Herbal Diabetic Medicine

Deb, it's amazing, the health journey you've been on!  So glad you had a good doctor to help you.  Congratulations on your successes!

Hi all.

i happen to be T1 for past 8 years. and a doctor - though an anaesthetist.

back before insulin t1dm had a 100% mortality rate.
Without insulin Richard, you and I will be dead - i would imagine - within matter of weeks, probably sooner, while eating carbs. You might be able to extend that longer eating a completely carb free diet - buuuut i wouldnt advocate trying it. while you might be able to stave off symptomatic dka through absolute avoidance of carbs and exercise for a period (people are indeed correct that most cells can ultilise ketone bodies instead of glucose), the body recognises it as being in starvation due to the lack of insulin in the bloodstream. so even though you might have high glucose levels and have eaten a big carb free meal of meat eggs and veg - it will still breakdown fat and muscle to turn into ketones. these ketones are acidic and change the pH of your blood.
normal physiological pH is 7.35 to 7.45. pH's <7 are critical and easily lead to cardiac arrest.
the important think to bear in mind that even if you do not eat ANY carbs, you still need insulin to prevent these physiological changes. (ketotic diets are different as the patient still retains his/her ability to  secrete insulin - even if in very small amounts, to prevent these changes) you richard will run with a basal rate and an extra bolus ability for when you eat. I have an accu-chek spirit pump - does the same thing. this is the reason why.

I have treated people in ICU presenting with DKA comas - histories are always vague, but they typically have stopped taking their insulin for a only matter of days, or indeed had been taking their insulin but not enough when they were sick.

People are correct to delineate the difference between t1 + t2 dm, but with respect i'm not too sure i would be willing to try out some of the recommendations suggested. the medicinal mushroom pubmed link is just to an abstract - not the article and no mention of type of DM. I dont intend on giving myself a coffee enema for 2 hours every day and I take everything Mr. mercola says with an enormous pale of salt.

you can do whatever you like with your own body. if you want to try something go on ahead! you have the ability yourself to check on how they work for you. you can take off the pump and monitor your own blood glucose yourself  -we've both been doing it for years! dont be afraid to put the pump back on when youi see the numbers rise.

an anecdote however. before i had the pump i was using levemir twice daily - 6iu morning and 10iu nightly. plus 1:10 insulin:gram ratio of novorapid for food bolus. i started training relatively intensively for a triathlon - evercising ~5 days a week. either 60 km on the bike, 15 km run or both. in the midst of training my levemir useage had dropped to ~ 1iu in the morning, 4iu at night and ratio had dropped in half. and i was still getting hypos daily doing normal stuff. it isnt rocket science or to be unexpected. your liver (as someone mentioned) stores glucose as glycogen. your muscles also store some. as it gets used up it needs replacing, and when it does so it becomes relatively more sensitive to insulin. sensitivity to insulin is a huge part of t2dm (they have loads of insulin, but they are not sensitive to it). If you want to reduce your insulin requirements, exercise like a demon! but rest assured, you will still need some to prevent your body initiating 'starvation mode'.
personally i dont believe there is likely to be a 'herbal remedy' that can stop my wbc's from killing my beta cells and thus render me t1dm free. but i certainly have not tried any. if there was a legitimate and sound scientific basis for why they might work and some kind of evidence for it  then i might consider giving them a shot. but ultimately i believe anyone trying to sell us some herb to 'cure' my dm most likely to be a shill.

as has been mentioned insulin secreting beta cells that can be injected are in the pipeline. talking to my own consultant ~12 months ago he believes there could be big discoveries in the next decade. he thinks we'll stop treating t1dm with insulin within his lifetime.

My wife is a T1 Diabetic since she was 5. As such I have been learning a little about what works and what does not work.

I will agree with what Brian said.

High exercise does decrease the amount of insulin needed.

Lowering your Carb intake does also decrease the insulin needed. That said my wife has come to the conclusion going on a really low carb diet effects her mental state, even though her blood sugars look great. She actually started feeling better when eating "junk food" (we normally try to eat a very whole food diet).

Now trying to loose weight as a diabetic is a whole other ball game. It seems like the doctors don't have any ideas of what people can do to loose weight as a diabetic. The ones she has had all are so cautious on reducing carb intake so as a result it would mean you need to work out a lot more. One "diet" plan that does seem to work is called Trim Healthy Moma (Now you don't have to be a mom to use this plan but it was created by 2 moms). The plan helps you prepare meals that are either high carb low fat or low carb high fat. As a result you can choose how much carb you are going to eat. As a side effect your metabolism is boosted helping you to loose weight as well. I think she was able to cut down her insulin intake by 1/3 - 1/2 (while being pregnant - which is normally an increase in insulin usage).

a couple foods we have noticed have real effects on blood sugars are cutting out coffee, eating more beans and using cinnamon.

So I would say take a look at the things people say about type 2 diabetes as ideas to try to help lower your insulin usage but realize as a type 1 you will need to try things out carefully but also with the thought that you will need to keep using your pump, just hopefully at a lower rate.

I think it is possible to reverse T1 and other autoimmune glandular diseases like Hashimoto.

It involves removing the inflammation triggers-gluten, sugar, dairy, etc.-and then find the root and kill it.  I personally think it is usually a parasite.  Then you can stimulate new growth and it should take.  I have gone a long ways down the rabbit hole on this one.  But it is just a theory at this point.

His exact quote is, "If you're a diabetic you can expect better blood sugar control.  If you're taking insulin, I need to reduce that in half."

He never mentions type 1 or type 2.

Following a different approach to diabetes type 1 healing would be to take up Tapping or Emotional Freedom Technique

See this link for an example for healing autoimmune disorders.
http://www.thetappingsolution.com/autoimmune/kim-video-3.php

I have used EFT for a number of conditions and found it very helpful.   The key is to go into as much detail as possible in the phrasing of the issue to be healed  whilst tapping on the appropriate places around the head, face and upper body.   The linked video shows how to do this.
It works: try it

Troy Rhodes wrote:His exact quote is, "If you're a diabetic you can expect better blood sugar control.  If you're taking insulin, I need to reduce that in half."

He never mentions type 1 or type 2.

But since a T1 MUST take insulin, he is clearly talking about T2. There is no "if" for a T1.

Richard, I have some great news for you. this is going to start you on a whole new journey. First let me tell you that I have two type 1 diabetic children so I do know your daily challenges. My oldest which is now 17 got type 1 diabetes at age 9 months, before she could even walk I was giving her at least 4 shots a day and checking blood sugars at least 6 times a day. I now have a 5 year old with type 1 diabetes, he just got diagnosed last year. The great news I wish to share with you is some information I just recently found. Actually, a great doctor. His name is Dr. Morse. He has a you tube channel with hundreds of free educational videos. He has an office in Florida but will do skype appointments also. We have started the diet changes recommended and blood sugars have not been jumping up and down but rather they are constantly in range and have been for weeks now. I have just ordered to herbs to finish out the process. He helps people through a regenerative detox and it heals their problems. I know it sounds too good to be true, but trust me a little here. I would not tell you something that I have not been experiencing and researched myself. He helps any problem not just type 1 diabetes. He helps MS, all cancers, lupus, whatever you think can not be healed. I wont go into details here but I will say that the key is to detox the lymph system and clear out the acidic nature that it the source to all dis-eases. I hope that you will take the time to check him out. I know that you or anyone reading this will find great use of this information. Peace and have a great day.

april robertson wrote:Richard, I have some great news for you. this is going to start you on a whole new journey. First let me tell you that I have two type 1 diabetic children so I do know your daily challenges. My oldest which is now 17 got type 1 diabetes at age 9 months, before she could even walk I was giving her at least 4 shots a day and checking blood sugars at least 6 times a day. I now have a 5 year old with type 1 diabetes, he just got diagnosed last year. The great news I wish to share with you is some information I just recently found. Actually, a great doctor. His name is Dr. Morse. He has a you tube channel with hundreds of free educational videos. He has an office in Florida but will do skype appointments also. We have started the diet changes recommended and blood sugars have not been jumping up and down but rather they are constantly in range and have been for weeks now. I have just ordered to herbs to finish out the process. He helps people through a regenerative detox and it heals their problems. I know it sounds too good to be true, but trust me a little here. I would not tell you something that I have not been experiencing and researched myself. He helps any problem not just type 1 diabetes. He helps MS, all cancers, lupus, whatever you think can not be healed. I wont go into details here but I will say that the key is to detox the lymph system and clear out the acidic nature that it the source to all dis-eases. I hope that you will take the time to check him out. I know that you or anyone reading this will find great use of this information. Peace and have a great day.

I would be willing to try a lot of things but if you could give some on-site s to what he has done for you and how it was done that would be great thank you.

Dr. Morse is in Florida. Doing research, he has a 'private membership' site, though there are some direct links I found into his website. He does sell various preparations, herbal, and a diet and lifestyle. If it is working for April Robertson's family, it's a good deal, but. I tend to be wary of having to buy proprietary products to get a result. https://www.drmorsesherbalhealthclub.com/pages/questions is one link I found that lets me read a little about him and his clinics and practice. About Dr. Robert Morse: https://www.drmorsesherbalhealthclub.com/pages/about-dr-morse   Phyisical address and phone # Dr. Morse's Herbal Health Club   525 Tamiami Trail, Unit 5   Port Charlotte, FL 33953   941 766 8068    $10.00 USD to get a membership and look at the majority of the site.

(I have been through years of this myself, trying to find general lifestyle and dietary changes to control numerous things. I have succeeded with such but I do not sell or promote anything. I will say I have a pretty strict diet and eat on the clock to achieve the results, and my physician does the diligence to check that my nutrition is in balance as are the things I am dealing with. He says 'cured' and I say 'better managed' - what I have will be there for life and I consider to be waiting in the wings) I manage my issues with dietary and lifestyle, with commonly available items I can buy locally or order through the internet (such as bulk foods and certain herbs and spices). I will say that going off sugar, all artificial sweeteners, and gluten; has helped immensely. Though it took up to a year to see the results.

Good luck, Richard Force, on finding something to assist you. There has been a lot of good information to pass through this thread, and as a 'reformed' type II I have found plenty to archive and otherwise keep to refer to later.

See I wouldn't mind buying something to try but I'm looking to do something that I could replicate and do myself.
If I could replicate the results on my own with things I've grown and at minimal bought that would be great.

Richard Force wrote:See I wouldn't mind buying something to try but I'm looking to do something that I could replicate and do myself.
If I could replicate the results on my own with things I've grown and at minimal bought that would be great.

I'm still working towards that. My garden is flourishing this year and I am working towards raising everything versus having to buy stuff. Still a lot of what I do buy is organic, non GMO and sustainable (and in the case of some tropical zone herbs and spices, fair trade). Everyone is different and the parameters are also different (in my case it's a mix of four different things, type II was part of it, and it's still lurking). Cost is also something, my diet costs more than before, but by the same token I have now gotten rid of the last medication (and I basically have Obamacare bronze, so I was buying my medications cash as my deductible is so high) so my net expense to live is lower. I will never be able to grow cinnamon for example or purify potassium chloride, so I will have to continue to purchase those, as I search for alternatives that I can grow or obtain myself.

The first step is to 'fix' the problem AND have balance (all nutritional needs met, and all symptoms managed to control--proper and acceptable levels) then proceed to replace or augment to maintain that balance, and make it sustainable and affordable. I am in the latter part. I have the 'fix' that is working for me, now I am working on shifting to make it all happen by my own hand. It's been a long hard self-learn. If your doctor is your partner in helping you get off the medications and improve your quality of health and life, then you are a long ways towards what you need. (there has been many a long hour of research and reading dry medical texts, abstracts, and published results, and notes, to compare information and decide what to do...)

Please keep us updated, Richard.

I just want to thank everyone real quick for all the reply to this thread and even though I don't know if any of this information can nessecarily help me I m glad that people are posting on this topic so that even if nothing helps me in the long run maybe it will help someone else who is suffering from this diabetic epidemic.

Most people are lacking in Magnesium; needed for many of the bodies functions including sugar regulation. Always start with balancing minerals and trace minerals and removing heavy metals and toxins; just like you should do first for new garden soil. Always get minerals and trace minerals from sources that are or were alive. Same for vitamins. Supplements that use chelation(most of them) are attempting to attach "nutrients" to protein or amino acids, to trick your body to accept it as being food. Just eat real food and you are good to go.

The purpose of insulin, contrary to establishment beliefs, is not to regulate sugar, IMHO. The purpose of insulin is to store extra sugars as fat. If we lived naturally like other animals, we would have periods when little food was available(fasting). We would not have access to refined sugars. There would be times of the year when there are crops that ripen, apples and berries for examples, making available more natural sugars. Insulin stores this extra food supply as fat to get you through times of little food, like the winter.

Do not be fooled into substituting sugar with chemical sweeteners such as aspartame or Splenda. In all likelihood aspartame causes sugars to be unbalanced. Splenda is a laxative, it is NOT made from sugar, that is a deception. I am sure if studies were actually done, there would be many adverse effects to health found from Splenda. The chemical companies learned their lesson from studies done showing aspartame was poison, as designed, so with Splenda they just avoided the studies IMHO.

Stevia is a safe sugar substitute. Honey and maple sugar and agar are better choices than refined sugar. Any natural unrefined sugar source is better, health wise, than refined sugar.
This is where I would get a sugar substitute if I could afford it and/or if I were allegedly diabetic: www.justlikesugar.ca
Justlikesugar's sweetness seems to me to be less than sugar but triggers the same taste buds and has the same texture. Not sugar at all, natural sources, but from my limited experience is closer tasting to sugar than any artificial sweet tasting chemical. Not sure about Splenda, I avoid ingesting chemicals as much as possible, so I do not know or care what that tastes like. FYI all.

Mark Luxton wrote:

The purpose of insulin, contrary to establishment beliefs, is not to regulate sugar, IMHO. The purpose of insulin is to store extra sugars as fat. If we lived naturally like other animals, we would have periods when little food was available(fasting). We would not have access to refined sugars. There would be times of the year when there are crops that ripen, apples and berries for examples, making available more natural sugars. Insulin stores this extra food supply as fat to get you through times of little food, like the winter.

Where did you find information stating that insulin is just for storing the extra sugars? I'm curious to read such information seeing as I never found any information like this.

Insulin does usher sugars out of the blood stream.  It's "purpose" well, maybe that's a figure of speech.  One of the observed functions is in making the sugars available for deposits as fats.  Interesting no?  That fat is not deposited as fat, sugars are.  Another thing that I believe is observable about insulin is that while it is functioning to get sugars out of the blood, (and in to the cells?) one does not access nor burn stored fats as fuel.  

I think part of what happens when (as much as possible) insulin is kept to a minimum (which would be the result of the very low carb diets) is that blood levels of sugars and insulin remain more constant, and one does not experience yoyo-ing levels of energy and desperate "hunger".  I think that kind of hunger is evidence that an addictive process has developed, which once broken frees a person to a much healthier stable metabolism.

Sugar is very addicting, I have been told it can be more so than most illegal drugs. The craving can be immense. Most diabetics, type I especially, that first month is H*** because you have to go through sugar withdrawal. I have desugared before so when I was diagnosed type II and went cold turkey on sugar, I understood immediately what was going on and why I'd watched a teen onset type I grabbing 14 packets of sweetNlow to doctor a 20 oz iced tea. You can be over that in about a month.

That is why a lot of your commercially produced prepackaged food has sugar in it. A) it's addicting and B) with most western diets the tastebuds are trained to like the sweet. Most people will not taste that sugar, but if offered that food with and without the sugar, will pick the sugar containing food. Most commercial food also uses corn syrup and corn syrup solids to add that sugar. And a lot of corn syrup is made from GMO corn... or enough that you have no idea what you are eating.

From having to do this.... a hardcore sugar withdrawal takes about a month. This also includes giving up any sweet tasting fruit (fructose), milk and dairy (lactose), malt sugar (maltose), etc. Wheat and gluten, (wheat, rye, barley) takes about a year. You will die from cravings from either or both. If you do these two, after about a year, the 'sweet tooth' will go away as will the cravings.

Salt. Sodium chloride. We need this to live. Processed commercial food is loaded with it, for taste, processing, and preservation. The levels most people are used to, is pretty incredible, also. (I used to put salt on Hamburger Helper, else it was 'bland'). This one is a really long one if you have to cut out the NaCl. (Sodium Chloride or common table salt). For most people, going to 'no added salt' foods won't hurt you, you will get enough in your food. (a few have to have some because of medical, your doctor can advise you). Potassium Chloride (KCl) is used as a substitute. It has a different tang or bite and usually has an aftertaste. You can also overdo that and have fluid retention and leg bloating (try not to eat much more than a teaspoon a day). Salt addiction, takes over a year. KCl if used carefully can work, hiding the flavor creatively (killing that aftertaste) is possible. I use spices such as peppers, to help give the tongue feel of that bite to certain foods.

I have memory of what some foods taste like and I know my tastebuds are retrained, and those foods will never taste the same. (for example if I would have cow's milk, its very sweet in it's own way from the lactose).

Some of diabetes management is going to revolve around retraining yourself plus de-sugaring at the very least. Your sweet tooth and cravings will remain for a very long time. That is the harder part.

Richard, I honestly do not recall where I first learned that insulin's purpose was not to regulate sugar but rather to store it. This however makes sense to me. If we lived natural lives and ate diets similar to our closest relative mammals, we would not have too much sugar in our diets except for rare times of surplus. Our bodies run on sugar and require it. Living naturally we would generally run the risk daily of not having enough sugar. Regulation would be the hunger that tells us we need to eat. Many other animals eat extra when available, and gain weight to store energy. I think mankind is not designed to have constant access to plenty of food and sugar.

Look at what happens to many diabetics, they take insulin and keep putting on weight. Sure it lowers the blood sugars, but IMO this is not a natural way to regulate blood sugar. Exercise and not eating so much is how blood sugar is supposed to be lowered. We should nearly always be in a state of needing to eat something to bring up our blood sugar. Then on seasonal or rare occasions when there is extra food, insulin helps us to store the extra energy as fat. Then we should naturally burn off the fat during times of food scarcity.

My Mother and Father are both considered to be diabetic. My father has never eaten healthy, and continues to eat cookies, and fast greasy foods, and ice cream, and very little raw plant food. The doctors notice the high blood sugar and give him insulin. He keeps buying the cookies and the insulin. To make matters worse, he buys diet soda pop, and thinks this is an improvement.

My Mother decided to get some exercise a few years ago and began riding a bike and walking. She eats better than my Father but is very inactive. When she was biking and walking, her blood sugar levels dropped and she no longer needed insulin. IMO neither of them are "diabetic"; they both simply need to live and eat more naturally. They also do not eat because they are hungry. They eat because it is meal time.

I eat more when I am working hard and less when I am less active...usually. I have always sought out better food and vitamins and natural medicines. I grow organic vegetables most years. I find natural medicines when I need something. My doctor, who I rarely see, says I am one of the healthiest people in the county. I am over weight and need more exercise but I am indeed in better health than nearly all of my relatives. I am a good cook, and it unfortunately shows.

I could be incorrect about insulin's true purpose, but I do not think so.

BERBERINE (yellow alkaloid from root of coptis, oregon grape root, goldenseal) very useful in reducing hyperglycemia in T2D. See also this:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19800084
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18397984

You might also look into FIG LEAF. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9597370
http://www.naturalhealth365.com/fig_leaves.html/

Dr. Joel Wallach calls Diabetes a "nutritional deficiency" disease.  Maybe someone knows his work and suggestions.

This is not herbal but it *IS* interesting! http://asweetlife.org/feature/the-artificial-pancreas-is-coming-and-other-highlights-from-ada-2016/

Terri Matthews wrote:This is not herbal but it *IS* interesting! http://asweetlife.org/feature/the-artificial-pancreas-is-coming-and-other-highlights-from-ada-2016/

Hey as long as it worked and didn't have to charged I do it just to experience life like a normal person without the extra worry on my family and eye.

Well I wouldn't jump right in and do it I'd have to do a crap ton of research first. But it is interesting.



What I would like to see is a way to start protecting the beta insulin producing cells from the body again.

www.nytimes.com/.../lizardderived-diabetes

Unfortunately low carb, ketogenic diets do not regulate insulin:-



A more significant solution is demonstrated here:-

Duncan Law wrote:Unfortunately low carb, ketogenic diets do not regulate insulin:-

And yet it worked incredibly well to regulate mine.  In fact, it's the only thing that ever worked.  

Here is my two pence. Natural Cure to Diabetes: Lower Blood Sugar 20% in Two Weeks. Cure Type II.  https://thepeopleschemist.com/natural-cure-to-diabetes-lower-blood-sugar-20-in-two-weeks/

[youtube]https://thepeopleschemist.com/natural-cure-to-diabetes-lower-blood-sugar-20-in-two-weeks/[/youtube]

Maybe next time I'll work out how to post a YouTube video.

Burra Maluca wrote:

Duncan Law wrote:Unfortunately low carb, ketogenic diets do not regulate insulin:-

And yet it worked incredibly well to regulate mine.  In fact, it's the only thing that ever worked.  

Not doubting what appear to be worthwhile results,  I am merely pointing out what appears to be an alternative view with lest documented risks.

http://www.thepaleomom.com/2015/05/adverse-reactions-to-ketogenic-diets-caution-advised.html

High fat diets may seem to work in the short term but:-

http://nutritionfacts.org/video/diabetes-reversal-is-it-the-calories-or-the-food/

Note that consumption of vegetable oils is equivalent to fat for these purposes.

Alright just a quick reminder this is suppose to be a discussion on type one diabetes I freely welcome info about type two but type one is far less abundant in available information than type two.

Richard Force wrote:Alright just a quick reminder this is suppose to be a discussion on type one diabetes I freely welcome info about type two but type one is far less abundant in available information than type two.

The video I posted above "simply raw" covers type 1 & 2. I know of no cure for type 1 but units of insulin required can be greatly reduced using the same methods for treating type 2 & I have personally seen this done a few time using a whole foods plant based diet.

https://share.kaiserpermanente.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/The-Plant-Based-Diet-booklet.pdf

Duncan Law wrote:

Richard Force wrote:Alright just a quick reminder this is suppose to be a discussion on type one diabetes I freely welcome info about type two but type one is far less abundant in available information than type two.

The video I posted above "simply raw" covers type 1 & 2. I know of no cure for type 1 but units of insulin required can be greatly reduced using the same methods for treating type 2 & I have personally seen this done a few time using a whole foods plant based diet.

https://share.kaiserpermanente.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/The-Plant-Based-Diet-booklet.pdf

I mainly posted this so people who may have only scanned through the thread might know.

Here is some information on the herb Gymnema sylvestra you might find interesting. There are updated studies of recent years if you look online. I have seen people be able to lower their insulin as well as normalize their blood sugar levels so they don't get wild jumps in their blood sugar (brittle diabetics). You could contact a local pracitioner who uses botanicals to have them work with you on adding this to your current protocol.

Gymnema sylvestra in the Asclepiadaceae or Milkweed family
Part used: Aerial parts
Taste/Smell: Sweetish taste.
Tendencies: Cooling.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:3.5 dry strength liquid extract: 5-60
drops 1-4 times per day.
Use: (a) Hypoglycemic, 135-138 (b) Hypolipidemic, (c) Antiatherosclerotic. 134
Gymnema is primarily used for diabetes. It is believed to act directly on the pancreas but research is not conclusive. It’s effect is swift in new Type II diabetics and slower in long term Type II and Type I diabetics. It can decrease the insulin need and even out the blood sugar in brittle diabetics.
Contraindications: Do not use in cases of hypoglycemia. Bood sugar must be monitored for rapid drops after taking this herb. Often the oral hypoglycemic drug or insulin dosages need to be decreased when Gymnema is used. Gymnema will desensitize the taste buds to sweet and bitter tasting foods for 3 hours. This effect can be avoided by taking the herb in capsule form. 1 square cm of Gymnema leaf chewed for 1-2 minutes can completely block sweet taste for 2-3 hours. This will make a piece of bread taste like straw. Although helpful if you are dieting, this is not pleasant for the average person. Gymnema should not be given to hypoglycemic individuals. You will exacerbate their symptoms.

In one study type one diabetics who took 400mg for 6-30 months had a average decrease in blood sugar levels of 52.6%. Most were able to reduce their medication and 5 were able to  discontinue their insulin with a maintenance of 400 mg of gymnema per day.
Gymnema is thought to regenerate the beta cells in the pancreas, stimulate release of new insulin and increase the cells ability to absorb insulin.

Summaries of research on Gymnema:

When diabetic dogs and rabbits were treated with Gymnema there was a decrease in blood glucose levels. When they took their pancreas out the hypoglycemic effect was not evident. Mhaskar, K.S. Calus J.F. : A Study of Indian Medicinal Plants II. Gymnema sylvestre. R.Br. Indian Medical Research Memoirs 16, 2-7. 1930.

In two diabetic patients administration of Gymnema decreased glucose in the urine.Shanmugasundaran K.R. et al. : Insulinotropic activity of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br., an Indian Medical Herb Used in Controlling Diabetes Mellitus. Pharmacological Research Communications 13, 475-485, 1981.

Gymnema appears to reduce or inhibits glucose absorption, possibly delays gastric emptying. There was no rise in insulin release. Okabayashi, Yoshinoii et al: Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. on Glucose Homeostasis in Rats. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice. 9 143-148, 1990.

This study showed a rise in serum insulin , and beta cells doubled in number.Shanmugasundaran, Gopinath et al.,

Possible Regeneration of The Islets of Langerhans in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats Given Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 30 265-279, 1990.

Another study showed no change in pancreas weight, no increase in insulin.Okabayashi, Yoshinoii et al: Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. on Glucose Homeostasis in Rats. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice. 9 143-148, 1990.

Increased insulin levels in non-diabetic persons and diabetics. The effect is sustained for a long time after withdrawal of the herb. Shanmugasundaram et al, Arogya. J. Health Science, VII, 38, 1981.

In humans 2 grams/day for one week in capsule or as tea (6 grams), for 10-15 days decrease glucose in fasting and glucose loading tests.Shamugasundaram, K.R., et al.  Studies on the Hypoglycemic Action of Gymnema sylvestre, R. Br. in D.M. Arogya Journal Health Science 7, 38-60.Khare, AK., et al. Hypoglycemic Activity of an Indigenous Drug (Gymnema sylvestre, ‘Gurmar’) in Normal and Diabetic Persons. Ind. Journal Physiology, Pharmacology. 27, 257-258.
No histopathological damage found in liver or kidney of rabbits who consumed this herb for 6 months.Okabayashi, Yoshinoii et al: Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. on Glucose Homeostasis in Rats. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice. 9 143-148, 1990.

Can restore synthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). It may prevent vascular complications of diabetes. Asha Rathi et al. Studies on Protein Bound Polysaccharide Components & Glycosaminoglycans in Experimental Diabetes- Effect of Gymnema sylvestre , R. Br. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, volume 19, August 1981, 715-721.

Sharol Tilgner wrote:Here is some information on the herb Gymnema sylvestra you might find interesting. There are updated studies of recent years if you look online. I have seen people be able to lower their insulin as well as normalize their blood sugar levels so they don't get wild jumps in their blood sugar (brittle diabetics). You could contact a local pracitioner who uses botanicals to have them work with you on adding this to your current protocol.

Gymnema sylvestra in the Asclepiadaceae or Milkweed family
Part used: Aerial parts
Taste/Smell: Sweetish taste.
Tendencies: Cooling.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 teaspoon per cup of water; or 1:3.5 dry strength liquid extract: 5-60
drops 1-4 times per day.
Use: (a) Hypoglycemic, 135-138 (b) Hypolipidemic, (c) Antiatherosclerotic. 134
Gymnema is primarily used for diabetes. It is believed to act directly on the pancreas but research is not conclusive. It’s effect is swift in new Type II diabetics and slower in long term Type II and Type I diabetics. It can decrease the insulin need and even out the blood sugar in brittle diabetics.
Contraindications: Do not use in cases of hypoglycemia. Bood sugar must be monitored for rapid drops after taking this herb. Often the oral hypoglycemic drug or insulin dosages need to be decreased when Gymnema is used. Gymnema will desensitize the taste buds to sweet and bitter tasting foods for 3 hours. This effect can be avoided by taking the herb in capsule form. 1 square cm of Gymnema leaf chewed for 1-2 minutes can completely block sweet taste for 2-3 hours. This will make a piece of bread taste like straw. Although helpful if you are dieting, this is not pleasant for the average person. Gymnema should not be given to hypoglycemic individuals. You will exacerbate their symptoms.

In one study type one diabetics who took 400mg for 6-30 months had a average decrease in blood sugar levels of 52.6%. Most were able to reduce their medication and 5 were able to  discontinue their insulin with a maintenance of 400 mg of gymnema per day.
Gymnema is thought to regenerate the beta cells in the pancreas, stimulate release of new insulin and increase the cells ability to absorb insulin.

Summaries of research on Gymnema:

When diabetic dogs and rabbits were treated with Gymnema there was a decrease in blood glucose levels. When they took their pancreas out the hypoglycemic effect was not evident. Mhaskar, K.S. Calus J.F. : A Study of Indian Medicinal Plants II. Gymnema sylvestre. R.Br. Indian Medical Research Memoirs 16, 2-7. 1930.

In two diabetic patients administration of Gymnema decreased glucose in the urine.Shanmugasundaran K.R. et al. : Insulinotropic activity of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br., an Indian Medical Herb Used in Controlling Diabetes Mellitus. Pharmacological Research Communications 13, 475-485, 1981.

Gymnema appears to reduce or inhibits glucose absorption, possibly delays gastric emptying. There was no rise in insulin release. Okabayashi, Yoshinoii et al: Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. on Glucose Homeostasis in Rats. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice. 9 143-148, 1990.

This study showed a rise in serum insulin , and beta cells doubled in number.Shanmugasundaran, Gopinath et al.,

Possible Regeneration of The Islets of Langerhans in Streptozotocin Diabetic Rats Given Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf Extracts. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 30 265-279, 1990.

Another study showed no change in pancreas weight, no increase in insulin.Okabayashi, Yoshinoii et al: Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. on Glucose Homeostasis in Rats. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice. 9 143-148, 1990.

Increased insulin levels in non-diabetic persons and diabetics. The effect is sustained for a long time after withdrawal of the herb. Shanmugasundaram et al, Arogya. J. Health Science, VII, 38, 1981.

In humans 2 grams/day for one week in capsule or as tea (6 grams), for 10-15 days decrease glucose in fasting and glucose loading tests.Shamugasundaram, K.R., et al.  Studies on the Hypoglycemic Action of Gymnema sylvestre, R. Br. in D.M. Arogya Journal Health Science 7, 38-60.Khare, AK., et al. Hypoglycemic Activity of an Indigenous Drug (Gymnema sylvestre, ‘Gurmar’) in Normal and Diabetic Persons. Ind. Journal Physiology, Pharmacology. 27, 257-258.
No histopathological damage found in liver or kidney of rabbits who consumed this herb for 6 months.Okabayashi, Yoshinoii et al: Effect of Gymnema sylvestre R. Br. on Glucose Homeostasis in Rats. Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice. 9 143-148, 1990.

Can restore synthesis of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). It may prevent vascular complications of diabetes. Asha Rathi et al. Studies on Protein Bound Polysaccharide Components & Glycosaminoglycans in Experimental Diabetes- Effect of Gymnema sylvestre , R. Br. Indian Journal of Experimental Biology, volume 19, August 1981, 715-721.

So I've been looking this up myself and it does seem at minimal to work as a good way to lower the dependence on insulin.

But I have one problem I can find the dried leaves for teas powders and capsules but does anyone know where to find some seeds or what ever this plant uses to reproduce so far my search has had no results in seeds.

I greatly thank you for sharing this.

Mountain Rose Herbs probably has it.  Starwest has it, both organic.

I just tried to go to Mountain Rose' website, but google won't allow it, says it's not secure.  

Right now, it is available through Amazon, in a one pound bag from star west.  I worked for a medicinal herb shop for many years, star west is a very reliable and respected supplier.  You can be confident you are actually getting what it says on the label.

The herbalist's shop where I worked did have Gymnema, probably still does.  If you have trouble getting the herb, PM me, and I can give you contact information and you can contact the shop.  She could sell  you less than one pound, might have some perspective on dosing, or sell you a tea with synergistic hers along with the Gymnema.  However, one pound through amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZSTN3HK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687622&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00ZQ61V2E&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=KWCW82VFC1KGB4XHE4NW

costs less than 25 dollars, and I get the idea that if this works for you, you'll be using it for a long time.

Richard Force wrote:

So I've been looking this up myself and it does seem at minimal to work as a good way to lower the dependence on insulin.

But I have one problem I can find the dried leaves for teas powders and capsules but does anyone know where to find some seeds or what ever this plant uses to reproduce so far my search has had no results in seeds.

I greatly thank you for sharing this.

It is a tropical climber and sourcing right now for seed or plant is India. I am feelering other places for it. Lots of places carry already processed herb; you might have to do that for awhile. If I could find and possess Ficus Sycomorus (took a six week hard search) it can be found. I'll keep you posted.

Thekla McDaniels wrote:Mountain Rose Herbs probably has it.  Starwest has it, both organic.

I just tried to go to Mountain Rose' website, but google won't allow it, says it's not secure.  

Right now, it is available through Amazon, in a one pound bag from star west.  I worked for a medicinal herb shop for many years, star west is a very reliable and respected supplier.  You can be confident you are actually getting what it says on the label.

The herbalist's shop where I worked did have Gymnema, probably still does.  If you have trouble getting the herb, PM me, and I can give you contact information and you can contact the shop.  She could sell  you less than one pound, might have some perspective on dosing, or sell you a tea with synergistic hers along with the Gymnema.  However, one pound through amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ZSTN3HK/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687622&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00ZQ61V2E&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=KWCW82VFC1KGB4XHE4NW

costs less than 25 dollars, and I get the idea that if this works for you, you'll be using it for a long time.

Oooops, sorry, I did not notice it was the seeds you were looking for.

Okay so I'm highly interested in finding a way to get the seeds of both Gymnema sylvestre and Chamaecostus cuspidatus they are both suppose to be really great in helping with diabetes and specifically lowering blood sugar.

My issue is I can find all the dried plant parts that are usable but nothing on getting the seeds.