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Old herbs are being combined in
a new way to help manage type II diabetes and hypoglycemia.
By Dr. Michael Friedman
Blood sugar metabolism involves many interconnecting biochemical
pathways to maintain tight blood sugar control. Since glucose
is the main fuel for all cellular metabolism, it is crucial
that the body has the ability to both absorb sugar in the
cells through a hormone called insulin and produce sugar through
hormones called glucagon, adrenalin and cortisol. This counter
regulatory mechanism required to maintain constant blood sugar
levels is regulated through the liver, the pancreas and adrenal
gland. When any of these organs are not working properly,
optimal blood sugar levels may not be achieved. This may result
in either a condition called Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
or diabetes (high blood sugar).
Type II diabetes normally develops after age 30 and does
not always require insulin. The vast majority of diabetics
fall into this category. Conventional medicine treats type
II diabetes with pharmaceutical drugs that either force the
pancreas to produce more insulin, or make the receptors for
the insulin more efficient. These drugs work quickly in bringing
down blood sugar levels. However, continued use doesn't cure
the illness. These drugs are also toxic to the pancreas, liver
and the kidneys. In some cases insulin injection is recommended
over these drugs.
Despite the efficacy of drugs most diabetic or hypoglycemic
patients still do not have adequate control of blood sugar
levels. Typically diabetic patients will increase drug dosages
throughout the years, but rarely will they show normal blood
sugar readings. When blood sugar readings remain chronically
high, patients begin to develop deterioration in the eyes,
nerves, kidneys and cardiovascular system. Hypoglycemic patients
typically experience dizziness, loss of vision when standing
up suddenly, sweet cravings and headaches, which are relieved
by eating sweets or alcohol.
Herbal medicine can offer better control of blood sugar levels
if used long-term as a complement to a diet rich in whole,
fresh organic food. Some patients will be able reduce their
drug intake, while some may even be able to gradually eliminate
prescription drugs.
Formula Five
For the past year, 13 clinical trials have been used to determine
the most natural effective treatment for diabetes & hypoglycemia.
The trials found that the most effective formula contained
herbs that are used to nurture the three major organs of the
body that regulate blood sugar metabolism: the pancreas, liver
and the adrenal gland. This
formula contains Jambul, prickly pear, devils club, milk thistle
and globe artichoke. Jambul, also known as Java plant,
is an evergreen tree This native of Southern Asia and Australia
produces a fruit, which tastes like apricot. It is, however,
the seed which is considered to be one of the most powerful
plants for diabetes in the Ayurvedic repertory. In India,
as little as one teaspoon per day of ground seed is a traditional
treatment for adult onset diabetes. it's also used for some
long-term effects of diabetes such as degenerating retinal
conditions of the eye. Modern research confirms these effects.
Prickly pear cactus, native in hot desert regions, produces
a purple edible fruit. Recent clinical trials show that taking
prickly pear juice internally lowers not only blood sugar
levels but also cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic
patients. Patients with normal blood sugar levels were not
affected by the juice. Another plant known for its prickly
nature is devils club. A native of the Pacific Northwest,
devils club is prized for its tonifying and balancing effects
on the body. It was one of the most powerful medicinal plants
used by the aboriginal peoples of the North American West
Coast. A tea of the root bark was used extensively for diabetes,
arthritis and digestive complaints.
Clinical Results
All patients in the diabetic study were concurrently taking
prescription drugs and Diab-Aid. These prescription drugs
were from the following drug classifications: sulphonylureas,
biguanides and insulin. The specific drugs were Glyburide,
Metformin (Glucophage), Diamichron and various forms of insulin
injections.
Hypoglycemic patients were put on Diab-Aid for six weeks.
They were asked to take a hypoglycemic score index value before
and after treatment
The study was overseen by licensed physicians in four clinics
in the US, Canada and India. It found that one particular
botanical formula, made from five herbs, was more than twice
as effective as other natural diabetic remedies currently
found in the health food stores. Those medicines tested were
high doses of chromium, lipoic acid and multivitamin/mineral
formulas with standardized herbal extracts intended for the
use of diabetes.
The diabetic patients who responded favourably showed an
average drop of one-third of fasting blood sugar levels after
three months, at which time some could lower or eliminate
their prescription drugs. It was not effective in all type
II patients nor was it effective in type I diabetes.
All patients used the medicine along with prescription. There
were no reported side effects. After three months some patients
were able to lower or eliminate drug dosages; almost all were
shown to have better control of blood sugar levels than with
the use of drugs alone.
Eighty-eight percent of type II patients were able to achieve
significant clinical improvement with the sole addition of
this botanical formula. This was documented with both fasting
blood sugar levels and a test called glycosolated hemoglobin.
Most patients responded within five weeks.
After six weeks hypoglycemic patients noticed a 67% decrease
in the hypoglycemic score index with the use of Diab-Aid.
Dr. Michael Friedman is a graduate of the Canadian College
of Naturopathic Medicine and is now based in Connecticut.
http://www.earthmedicines.org
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