Many older adults have diabetes. People with diabetes have high blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. However, the good news is that type 2 diabetes – the most common disease among older adults – can be delayed or prevented. Read more on diabetes in the elderly. In short, if you have diabetes, your body may not produce enough insulin or use it properly. Therefore, adding herbs and supplements to a comprehensive treatment plan can enhance its effectiveness. In other words, they might help reduce diabetes-related symptoms by replacing nutrients, lowering glucose levels, decreasing insulin resistance, and reducing inflammation.
Therefore, in this article, we will be introducing you to herbs and spices that fight diabetes so that your body will be more resistant to this disease.
Herbs and Spices for Diabetes
Diet management is an integral part of managing diabetes. Therefore, nutrition in seniors with diabetes should meet all their needs. Several herbs may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Although these herbs may help manage diabetes, you should not use them as a substitute for medical treatment. Diabetes patients should always consult their healthcare provider before taking new herbs or supplements, as they may interact with medications. If you are concerned about possible drug interactions or allergies, talk to your doctor before using herbs and spices to lower blood sugar.
1. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle belongs to the daisy and ragweed families and is among the herbs and spices that fight diabetes. The plant originates in the Mediterranean region. Occasionally it is referred to as the mary thistle or the holy thistle.
A key component of diabetes type 2 is insulin resistance. Milk thistle appears to improve insulin resistance. Research shows that milk thistle, when combined with traditional treatments, can improve diabetes.
2. Basil
Basil was initially cultivated in India, Asia, and Africa, considered a sacred herb. The word “basil” originates from the ancient Greek “basilikhon,” meaning “royal.” You may lower high blood sugar levels by adding basil to your diet. The extract of basil was proven to help treat diabetes in rats. Also, basil may be beneficial for treating high blood sugar over the long term.
3. Curry Leaves
Curry leaves happen to be rich in fibre. The fibre in food slows digestion and does not metabolize quickly, which helps you maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Curry leaf is also rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, beta-carotene, and carbazole alkaloids, which may help keep diabetes and other chronic diseases at bay. By enhancing insulin activity, curry leaf helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
4. Sage
Due to its strong aroma and earthy taste, sage generally comes in small amounts. Despite that, it’s packed with numerous vitamins for the elderly and compounds. There are several health benefits associated with Sage, including improved mental function and lower cancer risk.
Sage has been used traditionally as a remedy for diabetes. This herb has proven to quickly and effectively lower blood sugar in human and animal studies.
5. Clove
Most people know cloves as an aromatic and sweet spice, but natural medicine has been using them for hundreds of years. Cloves help to lower blood sugar levels through the compounds that they contain. Researchers found that cloves and nigericin effectively improve insulin resistance, insulin secretion, and cell function.
6. Gymnema
You might find Gymnema useful if you’re looking for an herb to treat diabetes in the elderly. India is home to the herb Gymnema Sylvestre. Known as the “sugar destroyer,” it destroys sugar en route to the body. Gymnema is effective for both type 1 and 2 diabetes, according to a 2013 review.
7. Chamomile
Chamomile tea is well known for its relaxing properties. This drink offers many health benefits, including easing menstrual cramps, improving sleep, and treating common colds. According to research, chamomile tea may also benefit diabetes in the elderly.
According to research, Chamomile also inhibits enzymes linked to complications associated with diabetes, such as damage to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Those with diabetes often use chamomile tea to lower their blood sugar levels. In Chamomile, the antioxidant quercetin affects enzymes associated with diabetic responses. Several studies have shown a significant drop in blood sugar in type 2 diabetic patients after two months.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an herb that can be used alone or as a combination product with herbal ingredients. This perennial herb belongs to the mint family. Its leaves, which smell mildly of lemon, are used for making medicine. Seniors with diabetes may find that lemon balm lowers their blood sugar levels.
9. Garlic
Garlic is considered a great source of Vitamins for the Elderly. Several studies have found that garlic might help reduce blood sugar levels and other metabolic problems associated with type 2 diabetes. Scientists found that moderate doses of garlic supplements could benefit diabetes patients. Raw or cooked garlic or aged garlic extract can help regulate blood glucose and possibly stop or reduce some diabetes complications, fight infections, lower bad cholesterol, and enhance blood flow. Garlic may benefit some people, but excessive consumption can cause side effects for others.
10. Ginseng
In addition to being one of the most well-known herbal medicines globally and an excellent source of vitamins, ginseng is one of the most widely used. Traditional Eastern medicine has used ginseng roots for thousands of years to boost energy, soothe stress, and bring the body into balance. Studies indicate that ginseng extract is effective and safe in treating diabetes in the elderly. Studies on Asian and American ginsengs show decreased blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetics.
11. Rosemary
The herb has long served culinary and aromatic arts, Ayurvedic medicine, and traditional herbal formulas. Researchers discovered that rosemary tea might lower blood sugar levels, suggesting that the herb manages high blood sugar levels among people with diabetes. Researchers report that the popular culinary herbs oregano and rosemary contain many beneficial compounds like prescription anti-diabetic medications.
12. Lavender
The lavender essential oil can relieve diabetes symptoms and has numerous traditional and western medicinal uses. The research team found that lavender essential oil balanced blood sugar levels in animals and protected against oxidative stress, the cause of complications in diabetes patients.
13. Bael Leaves
They are proven to be effective in preventing diabetes. Fresh juice from leaves is best when combined with a bit of pepper.
14. Fenugreek
The seed Fenugreek may help lower blood sugar levels. They also contain fibres and chemicals that inhibit sugar and carbohydrate digestion. Some research suggests that the seeds are also helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes.
Herbs and Spices That Lower Blood Sugar
Below are spices and herbs that lower blood sugar fast. If you are concerned about possible drug interactions or allergies, talk to your doctor before using herbs and spices to lower blood sugar.
15. Dandelion
Dandelions are plants with yellow flowers. There are at least two bioactive components in dandelion that could be helpful in the treatment and control of diabetes in the elderly. In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, it has anti-diabetic and anti-oxidative properties. The components of dandelion also appear to reduce high cholesterol and inhibit oxidative stress in liver injury studies.
16. Turmeric
Spices like turmeric can help control blood sugar levels. In addition, curcumin, a key component of turmeric, plays a vital role in preventing and treating diabetes in the elderly and associated disorders.
17. Ginger
In addition to anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic effects, ginger also has anti-oxidative properties. Therefore, ginger can reduce oxidative stress and improve cholesterol levels by improving insulin sensitivity. It can also help you lose weight.
18. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is the most important herb and spice for preventing diabetes. There are also many sweets, baked goods, and dishes that contain cinnamon since it adds sweetness without adding any additional sugar. According to studies, the effects of cinnamon may include:
- A reduction in triglycerides, or fat, in the blood.
- Lower fasting blood glucose levels.
- Increased insulin sensitivity.
However, if you take blood-thinning medications, you should avoid cinnamon.
19. Dill
Dill is antioxidant-rich and a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, and vitamin A. Its extract may also lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Therefore, dill leaves and dill juice might be best for diabetes in the elderly.
Final Words
Diabetes affects blood sugar levels and insulin levels for a lifelong period. Therefore, Diet for seniors with diabetes, herbs, supplements, lifestyle strategies, and medication may be helpful as complementary therapies. However, for any herbal or dietary supplement used for diabetes, please consult your health care provider.
Read More: The Best Fruits for Seniors with Diabetes
Thank you so much for this article. I’m diabetics, and my mother used to complain a lot because I hated when she used basil in anything. Only after I became a mother myself, I realized basil is good for people with diabetes.
I always have cinnamon tea and dill in my salad; I had no idea about garlic and dandelion, I’ll try them. I know exercise and a healthy diet are the best way to control diabetes, but is there a way to instantly lower blood sugar?
how do you use cinnamon tea in a salad?
Wow, this was informative. My son is diabetic, so I’m definitely going to use these herbs and spices in cooking from now on. My best wishes go out to all the patients like my son.
We use garlic a lot in cooking. I don’t think we use it intentionally, though. My grandmother had diabetes and my mother always worried about having this disease. She is going to be pleased when I tell her about this article.
Dill is not my favourite because of its strong taste and flavour. However, after reading this article, I decided to use it more frequently in my foods and salads.
I’m not diabetics, but I use basil and rosemary a lot. I love the taste and smell of them.