Problematic Pancreas? Ten Herbs that Can Prevent or Address Pre-Diabetes and Type II Diabetes

Is your pancreas giving you early signs of trouble? Or have you been recently told by your physician that you are prediabetic or as I was recently told not quite prediabetic but only a few numbers outside of the prediabetic range? Preventive medicine is always the best medicine, so what can you do today to reverse insulin resistance, and other pancreatic trouble?

First, How Can You Spot Early Signs of Prediabetes and Diabetes?  Common Signs Include:

1. Frequent urination, especially at night, may be an early sign of high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels increase stress on the kidneys which work to reabsorb sugar into the bloodstream. When the kidneys are unable to complete the absorption function urination  helps eliminate the extra glucose from the body.
2. Chronic irritability and frequent mood swings may indicate erratic blood sugar levels. Low blood sugar is known to make some people feel confused, irritable and jittery whereas high blood sugar levels can lead to feeling tense, angry, foggy and lethargic.
3. Chronic vaginal yeast infections, as extra sugar in the blood encourages yeast to grow.
4. Recurrent infections such as skin, bladder and urinary tract infections as high blood sugar impairs the immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infections.
5. Blurry vision. Rapid blood sugar level changes may cause your eyes to get cloudy or swell, resulting in blurry vision.
6. Erectile Dysfunction and or low sex drive. Some research studies indicate that inflammation caused by diabetes may affect the part of the brain that controls sexual desire.
7. Unexplained nausea and constipation.  High blood sugar levels often slows the digestive process resulting in feeling unusually full, nauseated, or constipated.
8. Slow-healing cuts. High blood sugar levels slows wound healing.
9. Patches of dark leathery skin, most commonly found in the creases of the neck, armpits, breasts, elbows, knees and groin. It also can show up on the face, hands and feet. Medically this condition is called Acanthosis Nigricans.
10. Excess facial hair in women. High levels of insulin due to insulin resistance can stimulate cells to produce more testosterone leading to unnaturally coarse and abundant facial hair on women.
11.  You have a history of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia episodes.

Thirteen Herbs that Will Improve Your Pancreas Function, and Regulate Your Blood Sugar Levels:

Aloe Vera, there have been a number of recent research studies that indicate aloe vera can lower and regulate blood sugar levels.

Application: In one study those who took 200mg of aloe vera powder had the most marked improvement of blood sugar regulation among research participants. A separate research study showed that ingesting two tablespoons (1 tablespoon twice a day) of Aloe Vera juice per day lowered blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes.

Burdock Root (Arctium lappa),a powerhouse of an herb most commonly used to support the liver and detoxification, known to lower blood sugar in diabetics.

Application: Fresh root is the most potent, however two grams of powdered root in capsules will also give good affect. 

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) will quickly and dramatically lower fasting blood sugar levels and with consistent use it will improve insulin sensitivity. While both Cassia and Ceylon varieties of cinnamon are beneficial to controlling blood sugar levels, some natural health practitioners prefer Cassia for controlling blood sugar levels. Cinnamon works in three key ways, 1) it improves the body’s sensitivity to insulin the most key hormone in regulating blood sugar levels. 2) it decreases the amount of glucose that enters your blood stream after a meal. 3) It prevents blood sugar spikes by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates.  

Those with blood Type B may experience fatigue and bloating when taking high doses of cinnamon.

Application: Take 1-2 grams of cinnamon with each meal. Adding cinnamon to cereal, oatmeal, coffee, tea and smoothies are easy ways to benefit from its medicinal effects. You can also find cinnamon in capsule or tincture form at most health stores.

Celery Juice. One theory of insulin resistance is that it is caused by the liver being taxed and unable to properly digest fat, causing fat build up in the gut organs and blood stream.  Celery juice helps the liver dissolve built-up fats bringing the liver back into balance and better able to preserve and release glycogen reserves which helps prevent insulin resistance.

Application: Drink 16 ounces of freshly juiced organic celery daily or several times a week on an empty stomach.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) A favorite among herbalists for its liver support and detoxification properties, dandelion also helps control blood sugar levels. This is accomplished by stimulating the production of insulin. In addition, it’s a diuretic which helps remove excess sugars from the body.

Application: The root of the plant is most potent, but all parts of the plant are used medicinally. Drink 3 cups of tea per day for general medicinal use for more concentrated dosages use powdered capsules or tincture.

Garlic (Allium sativum), one of my favorite pharmafoods known for its  many healing and medicinal uses. Primarily known   for its antiviral, antibiotic, and cholesterol and blood pressure lowering properties it also regulates blood sugar levels by improving the function of the pancreas and increasing the secretion of insulin. In 2017, a meta-analysis ( a study of many studies) on the effect if garlic supplementation in the  management of type 2 diabetes, showed a significant reduction on HbA1c (the measurement of the percentage of glucose-coated hemoglobin in your red blood cells.)

Application: For best effect it should be used at every meal in large quantities a couple cloves of pickled garlic is usually enough to get the full benefits you may also take it in tincture form or and non-odor capsules.

Ginseng (Panax), American and Asian ginseng are different species of the same genus, Panax. While Asian ginseng is well known and used for controlling blood sugar levels in Eastern medical traditions, American ginseng is more widely used for improved cognitive function. However, both species promote secretion of insulin, and if taken before meals it will prevent post meal spikes in blood sugar levels.

Application:  To prevent meal induced blood sugar spikes take 2-5 drops of Ginseng tincture before each meal.

Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)is an interesting herb native to India, Africa, and Australia, which only recently has become commonly used in Western Herbalism. Like the other herbs listed, Gymnema decreases insulin resistance and lowers blood sugar levels. It also has unique properties, it promotes the regeneration of the Islets of Langerhan cells, the cells in the pancreas that produces insulin thus increasing insulin production. It reduces the amount of sugar absorbed by the intestines. And lastly it  has been used to greatly reduce sugar cravings and the resulting weight gain due to gymnemic acid which blocks the sugar receptors on your taste buds, reducing the ability to taste sweetness and thus make sweet foods less appealing.

Application: To block the sugar receptors on your tongue, take a supplement with water 5–10 minutes before a high-sugar meal or snack. To regulate blood sugar levels, take (1) 100mg capsule 3-4 times per day.

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) In addition to regulating blood sugar levels, lemon balm also protects against the oxidative stress that occurs from excess glucose levels.

Application: Drink 2 cups of lemon balm tea daily for 4 weeks to improve overall pancreas health.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) most used to detoxify the liver, reverse liver damage and is an antidote to poisonous mushroom ingestion. It also shines in its blood sugar regulation abilities.

Application: The entire plant is used nutritionally or medically however the seeds provide the most potent compounds. Find a milk thistle seed tincture at your local health store and take as directed.

Special Mentions from the Fungi Family:

• Chaga
• Lion’s Mane
• Turkey Tail

Fun Fact:  Metformin, the most used diabetes pharmaceutical, was derived and synthesized from Goat’s-rue (Galega officinalis) the herb used for centuries in traditional medicine for pancreas health and to combat diabetes.

As always, listen to your body when embarking on any herbal, medicinal, or nutritional changes. Do your research or consult with a professional regarding drug/herbal interactions. Many herbs are powerful enough to make pharmaceuticals unnecessary and dangerous to take in tandem. If pregnant or attempting pregnancy do not start any herbal program without first consulting a professional herbalist or conducting extensive personal research as many herbs are not compatible with pregnancy.

References:

• AARP.com
• The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine by Nicole Apelian, PhD & Claude Davis.
• The Energetic of Western Herbs: A Materia Medica Integrating Western & Chinese Herbal Therapeutics Volume I and II by Peter Holmes.
• Celery Juice: The Most Powerful Medicine of Our Time by Anthony William.
• Healthline.com