials in patients with type II

> diabetes. In one

> study, glucose tolerance was improved in 73 percent

> of type II

> diabetics

> given 2 ounces of the juice. The pooled area under

> the glucose

> tolerance

> curves of the patients responding to the bitter

> melon was 187.0

> square

> centimeters---much lower than the baseline level of

> 243.6 square

> centimeters. In another study, 15 grams of the

> aquaeous extract of

> bitter melon produced a 54 percent decrease in

> postprandial blood

> sugar

> level and a 17 percent reduction in glycosylated

> hemoglobin in six

> patients.

> Unripe bitter melon is available primarily at Asian

> grocery stores.

> Health food stores may have bitter melon extracts,

> but the fresh

> juice

> is probably best, as this was what was used in some

> of the studies.

> Bitter melon juice is, in my opinion, very difficult

> to make

> palatable.

> As its name implies, it is quite bitter. If you want

> the medicinal

> effects, simply plug your nose and take a 2-ounce

> shot of the juice.

> The

> dosage of other forms should approximate this dose.

>

> Gymnema Sylvestre

>

> Gymnema sylvestre is a plant native to the tropical

> forests of India,

> and has long been used as a treatment for diabetes.

> Recent scientific

> investigation has upheld its effectiveness in both

> type I and type II

> diabetes. Gymnema is probably the most practical

> herbal

> recommendation

> for improving blood sugar control in diabetics.

> High-quality gymnema

> extracts are available in health food stores.

> Gymnema Sylvestre appeared on the U.S.market a few

> years ago.

> Originally

> it was hyped as a " sugar blocker " . Manufacturers

> erroneously claimed

> that gymnema could block the absorption of sugar in

> the

> gastrointestinal

> tract and allow the sugar to pass on through the

> intestinal tract

> unabsorbed. Ridiculous advertisement claims were

> made, such as " how

> to

> cut down on sugar calories without cutting down on

> sugar. " This was,

> in

> my opinion, a blatant distortion of the truth.

> Gymnema components, such as gymnemic acid, block the

> sensation of

> sweetness when applied to the tongue. This has shown

> some clinical

> significance. Subjects that had gymnema extracts

> applied to the

> tongue

> consumed fewer calories at a meal compared to

> subjects not treated

> with

> gymnema. It must be stressed that the gymnema

> extract was applied to

> the

> tongues—subjects did now swallow it in capsule or

> tablet form, as

> this

> would not produce the same effect.

> Gymnema extracts enhance glucose control in diabetic

> dogs and

> rabbits.

> Interestingly, in animals that have had their

> pancreas removed,

> gymnema

>

=== message truncated ===

 

 

 

 

Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site

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[Guest guest]

---David, How I wish it were available in PDF format. :-) This is an

excerpt from an article by Michael T. Murray which I typed up for

another list, although I do I have several others which might be

useful for you which I could send on also.

We have had the best results with Bitter melon (either the fruit

obtained in Asian markets or the Auryvedic supplements which can be

otbtained online, and Fenugreek seeds. I believe Alobar has a good

link for this.

I am aware that Alobar reversed many of his symptoms, (diabetic

lesions) with use of bitter melon and perhaps a few of the others

mentioned in the article below.

Perhaps he will share with you if he's so inclined as I do know hes

used several of these herbs successfully over a period of months.

The bitter melon supplements are good, but Auryvedic ones are much

more effective if you can obtain them.

Of course one has to cut out all caffeine and refined sugar,

replacing them with Stevia, Agave and barleygrain coffee substitutes

such as Roma by worthington foods.

 

Best Regards,

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

 

JoAnn In Gettingwell, David Razo <ozar14> wrote:

> Thanks for the info. Can you download me the rest of

> the book?

> --- JoAnn Guest <angelprincessjo> wrote:

> > Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes JoAnn Guest

> > May 07, 2002 10:14 PDT

> >

> > Herbal Recommendations

> > for Diabetes

> >

> > Before the advent of insulin, diabetes was treated

> > with plant

> > medicines.

> > In 1980 the World Health Organization urged

> > researchers to examine

> > whether traditional medicines possessed any real

> > medicinal effects.

> > In

> > the last 10-20 years scientific investigation has,

> > in fact, confirmed

> > the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of

> > which are

> > remarkably

> > effective. This discussion is, of necessity, limited

> > to a few

> > plants—those that appear most effective are

> > relatively nontoxic, and

> > have substantial documentation of efficacy.

> > The following plants are discussed: onions and

> > garlic, bitter melon,

> > Gymnema Sylvestre, fenugreek, salt bush, and

> > pterocarpus. In

> > addition,

> > three other herbal medicines (bilberry, grape seed,

> > and ginkgo

> > extracts)

> > are discussed because of their important roles in

> > dealing with

> > diabetic

> > complications.

> > Even though the herbs described here possess blood

> > sugar-lowering

> > effects, proper and effective natural treatment of

> > the diabetic

> > patient

> > requires the careful integration of diet,

> > nutritional supplements,

> > and

> > lifestyle, along with herbal medicines.

> >

> > Onions (Allium cepa and garlic (Allium sativum)

> >

> > Onions and garlic have demonstrated blood sugar

> > lowering action. The

> > active principles are believed to be the

> > sulfur-containing compounds

> > allyl propyl disulfide (APDS) and diallyl disulfide

> > oxide (allicin),

> > respectively, although other constituents such as

> > flavonoids may play

> > a

> > role as well. The cardiovascular effects of garlic

> > and onions, that

> > is,

> > cholesterol and blood pressure lowering actions,

> > further substantiate

> > the liberal intake of garlic and onions by the

> > diabetic patient.

> >

> > Bitter Melon

> >

> > Bitter melon (Momordica charantia), also know as

> > balsam pear, is a

> > typical fruit widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and

> > South America.

> > The

> > unripe fruits are eaten as a vegatable. Bitter melon

> > is a green,

> > cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over

> > it. It looks

> > like

> > an ugly cucumber. In addition to being eaten as a

> > vegetable, unripe

> > bitter melon has been used extensively in folk

> > medicine as a remedy

> > for

> > diabetes. The blood-sugar lowering action of the

> > fresh juice or

> > extract

> > of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

>

>

>

>

> Web Hosting - Let the expert host your site

> http://webhosting.

[Guest guest]

-

" JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo

 

Monday, November 18, 2002 10:47 AM

Re: Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

 

 

---David, How I wish it were available in PDF format. :-) This is an

excerpt from an article by Michael T. Murray which I typed up for

another list, although I do I have several others which might be

useful for you which I could send on also.

We have had the best results with Bitter melon (either the fruit

obtained in Asian markets or the Auryvedic supplements which can be

otbtained online, and Fenugreek seeds. I believe Alobar has a good

link for this.

I am aware that Alobar reversed many of his symptoms, (diabetic

lesions) with use of bitter melon and perhaps a few of the others

mentioned in the article below.

Perhaps he will share with you if he's so inclined as I do know hes

used several of these herbs successfully over a period of months.

The bitter melon supplements are good, but Auryvedic ones are much

more effective if you can obtain them.

Of course one has to cut out all caffeine and refined sugar,

replacing them with Stevia, Agave and barleygrain coffee substitutes

such as Roma by worthington foods.

 

Best Regards,

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

From what I read, bitter melon works best taken

super-lingually, that is allowed to sit in the mouth for a minute or

two & allowed to dissolve into the top of the tongue. When

swallowed, most of its properties are destroyed (I am told) by the

stomach acid & digestive enzymes. I use tablets called Gourdin four

times a day. I have not done any long-term testing both with &

without Gourdin to check exactly how efficacious it is because I do

not want to subject my body to high sugar by going off the gourdin

for a month or two.

 

When I was first diagnosed with diabetes, my fasting blood

glucose level was 360. I immediately went on glyburide. It

normalized my blood glucose levels down to 90-110, but the side

effects made me feel terrible all the time. I knew it was just not

good for me. After a week-long severe depression, my ex-wife and an

on-line friend assisted me in doing web research & getting me out of

my funk by showing me that I could regain control by making myself

useful doing research. The first thing I discovered is that the ADA

diet which my doc recommended was all wrong. I worked on my diet

while I continued with the glyburide. I discovered gourdin & began

taking that in addition to the glyburide.

 

With the glyburide, I discovered I could cheat on my diet &

still have my blood glucose level be ok. This scared me. I knew if

I did not have immediate feedback on what foods were really bad for

me that it would be oh-so-easy to slip into a really destructive

dietary lifestyle. So I went off the glyburide as soon as the

physical therapists had helped me get my foot wound healed (after 4

months of their carving on my foot & me taking glyburide).

 

I have been using dietary control plus gourdin plus lots of

vitamins & other supplements for a little over a year now. My doc

told me that if I could maintain a fasting blood glucose of 127, I

could (in her opinion) stay off the diabetic meds. I have been

experimenting with supplements & have discovered many things which

spike my fasting glucose levels -- niacin, beta carotene at night

(if I take beta carotene in the morning, that is ok), eating a large

meal late at night, not drinking at least a gallon of water a day.

And I have found things which I had thought would spike my blood

glucose levels, but which do not. I eat a lot of fruit (7 portions)

most every day. I can eat 2 portions of tomatoes once a day for

several says in a row. With gourdin, I have immediate feedback on

what helps & what hurts my blood glucose levels which I did not have

with glyburide.

 

I also use Shilajit, which is another Aryuvedic preparation.

I am not real sure how (or even if) Shilajit works, but it does no

harm I can detect & is not expensive, so I continue taking it.

 

I also use a large amount of cinnamon (one small stick) and a

large hunk of fresh ginger (about the size of my two thumbs) most

every day. I started taking cinnamon & ginger to aid in circulation

to my hands & feet (which is dangerously poor in diabetics) and to

assist with peripheral nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy). I have

not noted any increase in feeling in my feet, but feeling has not

gotten worse either. Neuropathy is supposed to get progressively

worse over time, so maybe the ginger & cinnamon are doing good.

One thing I have noticed is the almost total remission of arthritic

pains in my hands. For the past decade, it was very painful to put

on a kitchen mitt or button my shirt. Now there is minor discomfort

in these activities, but no pain. The improvement happened gradually

over a month or two so I did not notice it at first.

 

 

I do have some serious questions (but no answers) about all

the herbs for diabetics. It seems from what I have read that all

these herbs & preparations act to stimulate the pancreas into

producing more & more insulin. From what I have read, insulin is not

real good for anyone if the quantities are too high. The docs

never have one's blood tested for insulin levels, just glucose. So

repeated daily stimulation of the pancreas to make more & more

insulin seems to me like it would be quite harmful long-term.

Perhaps not as immediately harmful as high blood glucose levels, but

both high glucose & high insulin levels eventually lead to death, if

I am not mistaken.

 

Early on in my readings about diabetes, I came upon the

statement (sorry, no footnote here) that almost all diabetics

eventually die from " diabetic complications " . Further reading got

me thinking that almost all of the " diabetic complications " they

mentioned were a mix of complications from high blood glucose and

complications from high insulin levels. So ideally, I figure I need

a lifestyle which keeps both my blood glucose levels low and also

keeps my blood insulin levels low.

 

Which got me thinking. Are there any herbs or food

supplements which decrease cell insulin sensitivity to allow a

diabetic to control blood sugar levels without boosting his or her

blood insulin levels?

 

I do not have the money to get my blood insulin tested right

now, but intend to do so if/when my financial situation improves. I

would very much like to find supplements which decrease my body's

need for insulin while still keeping my blood glucose levels in

check.

 

Alobar

[Guest guest]

-

" Alobar " <alobar

 

Monday, November 18, 2002 12:26 PM

Re: Re: Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

 

Addendum to my previous post in this thread:

 

I have no real evidence here, but I stongly believe that my

high Vitamin C intake also had a positive effect on either my blood

glucose levels & /or helping to reverse my neuropathy. I could be

just kidding myself here, but my body sure seems to crave lots of C

an seems to do much better since I have upped my dose from 12 grams a

day to bowel tollerance.

 

Alobar

[Guest guest]

******** My comments marked with asterisks at start of line.

-

" JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo

 

Monday, November 18, 2002 4:27 PM

Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

 

 

Alobar,

Before the advent of insulin.diabetes was treated with plant

medicines and herbs!

In 1980, the WHO urged researchers to examine whether these

traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects.

In the last 10-20 years, scientific investigation has indeed

confirmed the efficacy of these herbal preparations.

 

******** I know that certain herbs are good for stimulating

insulin production. For now, I appreciate their value. Elevated

blood glucose levels are not a good thing.

 

Alobar,.. Up to 90 percent of all diabetics are Type II.

With Type II diabetes, insulin levels are typically elevated,

indicating a " loss of sensitivity " to insulin

 

Apparently this is caused when our *body cells*

 

do not respond to the insulin that is presently available to them.

 

 

******** I understand this. I am looking to find ways of

increasing sensitivity of my cells to insulin because from what I

have read, eleveated insulin levels for long periods of time have

some pretty serious consequences. Below are URLs for 2 web pages

which mention the dangers of elevated insulin levels. Brief quotes

from both pages follow the URLs. The second URL has far more info.

The brief snippet I have appended here does not do it justice.

 

From what I can deduce, monitoring & controlling blood

glucose levels is step one. I am doing that. My next goal is to

keep blood glucose levels under control while decreasing blood

insulin levels. Which means I am working to figure out how to

decrease cell resistance to insulin. Increrase omega 3 oils. Get

plenty of sleep. As soon as I can afford it, I shall be buying my

beef grass fed, but for now that is just not possible.

 

So, what I am looking for is not herbs which stimulate

insulin production, but herbs which decrease cell resistance to

insulin. If you, or anyone else, comes across any references to

herbs, vitamins, foods, supplements, etc. which may do that, please

let me know.

 

Alobar

 

http://www.mercola.com/2002/oct/26/diabetes.htm

DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

blood sugar drops, but their insulin levels rise. The problem here is

that the increased insulin levels increase the diabetic's appetite

and they gain even more weight. The weight gain contributes to a

worsening of their insulin receptor dysfunction and their blood sugar

continues to rise, thus resulting in higher and higher levels of

insulin.

So what is the solution?

Fortunately it is quite straightforward. One needs to reduce, NOT

increase insulin levels and this is typically done by radically

reducing the foods that cause one to make insulin. This is primarily

grains and sugars.

Exercise will do wonders to improve the insulin receptor sensitivity,

as will omega-3 oils and sleep.

 

http://www.cat007.com/insulin.htm

A lesser known fact is that insulin also stores magnesium. We

mentioned it's role in vitamin C, it stores all sorts of nutrients.

But what happens if your cells become resistant to insulin? First of

all you can't store magnesium so you lose it, that's one effect, you

lose it out the urine.

 

What is one of magnesium's major roles?

To relax muscles. Intracellular magnesium relaxes muscles. What

happens when you can't store magnesium because the cell is resistant?

You lose magnesium and your blood vessels constrict, what does that

do?

Increases blood pressure, and reduces energy since intracellular

magnesium is required for all energy producing reactions that take

place in the cell. But most importantly, magnesium is also necessary

for the action of insulin. It is also necessary for the manufacture

of insulin.

 

So then you raise your insulin, you lose magnesium, and the cells

become even more insulin resistant. Blood vessels constrict, glucose

and insulin can't get to the tissues, which makes them more insulin

resistant, so the insulin levels go up and you lose more magnesium.

This is the vicious cycle that goes on from before you were born.

[Guest guest]

---Actually Alobar I'm convinced that Dr. Mercola is referring to the

insulin drugs rather than natural insulin which is made by our own

bodies. There is a huge difference! I wouldn't be concerned about

your body making too much insulin if you have your gluocose levels

under control.

Another suggestion would be to take some pancreatic enzymes.

Pancreatic enzymes are quite beneficial in these instances.

As for the second article. Insulin is not at all involved in artery

damage(thrombosis) from macrophages. Rather free radicals are the

root cause of this problem. I'm just wondering about the author's

credentials, as so many of his views differ so drastically from

anything I've ever read.

This article seems a bit suspect in the way it approaches high

blood pressure also. Most suffering from high blood pressure might

possibly be lacking in magnesium also, but apparently potassium

deficiency is the source of the problem. When potassium levels are

raised,more sodium is excreted from the urine which generally tends

to alleviate many of the problems associated with high blood pressure.

 

Best Regards,

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

 

In Gettingwell, " Alobar " <alobar@b...> wrote:

> ******** My comments marked with asterisks at start of line.

> -

> " JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo>

> <Gettingwell>

> Monday, November 18, 2002 4:27 PM

> Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

>

>

> Alobar,

> Before the advent of insulin.diabetes was treated with plant

> medicines and herbs!

> In 1980, the WHO urged researchers to examine whether these

> traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects.

> In the last 10-20 years, scientific investigation has indeed

> confirmed the efficacy of these herbal preparations.

>

> ******** I know that certain herbs are good for stimulating

> insulin production. For now, I appreciate their value. Elevated

> blood glucose levels are not a good thing.

>

> Alobar,.. Up to 90 percent of all diabetics are Type II.

> With Type II diabetes, insulin levels are typically elevated,

> indicating a " loss of sensitivity " to insulin

>

> Apparently this is caused when our *body cells*

>

> do not respond to the insulin that is presently available to them.

>

>

> ******** I understand this. I am looking to find ways of

> increasing sensitivity of my cells to insulin because from what I

> have read, eleveated insulin levels for long periods of time have

> some pretty serious consequences. Below are URLs for 2 web pages

> which mention the dangers of elevated insulin levels. Brief quotes

> from both pages follow the URLs. The second URL has far more info.

> The brief snippet I have appended here does not do it justice.

>

> From what I can deduce, monitoring & controlling blood

> glucose levels is step one. I am doing that. My next goal is to

> keep blood glucose levels under control while decreasing blood

> insulin levels. Which means I am working to figure out how to

> decrease cell resistance to insulin. Increrase omega 3 oils. Get

> plenty of sleep. As soon as I can afford it, I shall be buying my

> beef grass fed, but for now that is just not possible.

>

> So, what I am looking for is not herbs which stimulate

> insulin production, but herbs which decrease cell resistance to

> insulin. If you, or anyone else, comes across any references to

> herbs, vitamins, foods, supplements, etc. which may do that, please

> let me know.

>

> Alobar

>

> http://www.mercola.com/2002/oct/26/diabetes.htm

> DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

> blood sugar drops, but their insulin levels rise. The problem here

is

> that the increased insulin levels increase the diabetic's appetite

> and they gain even more weight. The weight gain contributes to a

> worsening of their insulin receptor dysfunction and their blood

sugar

> continues to rise, thus resulting in higher and higher levels of

> insulin.

> So what is the solution?

> Fortunately it is quite straightforward. One needs to reduce, NOT

> increase insulin levels and this is typically done by radically

> reducing the foods that cause one to make insulin. This is primarily

> grains and sugars.

> Exercise will do wonders to improve the insulin receptor

sensitivity,

> as will omega-3 oils and sleep.

>

> http://www.cat007.com/insulin.htm

> A lesser known fact is that insulin also stores magnesium. We

> mentioned it's role in vitamin C, it stores all sorts of nutrients.

> But what happens if your cells become resistant to insulin? First of

> all you can't store magnesium so you lose it, that's one effect, you

> lose it out the urine.

>

> What is one of magnesium's major roles?

> To relax muscles. Intracellular magnesium relaxes muscles. What

> happens when you can't store magnesium because the cell is

resistant?

> You lose magnesium and your blood vessels constrict, what does that

> do?

> Increases blood pressure, and reduces energy since intracellular

> magnesium is required for all energy producing reactions that take

> place in the cell. But most importantly, magnesium is also necessary

> for the action of insulin. It is also necessary for the manufacture

> of insulin.

>

> So then you raise your insulin, you lose magnesium, and the cells

> become even more insulin resistant. Blood vessels constrict, glucose

> and insulin can't get to the tissues, which makes them more insulin

> resistant, so the insulin levels go up and you lose more magnesium.

> This is the vicious cycle that goes on from before you were born.

[Guest guest]

---Alobar, Your second link mentions *Vanadyl Sulfate* for

regenerating insulin resistant cells.

Dr.Whitakers recommends this mineral also.

Vanadyl Sulfate is very effective.

I have my husband on a supplement containing

*minute* amounts of this mineral and it seems to be helping

keep things under control, providing he cuts out the refined sugar

over the long term.

We have switched over to NOW stevia packets

for the time being.

He seems to be quite content with them so we'll see how it goes.

A good source for Stevia is

NOW foods.

 

http://www.NOWfoods.com

 

JoAnn

 

In Gettingwell, " Alobar " <alobar@b...> wrote:

> ******** My comments marked with asterisks at start of line.

> -

> " JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo>

> <Gettingwell>

> Monday, November 18, 2002 4:27 PM

> Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

>

>

> Alobar,

> Before the advent of insulin.diabetes was treated with plant

> medicines and herbs!

> In 1980, the WHO urged researchers to examine whether these

> traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects.

> In the last 10-20 years, scientific investigation has indeed

> confirmed the efficacy of these herbal preparations.

>

> ******** I know that certain herbs are good for stimulating

> insulin production. For now, I appreciate their value. Elevated

> blood glucose levels are not a good thing.

>

> Alobar,.. Up to 90 percent of all diabetics are Type II.

> With Type II diabetes, insulin levels are typically elevated,

> indicating a " loss of sensitivity " to insulin

>

> Apparently this is caused when our *body cells*

>

> do not respond to the insulin that is presently available to them.

>

>

> ******** I understand this. I am looking to find ways of

> increasing sensitivity of my cells to insulin because from what I

> have read, eleveated insulin levels for long periods of time have

> some pretty serious consequences. Below are URLs for 2 web pages

> which mention the dangers of elevated insulin levels. Brief quotes

> from both pages follow the URLs. The second URL has far more info.

> The brief snippet I have appended here does not do it justice.

>

> From what I can deduce, monitoring & controlling blood

> glucose levels is step one. I am doing that. My next goal is to

> keep blood glucose levels under control while decreasing blood

> insulin levels. Which means I am working to figure out how to

> decrease cell resistance to insulin. Increrase omega 3 oils. Get

> plenty of sleep. As soon as I can afford it, I shall be buying my

> beef grass fed, but for now that is just not possible.

>

> So, what I am looking for is not herbs which stimulate

> insulin production, but herbs which decrease cell resistance to

> insulin. If you, or anyone else, comes across any references to

> herbs, vitamins, foods, supplements, etc. which may do that, please

> let me know.

>

> Alobar

>

> http://www.mercola.com/2002/oct/26/diabetes.htm

> DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

> blood sugar drops, but their insulin levels rise. The problem here

is

> that the increased insulin levels increase the diabetic's appetite

> and they gain even more weight. The weight gain contributes to a

> worsening of their insulin receptor dysfunction and their blood

sugar

> continues to rise, thus resulting in higher and higher levels of

> insulin.

> So what is the solution?

> Fortunately it is quite straightforward. One needs to reduce, NOT

> increase insulin levels and this is typically done by radically

> reducing the foods that cause one to make insulin. This is primarily

> grains and sugars.

> Exercise will do wonders to improve the insulin receptor

sensitivity,

> as will omega-3 oils and sleep.

>

> http://www.cat007.com/insulin.htm

> A lesser known fact is that insulin also stores magnesium. We

[Guest guest]

-

" JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo

 

Thursday, November 21, 2002 1:43 PM

Re: Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

 

 

> ---Alobar, Your second link mentions *Vanadyl Sulfate* for

> regenerating insulin resistant cells.

> Dr.Whitakers recommends this mineral also.

> Vanadyl Sulfate is very effective.

> I have my husband on a supplement containing

> *minute* amounts of this mineral and it seems to be helping

> keep things under control, providing he cuts out the refined sugar

> over the long term.

> We have switched over to NOW stevia packets

> for the time being.

> He seems to be quite content with them so we'll see how it goes.

> A good source for Stevia is

> NOW foods.

>

> http://www.NOWfoods.com

>

> JoAnn

 

I am going to have to go hunting for something containing

vanadyl sulfate. I just checked my multi-vitamin + mineral tablet

box & see that it does not contain any.

 

Thanks for the info on stevia, but I am learning how to do

without sweet tastes. I never liked the taste of stevia and I find

that trying to placate my sweet tooth with substitutes to be very

frustrating as it just makes me want sugar.

 

Alobar

[Guest guest]

Is there a general dose recommendation for Vanadyl S., or is it sufficient

to follow the dose suggestion on the bottle? Is there a narrow " saftey "

dose range for Vanadyl?

-

" JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo

 

Thursday, November 21, 2002 11:43 AM

Re: Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

 

 

> ---Alobar, Your second link mentions *Vanadyl Sulfate* for

> regenerating insulin resistant cells.

> Dr.Whitakers recommends this mineral also.

> Vanadyl Sulfate is very effective.

> I have my husband on a supplement containing

> *minute* amounts of this mineral and it seems to be helping

> keep things under control, providing he cuts out the refined sugar

> over the long term.

> We have switched over to NOW stevia packets

> for the time being.

> He seems to be quite content with them so we'll see how it goes.

> A good source for Stevia is

> NOW foods.

>

> http://www.NOWfoods.com

>

> JoAnn

>

> In Gettingwell, " Alobar " <alobar@b...> wrote:

> > ******** My comments marked with asterisks at start of line.

> > -

> > " JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo>

> > <Gettingwell>

> > Monday, November 18, 2002 4:27 PM

> > Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

> >

> >

> > Alobar,

> > Before the advent of insulin.diabetes was treated with plant

> > medicines and herbs!

> > In 1980, the WHO urged researchers to examine whether these

> > traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects.

> > In the last 10-20 years, scientific investigation has indeed

> > confirmed the efficacy of these herbal preparations.

> >

> > ******** I know that certain herbs are good for stimulating

> > insulin production. For now, I appreciate their value. Elevated

> > blood glucose levels are not a good thing.

> >

> > Alobar,.. Up to 90 percent of all diabetics are Type II.

> > With Type II diabetes, insulin levels are typically elevated,

> > indicating a " loss of sensitivity " to insulin

> >

> > Apparently this is caused when our *body cells*

> >

> > do not respond to the insulin that is presently available to them.

> >

> >

> > ******** I understand this. I am looking to find ways of

> > increasing sensitivity of my cells to insulin because from what I

> > have read, eleveated insulin levels for long periods of time have

> > some pretty serious consequences. Below are URLs for 2 web pages

> > which mention the dangers of elevated insulin levels. Brief quotes

> > from both pages follow the URLs. The second URL has far more info.

> > The brief snippet I have appended here does not do it justice.

> >

> > From what I can deduce, monitoring & controlling blood

> > glucose levels is step one. I am doing that. My next goal is to

> > keep blood glucose levels under control while decreasing blood

> > insulin levels. Which means I am working to figure out how to

> > decrease cell resistance to insulin. Increrase omega 3 oils. Get

> > plenty of sleep. As soon as I can afford it, I shall be buying my

> > beef grass fed, but for now that is just not possible.

> >

> > So, what I am looking for is not herbs which stimulate

> > insulin production, but herbs which decrease cell resistance to

> > insulin. If you, or anyone else, comes across any references to

> > herbs, vitamins, foods, supplements, etc. which may do that, please

> > let me know.

> >

> > Alobar

> >

> > http://www.mercola.com/2002/oct/26/diabetes.htm

> > DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT:

> > blood sugar drops, but their insulin levels rise. The problem here

> is

> > that the increased insulin levels increase the diabetic's appetite

> > and they gain even more weight. The weight gain contributes to a

> > worsening of their insulin receptor dysfunction and their blood

> sugar

> > continues to rise, thus resulting in higher and higher levels of

> > insulin.

> > So what is the solution?

> > Fortunately it is quite straightforward. One needs to reduce, NOT

> > increase insulin levels and this is typically done by radically

> > reducing the foods that cause one to make insulin. This is primarily

> > grains and sugars.

> > Exercise will do wonders to improve the insulin receptor

> sensitivity,

> > as will omega-3 oils and sleep.

> >

> > http://www.cat007.com/insulin.htm

> > A lesser known fact is that insulin also stores magnesium. We

>

>

>

> Getting well is done one step at a time, day by day, building health

> and well being.

>

> list or archives: Gettingwell

>

> ........ Gettingwell-

> post............. Gettingwell

> digest form...... Gettingwell-digest

> individual emails Gettingwell-normal

> no email......... Gettingwell-nomail

> moderator ....... Gettingwell-owner

> ...... Gettingwell-

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

---John, Dr. Whitaker advises up to 45 mgs each day taken in 15 mg

tablets. According to his site, if more is needed one should do it

with the help of a health professional..i.e. a doctor who is involved

in alternative remedies such as himself.

 

http://www.drwhitaker.com

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

Friendsforhealthnaturally

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html

 

In Gettingwell, " John Polifronio " <counterpnt@e...> wrote:

> Is there a general dose recommendation for Vanadyl S., or is it

sufficient

> to follow the dose suggestion on the bottle? Is there a

narrow " saftey "

> dose range for Vanadyl?

> -

> " JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo>

> <Gettingwell>

> Thursday, November 21, 2002 11:43 AM

> Re: Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

>

>

> > ---Alobar, Your second link mentions *Vanadyl Sulfate* for

> > regenerating insulin resistant cells.

> > Dr.Whitakers recommends this mineral also.

> > Vanadyl Sulfate is very effective.

> > I have my husband on a supplement containing

> > *minute* amounts of this mineral and it seems to be helping

> > keep things under control, providing he cuts out the refined sugar

> > over the long term.

> > We have switched over to NOW stevia packets

> > for the time being.

> > He seems to be quite content with them so we'll see how it goes.

> > A good source for Stevia is

> > NOW foods.

> >

> > http://www.NOWfoods.com

> >

> > JoAnn

> >

> > In Gettingwell, " Alobar " <alobar@b...> wrote:

> > > ******** My comments marked with asterisks at start of line.

> > > -

> > > " JoAnn Guest " <angelprincessjo>

> > > <Gettingwell>

> > > Monday, November 18, 2002 4:27 PM

> > > Herbal Recommendations for Diabetes

> > >

> > >

> > > Alobar,

> > > Before the advent of insulin.diabetes was treated with plant

> > > medicines and herbs!

> > > In 1980, the WHO urged researchers to examine whether these

> > > traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects.

> > > In the last 10-20 years, scientific investigation has indeed

> > > confirmed the efficacy of these herbal preparations.

> > >

> > > ******** I know that certain herbs are good for

stimulating

> > > insulin production. For now, I appreciate their value.

Elevated

> > > blood glucose levels are not a good thing.

> > >

> > > Alobar,.. Up to 90 percent of all diabetics are Type II.

> > > With Type II diabetes, insulin levels are typically elevated,

> > > indicating a " loss of sensitivity " to insulin

> > >

> > > Apparently this is caused when our *body cells*

> > >

> > > do not respond to the insulin that is presently available to

them.

[Guest guest]

Herbal Recommendationsfor DiabetesBefore the advent of insulin, diabetes was treated with plant medicines.

In 1980 the World Health Organization urged researchers to examine whether traditional medicines possessed any real medicinal effects. In the last 10-20 years scientific investigation has, in fact, confirmed the efficacy of many of these preparations, some of which are remarkably effective. This discussion is, of necessity, limited to a few plants—those that appear most effective are relatively nontoxic, and have substantial documentation of efficacy.

The following plants are discussed: onions and garlic, bitter melon, Gymnema Sylvestre, fenugreek, salt bush, and pterocarpus. In addition, three other herbal medicines (bilberry, grape seed, and ginkgo extracts) are discussed because of their important roles in dealing with diabetic complications.

Even though the herbs described here possess blood sugar-lowering effects, proper and effective natural treatment of the diabetic patient requires the careful integration of diet, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle, along with herbal medicines.Onions (Allium cepa and garlic (Allium sativum)Onions and garlic have demonstrated blood sugar lowering action. The active principles are believed to be the sulfur-containing compounds allyl propyl disulfide (APDS) and diallyl disulfide oxide (allicin), respectively, although other constituents such as flavonoids may play a role as well. The cardiovascular effects of garlic and onions, that is, cholesterol and blood pressure lowering actions, further substantiate the liberal intake of garlic and onions by the diabetic patient.Bitter MelonBitter melon (Momordica charantia), also know as balsam pear, is a typical fruit widely cultivated in Asia, Africa, and South America. The unripe fruits are eaten as a vegatable. Bitter melon is a green, cucumber-shaped fruit with gourd like bumps all over it. It looks like an ugly cucumber. In addition to being eaten as a vegetable, unripe bitter melon has been used extensively in folk medicine as a remedy for diabetes. The blood-sugar lowering action of the fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been clearly established in human clinical trials as well as experimental models.

Bitter melon is composed of several compounds with confirmed anti-diabetic properties. Charantin, extracted by alcohol, is a hypoglycemic agent composed of mixed steroids that is more potent than the oral hypoglycemic drug tolbutamide. Momordica charantia also contains an insulin-like polypeptide P, which lowers blood sugar levels when injected subcutaneously into type I diabetics. Since it appears to have fewer side effects than insulin, it has been suggested as a replacement for some patients.The oral administration of bitter melon preparations has shown good results in clinical trials in patients with type II diabetes. In one study, glucose tolerance was improved in 73 percent of type II diabetics given 2 ounces of the juice. The pooled area under the glucose tolerance curves of the patients responding to the bitter melon was 187.0 square centimeters---much lower than the baseline level of 243.6 square centimeters. In another study, 15 grams of the aquaeous extract of bitter melon produced a 54 percent decrease in postprandial blood sugar level and a 17 percent reduction in glycosylated hemoglobin in six patients.

Unripe bitter melon is available primarily at Asian grocery stores. Health food stores may have bitter melon extracts, but the fresh juice is probably best, as this was what was used in some of the studies. Bitter melon juice is, in my opinion, very difficult to make palatable.

 

As its name implies, it is quite bitter. If you want the medicinal effects, simply plug your nose and take a 2-ounce shot of the juice. The dosage of other forms should approximate this dose.Gymnema SylvestreGymnema sylvestre is a plant native to the tropical forests of India, and has long been used as a treatment for diabetes. Recent scientific investigation has upheld its effectiveness in both type I and type II diabetes. Gymnema is probably the most practical herbal recommendation for improving blood sugar control in diabetics. High-quality gymnema extracts are available in health food stores.Gymnema Sylvestre appeared on the U.S.market a few years ago. Originally it was hyped as a "sugar blocker". Manufacturers erroneously claimed that gymnema could block the absorption of sugar in the gastrointestinal tract and allow the sugar to pass on through the intestinal tract unabsorbed. Ridiculous advertisement claims were made, such as "how to cut down on sugar calories without cutting down on sugar." This was, in my opinion, a blatant distortion of the truth.Gymnema components, such as gymnemic acid, block the sensation of sweetness when applied to the tongue. This has shown some clinical significance. Subjects that had gymnema extracts applied to the tongue consumed fewer calories at a meal compared to subjects not treated with gymnema. It must be stressed that the gymnema extract was applied to the tongues—subjects did now swallow it in capsule or tablet form, as this would not produce the same effect.Gymnema extracts enhance glucose control in diabetic dogs and rabbits.

Interestingly, in animals that have had their pancreas removed, gymnema possesses no obvious effects. It can therefore be concluded that gymnema enhances the production of endogenous insulin. The results of animal studies suggest that it accomplishes this through regeneration of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Studies in humans seem to support this, both in type I and type II diabetes.An extract of the leaves of Gymnema sylvestre given to twenty-seven patients with type I diabetes on insulin therapy was shown to reduce insulin requirements and fasting blood sugar levels, and to improve blood sugar control.

This study confirmed earlier work in animal studies. In type I diabetes, gymnema appears to work by enhancing the action of insulin. Furthermore, there is some evidence that it may possibly regenerate or revitalize the beta cells of the pancreas.Gymnema extract has also shown positive results in type II diabetes. In one study, twenty-two type II diabetics were given gymnema extract along with the oral hypoglycemic drugs. All patients demonstrated improved blood sugar control; twenty-one out of the twenty-two subjects were able to reduce their drug dosage considerably; and five subjects were able to discontinue their medication and maintain blood sugar control with the gymnema extract alone.The dosage for Gymnema sylvestre extract is 400 mgs per day in both type I and type II diabetes. It is interesting to note that gymnema extract is without side effects and exerts it blood sugar-lowering effects only in cases of diabetes. Gymnema extract, when given to healthy volunteers, does not produce any blood sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects.FenugreekFenugreek seeds have demonstrated significant anti-diabetic effects in experimental and clinical studies. The active principle is in the defatted portion of the seed and contains the alkaloid trigonelline, nicotinic acid, and coumarin. Administration of the defatted seed (in daily doses of 1.5-2 grams per kilogram) to both normal and diabetic dogs reduces fasting and after meal blood levels of glucose, glucagon, somatostatin,insulin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels.

Human studies confirm these effects. Defatted fenugreek seed powder given twice daily in a 50-gram dose to insulin dependent diabetics resulted in significant reduction in fasting blood sugar and improved glucose tolerance test results.

There was also a 54 percent reduction in 24-hour urinary glucose excretion and significant reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride values. Innoninsulin diabetics the addition of 15 grams of powdered fenugreek seed soaked in water significantly reduced postprandial glucose levels during the meal tolerance test. These results indicate that fenugreek seeds or defatted fenugreek seed powder should be included in the diet of the diabetic.Salt Bush (Atriplex halimus)Salt bush is a branch woody shrub native to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and southern Europe. Salt bush is especially common around the Jordan valley in inundated saline depressions and oases. Salt bush is the feeding source of the sand rat. Researchers began investigating the possible therapeutic benefits of atriplex in humans when it was noticed that sand rats switched from a diet rich in atriplex to standard rat chow typically developed severe diabetes. Replacing the atriplex to the diet brought about a quick reversal of the condition.Human studies conducted in Israel have yielded good results in patients with type II diabetes. Blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance were improved. Atriplex is rich in fiber, protein, and numerous trace minerals including chromium. The dosage used in the human studies was 3 grams per day.Pterocarpus (Pterocarpus marsupium)Pterocarpus has a long history of use in India as a treatment for diabetes. The flavonoid, (-)-epicatechin, extracted from the bark of this plant, prevents beta cell damage in rats. Further, both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium actually regenerate functional pancreatic beta cells in diabetic animals. Epicatechin is also found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). As there are no commercial sources of pterocarpus in the United States, green tea may be suitable alternative. At least two cups of green tea should be consumed per day.Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus), grape seed (Vitis vinifera), and Ginkgo biloba extractsBilberry, grape seed, and Ginkgo biloba extracts offer significant benefits to diabetics. The active compounds of these extracts are flavonoids. These flavonoids increase vitamin C levels, decrease the leakiness and breakage of small blood vessels, prevent easy bruising, and exert potent antioxidant effects. These effects are greatly needed in dealing with the microvascular abnormalities of diabetes and preventing diabetic retinopathy.Although all three of these extracts are of significant benefit, bilberry and grape seed extract are probably the best to use in the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, while gingko biloba extract appears most useful in the prevention and treatment of peripheral vascular and nerve disease due to diabetes.Regardless of the source, PCO extracts can be used to support good health. As a preventive measure and as antioxidant support, a daily dose of 50 mgs of the grape seed extract is suitable.When used for therapeutic purposes, the daily dose should be increased to 150 to 300 mgs. For PCO bound to phosphatidylcholine, the dose for general support is 50 mgs; for therapeutic purposes, 150 mgs.PCO extracts exert no side effect.The standard dose for bilberry should be used on its anthocyanoside content, as calculated by its anthocyanidin percentage. Widely used pharmaceutical preparations in Europe are standardized for anthocyanidin content (typically 25 percent). The following doses should be taken three times daily:Anthocyanosides (calculated as anthocyanidin): 20-40 mgs.Bilberry extract (25 percent anthocyanidin content): 80- 160 mgsMuch of the clinical research on Gingko biloba has utilized a standardized extract, containing 24 percent ginkgo heterosides (flavone gylcosides) at a dosage of 40 mgs three times a day. However, some studies have used a slightly higher dosage of 80 mgs three times daily.

 

Clinical research clearly shows that GBE should be taken consistently for at least 12 weeks in order to be effective. Although most people report benefits within 2 to 3 weeks, some may take longer to respond.Gingko biloba leaf extract is extremely safe and side effects are uncommon. In 44 double blind studies involving 9,772 patients taking GBE, the number of side effects reported was extremely small. The most common side effect, gastrointestinal discomfort, occurred in only twenty-one cases.Taken from-"The Healing Power of Herbs"Revised and expanded 2nd version-- Michael T. Murray, N.D.Co-author of "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"JoAnn Guest jogu-Friendsforhea- http://canceranswer.homestead.com/AIM.htmltheaimcompanies"Health is not a Medical Issue"