Although we have been seeing considerable advances in conventional medicinal, many people still strongly recommend the use of complementary and substitute medicine for many conditions and this is certainly true in the case of diabetes. Treatments for diabetes can include many elements.
There are number of products and local practices that can be used as an alternative and complementary diabetes medicine but are not presently considered to be part of the mainstream system of medicinal healthcare and the main difference between the two is that complementary medicine is designed to be used alongside conventional treatment while alternative medicine is used instead of conventional treatment.
While some forms of both complimentary and alternative medicine produce beneficial effects but there are some other forms as well which can be extremely harmful and, in the case of a potentially serious condition such as diabetes, you should not use either without the knowledge of your doctor. In fact, one should always consult the doctor about any form of complimentary or alternative medicine which he might want to try so that he can advise you of any possible medical consequences of such treatment.
There are a large number of different types of complimentary and alternative therapy for diabetes including:
- Guided Imagery. This technique helps relaxing the mind and body and develops consciousness of, and an ability to deal with, the body’s reaction to pain using peaceful images. This can be predominantly helpful for diabetes suffering with nerve damage.2. Magnesium. Most people agree to our Ignorance behind the vital part played by magnesium in controlling diabetes but it is known that this mineral, which is found in green leaf vegetables, whole grain foods and nuts, plays an important role in many of the body’s functions including functions of the nerves, heart, muscles and bones. Other benefits include helping the body to handle glucose.
- 3. Acupuncture. Acupuncture is the method which involves the insertion of needles into different parts of the body and can be used to activate the discharge of natural chemical painkillers. Again, this might be useful for diabetes patients suffering with often painful nerve damage. Ginseng. Ginseng is becoming very popular popularity lately for the treatment of a whole range of different conditions. Statistics show that using American ginseng can reduce glucose levels, but this evidence is not strong enough yet to say just how effective it is as a form of treatment. There’s one problem with ginseng is that it comes in a variety of different forms and strengths and you can not really figure out just what amount or strength is needed for therapeutic purposes.
- Fenugreek is used as a seasoning and therapeutic herb throughout the world. Conventional Chinese herbalists are using it from decades for a multitude of conditions including kidney problems, male reproductive infections, high cholesterol etc. However, the vital benefits why fenugreek is used universally, is for diabetes and sugar-intolerance problems.
6. In Mexico, people used Nopal Cactus to treat diabetes, stomach problems, fatigue, and shortness of breath, for over many centuries.7. Cinnamon has been in use in different cultures for the treatment of diarrhea, as an antiseptic, digestion disorder and as well as certain menstrual disorders. But the noteworthy use has been discovered lately by Dr. John Anderson of the United States Department of Agriculture, is for regulating glucose. This will surely make life easy for diabetic patients. 8. Bitter MelonNo one has a doubt that this is being used worldwide for over 1,000 years. In the Amazon it used for expelling worms, intestinal gas and as therapeutic measures for other disorders but it is especially used for the treatment of diabetes. Statistics very clearly show the blood sugar lowering effect of this bitter fruit.
But are these Herbs safe for Diabetes?
It is like you believe it or not, it may work for some and may not work for the other but one can not rule out benefits of these alternative medicines in controlling or reversing diabetes. Few years back, FDA banned first ever herbal stimulant Ephedrine, also known as ma huang. But that doesn’t mean that other herbal supplements, spices or herbs are not safe to use. In any of the case, we strongly advise to consult your doctor first before start using any complimentary or alternative medicine.
