Herbs are most often treated as complex foods by the body, but they have distinct advantages over most of the foods we eat. Because they are usually unrefined, they therefore contain large amounts of minerals and complexes which may be missing in our dietary intake, and which are needed for proper functioning of our bodily systems. Each herb has many uses; some stimulating the bodie's immune system, while others regulate hormonal aspects, and still others stimulate better circulation or the lowering or stabilization of blood sugar levels.

In this crazy world of overinflated medical costs, unaffordable insurance rates, and poor-quality foods, HERBS can provide a sensible, inexpensive, and easy way for the general population to help maintain their health.

The following is a partial list of herbs which can help moderate the health problems associated with diabetes.

1.)

Cinnamon bark

The bark of this tree not only contains the familiar volatile oil of cinnamon, familiar to most people, but it also contains complex carbohydrates, which are utilized quite slowly by the body, and tend to stabilize blood sugar levels. In addition to this effect, the volatile oils, contained within the bark, stimulate better circulation, and are extrememely beneficial for the kidneys... (Our suggestion is to incorporate cinnamon as a tea, or in cooking).

2.)

Ginkgo biloba leaf

The leaf of this ancient (pre-historic) tree stimulates more complete circulation throughout the body, however it has an affinity for increasing circulation to the head area, including the brain, eyes, and all other organs located within the head. This can be of help in cases of insufficient blood supply. In additon, the "ginkgolides" have been shown to act in a fashion similar to neuro-transmitters, increasing the efficiency of nerve impulse transmission, and have been used to improve memory (which has a lot to do with improved circulation).



3.)

Hypo Glycemic herbs

( to lower blood glucose levels)
These herbs should be used carefully since they do cause quite dramatic changes in blood glucose levels. People using insulin or other drugs may (probably) need to monitor their blood glucose levels and dosages carefully when using these hypoglycemic herbs.

a.)

Brickellia grandiflora

(also called: "Hamula", or "Prodigiosa").

This herb, which is found in the Southwestern U.S. in abundance, works to tell the liver to reabsorb blood glucose, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. Dose: 1 cup of the tea, taken twice daily, (mid morning, and mid-afternoon).

b.) Tecoma Stans (also called: "Tronadora" or "Yellow Trumpet vine").
This herb, (found in the lower Chihuahuan desert) works to lower blood sugar levels by making the fat storage aspect of insulin more efficient. If you use this herb, you must lower your calorie intake by 5 to 10 %, otherwise weight gain will occur.

c.) Cacalia decomposita (also called: "Buffalo root" or "Maturique").
This herb is more uncommon, growing in higher elevations in mountainous regions, usually in protected "saddles" between peaks, or in high meadows. Its use must be limited to no more than a month or so, as it has long-term effects of irritation to the liver and gut. It is very valuable in bringing very high blood glucose levels to lower and more satisfactory levels, and is very good for severe hyperglycemia. The action is similar to that of Brickellia.

d.) Blueberry/Bilberry/Huckleberry LEAF (all Vaccinium species).
All species of blueberry (leaf) have properties which lower blood sugars, and help stabilize them. They affect the tiny capillaries more than the large arteries, and so they can have a very beneficial effect upon the eyes, in cases of retinal or macular diseases, and can improve the health of the kidneys, by helping to improve this "micro-circulation" to these vital organs.

e.)

Chinese Bitter Melon

(also known as: "Gu Gua").
This melon is very bitter, and causes improved digestion and liver function (because of its bitter taste), and helps stabilize blood glucose levels throughout the day. Use 1/4 melon per dose, boiled for several minutes in 1 to 1 1/2 cups of water... sipped slowly during mid morning. The great thing about this herb is that it can be grown easily in most regions where the growing season is 4 to 5 months. In areas where there is a short growing season, it is recommended to plant seeds in a greenhouse or indoors, setting out the new plants after all danger of frost has passed.

A wonderful seed source for many medicinals is Horizon Herbs, run by a good friend of mine, Richo Cech, master seedsman and a great herbalist as well. Here is a link to his site: Horizon Herbs seed source



4.)

Herbs for improving circulation

The following herbs are a partial list of the many herbs which may be used to improve the circulation of blood throughout the body. Some may have other good side effects, such as ginger, which improves digestion and settles the stomach, but all herbs listed in this group work to improve circulation.

a.) Ginger root

b.) Cayenne
This hot, stimulating fruit is similar to ginger, but works more on the smaller capillaries, located under the surface of the skin. This herb is especially good for mucous membrane congestion. Another trick to keep your feet warm during cold weather is to sprinkle a small amount (a couple of pinches) into your shoes before slipping them on. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

c.) Ginkgo leaf (covered above)

d.) Bilberry/Blueberry (covered above)

e.) Prickly Ash bark (Xanthoxylum americanum)
This herb, which is the bark from a specific ash tree, stimulates circulation to the extremeties, especially the hands and feet. Prickly Ash bark acts similarly to Ginger root, also calming the gut, (a carminative),and promotes improved digestion.

f.) Motherwort (either the American variety, Lenourus cardiaca, or the Chinese variety, Leonurus Sibericus, also known as "Yi mu cao").
Motherwort improves the circulation of blood throughout the body, and has been studied (and proven) for this use in clinical trials. The trials also showed its effectiveness in improving circulation to the heart muscle itself, reducing blood stagnation and edema, and preventing platelet agglutination (clotting).



5.)

Blood Pressure- lowering herbs

The following group of herbs can be used to lower the blood pressure of many people, and are safe to use with most medications. The exception is using Hawthorn berry with Calcium channel blockers, as these two used together will cancel the effects of both. ( Most diabetics use Beta blockers now, which do not interact with this herb.)

Hypo-tensive herbs, (which lower blood pressure) include:

a.) Dandelion root (Taraxicum Officinales)... this herb is highly diuretic, and thus causes excess sodium to be removed via the urine. It has a bitter taste, the effect of which is to cause the liver to clear congestion within itself, and to stimulate bile production, which neutralizes over-acidity in the stomach and upper bowel, (and the tendency for reflux). Up to 3 cups of the root tea per day is used . Dandelion is also rich in both Calcium and Potassium. (therefore it is a much better source of Potassium for Diabetics than are banannas, which have high amounts of fructose... fruit sugar).

b.) Burdock root, Arctium lappa... (Gobo root)
This herb root is very high in minerals and is considered a very nutritious food plant. It also has a bitter taste, stimulating improved liver function, and is diuretic. In addition, Burdock has an affinity for removing uric acid crystals .... (a cause of gout), from the body. Up to 3 cups of tea or combination tea is used per day. (Gout may also be helped by reducing the amount of proteins in the dietary intake, and drinking unsweetened Black Cherry extract (juice)).

c.) Linden flowers Tillia americana.... the leaf and flower of this beautiful tree are collected in the spring. They have a relaxing effect upon the nervous system and muscles , and it is one of the few herbs which actually helps remove plaque from the arterial walls. Lecithin, (a fat which dissolves fats) also has this property of helping to remove plaque from blood circulatory pathways. This herb works to lower blood pressure through moderate relaxation of the Central Nervous system.

d.) White Chrysanthemum flowers (also known as "Ju hua" in Chinese medicine).
A beauty from the garden can also lower blood pressure with regular use. Clinical trials have confirmed this use for it.



6.)

Bitter herbs

This classification of herbs are given to ones which have a bitter taste, such as Gentian root, Oregon grape root, Dandelion root, Boldo leaf, and many others. These bitter-tasting herbs can help improve one's digestive functions, and also provide a slight improvement in the action of the heart muscle. Ingesting bitter herbs and foods also has a relationship to the health of the eyes (In Chinese medicne). These herbs are valuable to help avoid formation of gall stones, because they increase the frequency of bile evacuation from the gall bladder, never allowing it to reach saturation densities which cause the precipitation (the formation) of gall stones. (note: when attempting to lose weight, it is very important to do it slowly, and to use bitters , to prevent gall stone formation). Do whatever you can (preventatively) to KEEP all the internal organs which came with your body.



7.)

Tonic / nutrient-rich herbs

Many herbs are tonic, which means they can be taken all the time , without any adverse side effects or toxicity. These herbs provide the body with trace minerals which may be absent from a Standard American Diet (S.A.D) diet. These herbs may be blended with other flavoring herbs, such as fennel seed, or cinnamon, to alter their taste characteristics so they are more suitable to each persons taste preferences.

Dandelion root, Burdock root, Alfalfa leaf, Chicory root, Amaranth herb, Nettle leaf, and Red Clover whole herb (esp. the flowers) are all mineral rich. (Note * Red clover will interfere with blood clotting).



8.)

Leg Ulcer Poultice:

For Poor healing leg ulcers, try this poultice:

Blend equal parts Rosemary leaf, Comfrey leaf, and Potentilla root, Walnut leaf, or Oak bark. (astringents) Create a powder, add water to create a paste. Place sterile gauze or cheesecloth over ulcer, and apply herb to ulcer area. Cover with another layer of sterile gauze or cheesecloth. Wrap loosely, and be sure to change the poultice twice each day.



9.)

Recipies for healthy eating:

(In progress).