Herbs for diabetes , cholesterol and blood pressure

Do you know that Okra also considered anti diabetic 2 veges , you can boil and eat or make tea of it or cook the okra.

Common Sage, Dalmatian Sage, Feuille de la Bergère, Garden Sage, Herbe Sacré, Meadow Sage, Salvia lavandulaefolia, Salvia officinalis, Sauge, Sauge Ananas, Sauge des Prairies.

Sage is an herb. The leaf is used to make medicine. There are many species of sage. The two most common species are common sage (Salvia officinalis) and Spanish sage (Salvia lavandulaefolia).

Sage is used for digestive problems, including loss of appetite, gas , stomach pain , diarrhea, bloating and heartburn . It is also used for reducing overproduction of perspiration and saliva and for depression, diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and a condition in which there is too little blood flow to the brain (cerebral ischemia). It is also used to improve mental performance and memory, to reduce pain after surgery, for Alzheimer’s disease, and to prevent lung cancer.

Women use sage for painful menstrual periods, to correct excessive milk flow during nursing, and to reduce hot flashes during menopause. Sage is also used by men to reduce hot during certain treatment for prostate cancer called androgen deprivation therapy.

Sage is applied directly to the mouth or throat for cold sore, gum disease (gingivitis), sore mouth, throat, or tongue, swollen, painful nasal passages, and swollen tonsils. It is also applied to the skin after sun exposure to prevent sunburn.

Some people inhale sage for asthma. As an aromatherapy y, some people use sage to improve memory and brain function. In foods, sage is a commonly used spice.

How does it work?

Sage might help with chemical imbalances in the brain that cause symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It might also improve how the body uses insulin and sugar.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that affects the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. Treatment includes lifestyle strategies and sometimes medication, but some complementary therapies, such as herbs and supplements, may help.

In diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or produces insulin that the body does not use properly.

Herbs and supplements will not cure diabetes and do not constitute a standalone treatment, but some may combine with conventional treatment to provide relief from symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.

Here are seven herbs and supplements that may be of benefit to people with type 2 diabetes

Aloe Vera

Consuming aloe Vera pulp might help repair and protect the pancreas

Aloe Vera is a common plant with many different uses. Many people are aware of its benefits for skin care, but it may also have other benefits, including slowing the progress of type 2 diabetes..

The researchers called for more research into aloe and its extracts to be sure of these effects.

Ways of taking aloe include:

• adding juiced pulp to a drink or smoothie
• taking capsules that contain aloe as supplements

People should not eat aloe Vera skin care products.

Aloe Vera juice may offer a number of health benefits.

Cinnamon

It is a fragrant spice that comes from the bark of a tree. It is a popular ingredient in sweets, baked goods, and other dishes.

It has a taste that can add sweetness without any additional sugar. It is popular with people with type 2 diabetes ,for this reason alone, but it may also offer other benefits

Cinnamon may improve levels of:

• glucose
• insulin and insulin sensitivity
• lipids, or fats, in the blood
• antioxidant status
• blood pressure
• lean body mass
• digestion

Researchers concluded that cinnamon might lead to:

• lower fasting blood glucose levels
• less total cholesterol  and “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
• higher levels of “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• a reduction in triglycerides, or fat, in the blood
• increased insulin sensitivity

It did not appear to have a significant impact on hemoglobin A1C. The AIC test is a standard test for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

Nevertheless, lipids, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity are all important markers for people with diabetes.

In both studies, the researchers note that the results may depend on:

• the type of cinnamon, as the amount of active ingredient depends on the type
• the amount or dose
• the individual’s response to cinnamon
• other medications the person may be taking

Most studies have not involved humans, so there is a lack of evidence about how cinnamon might affect people, including its possible side effects. Scientists need to carry out more research to confirm the safety and effectiveness of cinnamon as a therapy.

People can take cinnamon:

• in a variety of cooked dishes and baked goods
• in teas
• as a supplement

Anyone who is thinking of using cinnamon supplements should speak to their doctor first.

Bitter melon

Momordica charantia, or bitter melon, is a medicinal fruit. Practitioners of traditional Chinese and Indian medicine have used bitter melon for centuries. People can cook the fruit and use it in many dishes. Some scientists have been looking into its potential medicinal uses.

There is some evidence that bitter melon may help with the symptoms of diabetes. One review has noted that people have used many parts of the plant to help treat diabetes.

Research has shown that taking bitter melon in the following forms can lead to a reduction in blood sugar levels in some people:

• seeds
• blended vegetable pulp
• juice
• supplements

Eating or drinking the bitter melon can be an acquired taste, but taking supplements may make it more palatable.

There is not enough evidence to support using bitter melon instead of insulin or medication for diabetes.

However, it may help people rely less on those medications or lower their dosages.

Milk thistle

Share on Pinterest Milk thistle may have anti-inflammatory properties, making it potentially useful for people with diabetes.

People have used milk thistle since ancient times for many different ailments, and especially as a tonic for the liver.

Silymarin, the extract from milk thistle that has received the most attention from scientists, is a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These are the properties that may make milk thistle a useful herb for people with diabetes.

Many of the studies on silymarin are promising, but the research is not strong enough to recommend the herb or extract alone for diabetes care, according to one review published in 2016.

There appear to be no reports of significant side effects, and many people take milk thistle as a supplement. However, it is best to speak to a doctor first before using any supplements.

Fenugreek

It is another seed that may help lower blood sugar levels.

The seeds contain fibers and chemicals that help to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar.

There is also some evidence that the seeds may help delay or prevent the onset of type tow diabetes

Findings of a 3-year investigation published in 2015 noted that people with prediabetes were less likely to receive a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes while taking powdered fenugreek seed.

The researchers concluded that taking the seed led to:

• increased levels of insulin in the body, leading to a reduction in blood sugar
• lower cholesterol levels

The study involved 66 people with diabetes who took 5 grams (g) of the seed preparation twice a day before meals, and 74 controls, who did not take it.

A person can:

• include fenugreek as a herb in certain dishes
• add it to warm water
• grind into a powder
• take it as a supplement in capsule form

Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that comes from India. Its name means “sugar destroyer.”

A 2013 review noted that people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes ,who took Gymnema showed signs of improvement

In people with type 1 diabetes, who took the leaf extract for 18 months, fasting blood sugar levels fell significantly, compared with a group who received only insulin.

Other tests using Gymnema found that people with type 2 diabetes responded well to both the leaf and its extract over various periods.

• lower blood sugar levels
• higher insulin levels

Using either the ground leaf or leaf extract may be beneficial. But once again, talk to your doctor about using it before starting.

Ginger

There is some evidence that ginger can lower blood sugar levels.

It is another herb that people have used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems.

People often use ginger to help treat digestive and inflammatory issues.

However, in 2015, a review suggested that it may also help treat diabetes. The results showed that ginger lowered blood sugar levels, but did not lower blood insulin levels.

Because of this, they suggest that ginger may reduce insulin resistance in the body for type 2 diabetes.

However, the researchers were uncertain as to how ginger might do this, and they called for more research to confirm these findings.

People can take ginger:

• by adding ginger powder or chopped, fresh ginger root to raw or cooked food
• brewed into tea
• as a supplement in capsule form
• by drinking it in a ginger ale

Many adults around the world deal with blood pressure, also called hypertension . Due to the recent changes in guidelines, nearly half of the adults will now be characterized as having high blood pressure. Experts recommend treating the condition with lifestyle changes and medications

If you’re thinking of trying herbs for medical reasons, whether it’s the whole herb or a supplement, speak to your doctor first. Currently, there are no herbs regularly recommended by high blood pressure specialists. Some herbs, especially in large quantities, may produce undesirable side effects or interfere with other medications.

Blood pressure hearbs

Basil

It is a delicious herb that goes well in a variety of foods. It also might help lower your blood pressure. In rodents, basil extract has been shown to lower blood pressure, although only briefly. The chemical eugenol, which is found in basil, may block certain substances that tighten blood vessels. This may lead to a drop in blood pressure. More studies are needed.

Adding fresh basil to your diet is easy and certainly can’t hurt. Keep a small pot of the herb in your kitchen garden and add the fresh leaves to pastas, soups, salads, and casseroles.

Cinnamon

It is another tasty seasoning that requires little effort to include in your daily diet as descried before , and it may bring your blood pressure numbers down. One study done in rodents suggested that cinnamon extract lowered both sudden-onset and prolonged high blood pressure. However, the extract was given intravenously. It’s unclear if cinnamon consumed orally is also effective.

You can include more cinnamon in your diet by sprinkling it on your breakfast cereal, oatmeal, and even in your coffee. At dinner, cinnamon enhances the flavor of stir-fries, curries, and stews.

Cardamom

It is a seasoning that comes from middleast ,India and is often used in South Asian cuisine . A small study of 20 people investigating the health effects of cardamom found that participants with high blood pressure saw significant reductions in their blood pressure readings after taking 1.5 grams of cardamom powder twice a day for 12 weeks.

You can include cardamon seeds or powder in spice rubs, soups and stews, and even baked goods for a special flavor and a possible positive health benefit.

Flax seed

Flax seed is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, and has been shown in some studies to lower blood pressure. A research suggested taking 30–50 grams of whole or ground seeds per day for more than 12 weeks to get the best benefits. Flax seed may protect against atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease by reducing serum cholesterol , improving glucose tolerance, and acting as an antioxidant .

You can buy many products that contain flax seed, but a better bet is to buy whole or ground flax seed  and add it to your home-cooked meals. The best part about flax seed is that it can be stirred into virtually any dish, from soups to smoothies to baked goods. Storing flax seed in your freezer may help it retain optimum potency.

Garlic

This pungent seasoning can do more than just flavor your food and ruin your breath and can make your girlfriend leave you, but look at the bright side as Garlic may have the ability to lower your blood pressure by helping to increase a substance in the body known as nitric oxide, which can cause your blood vessels to relax and dilate. This lets blood flow more freely and reduces blood pressure.

You can add fresh garlic to a number of your favorite recipes. If the flavor is just too strong for you, roast the garlic first. And if you simply can’t eat the stuff, you can get garlic in supplement form.

Ginger

As described before may help control blood pressure. In animal studies it has been shown to improve blood circulation and relax the muscles surrounding blood vessels, lowering blood pressure. Human studies so far have been inconclusive.

Commonly used in Asian foods, ginger is a versatile ingredient that can also be added to sweets or beverages. Chop, mince, or grate fresh ginger into stir-fries, soups, and noodle or vegetable dishes, or add it to desserts or tea for a refreshing taste.

hawthorn

It is an herbal remedy for high blood pressure that has been used in traditional Chinese medicines for thousands of years.

In rodents, extracts of hawthorn seem to have a whole host of benefits on cardiovascular health, including helping reduce blood pressure, preventing hardening of the arteries, and lowering cholesterol. You can take hawthorn as a pill, liquid extract, or tea.

Celery seed

This herb is used to flavor soups, stews, casseroles, and other savory dishes. Celery has long been used to treat hypertension in China, and studies in rodents have shown that it may be effective. You can use the seeds, or you can juice the whole plant. Celery may also be a diuretic, which may help explain its effect on blood pressure.researchers believe that a variety of substances in celery may play a role in lowering blood pressure. However, human studies are needed.

French lavender

The beautiful, perfume-like scent of lavender is not the only useful aspect of the plant. Lavender extracts have been shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure in rodents.

Although not many people think to use lavender as a culinary herb, you can use the flowers in baked goods. The leaves can be used in the same way you would use rosemary .

Cat’s claw

Cat’s claw is an herbal medicine used in traditional Chinese practice to treat hypertension as well as neurological health problems.

Research of cat’s claw as a treatment for hypertension in rodents indicate that it may be helpful in reducing blood pressure by acting on calcium channels in your cells. You can get cat’s claw in supplement form from many health food stores.

Understanding high blood pressure

A number of factors contribute to elevated blood pressure, such as:

• Genetics
• Stress ,anger 
• Diet
• Smoking or second hand smoke
• Lack of exercise 

Because it’s largely symptomless, hypertension is known as the “silent killer.” This is why it’s so important to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Having high BP increases your risk of several health problems, such as: heart attack, stroke, diabetes, heart failure, kidney disease, vision loss, and metabolic syndrome.

Takeaway

Due to its lack of symptoms, high blood pressure can inflict damage before you’re even aware you have it, so don’t neglect regular blood pressure screenings. Sometimes treating this condition involves medication.

Talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you, which may include medication, lifestyle changes, or alternative treatments. It’s important to discuss any herbs or supplements with your doctor before taking them. Additionally, don’t stop taking any prescribed medications without speaking with your healthcare provider.

It’s important to remember that there’s not enough evidence to recommend taking herbal supplements instead of prescription medications to treat high blood pressure. Very few studies with plants and herbs have been done in humans. Research has not been able to establish side effects, doses, or long-term effects of these supplements.

• Stop smoking.
• Lose excess weight.
• Exercise most days of the week.
• Eat heart-healthy foods, including foods rich in soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Limit your consumption of foods high in saturated fats. For example, substitute olive oil for butter.
• Eliminate trans fats from your diet.
• Drink alcohol in moderation.
• Take steps to reduce stress.

Steve Ramsey, PhD-Public Health, PgD Natural Medicine 

Stay health and be safe, keep your distance and protect the others and your self by using commonsense and good cleaning habit.