• Used as an adjunctive treatment along with dietary change for non-insulin-dependent diabetes
• Used to reduce the sense of taste for sweet foods
• Used to reduce appetite and calorie intake
Native to India, gymnema leaf has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a treatment for diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent) for over 2000 years. The Sanskrit word for this herb means “sugar destroyer”. Modern research has confirmed its properties and effectiveness.
A recent monograph on gymnema relates that, “In 1990 a series of published studies on [gymnema extract] lifted this herb from interesting to revolutionary. To begin with, it was shown that the administration of [gymnema extract] to diabetic animals not only resulted in improved glucose homeostasis, this improvement was accompanied by a regeneration of beta cells in the pancreas… Because diabetes usually isn’t recognized until significant damage has occurred to the pancreas cells responsible for producing insulin, [gymnema extract] may be of use to anyone concerned about preventing the development of diabetes… Taking into account the impressiveness of these results, it is both shocking and dismaying that Gymnema sylvestre remains unknown and unutilized in most of the world.”
Herbalist Michael Tierra notes, “Gymnema has the unique property of inhibiting the taste of sugar. Because it has a molecular structure similar to that of sugar, it blocks up to 50% of the absorption of sugar. In doing so, it will not affect the taste of food but will suppress the desire for sweets. This makes it an ideal herb to use for the treatment of diabetes along with the Ayurvedic mineral compound called shilajit and/or in combination with GTF chromium to help stabilize blood sugar. To experience its effects, first taste something sweet, then swish gymnema tea in the mouth for 20-30 seconds and taste something sweet again. You will find that the gymnema has blocked the perception of sweetness in the mouth and may therefore block the absorption of sweet in the digestive system, although this is not fully known. As an antidiabetic herb, gymnema apparently works by enhancing the endogenous production of insulin. It is therefore a good herb to take after indulging in sweets to block sugar absorption in those with either type I or type II diabetes.”
Gymnema has been successfully incorporated into weight loss regimens not just because it abolishes the taste for sweet, but also because it reduces the appetite.
Herbal practitioner Alan Tillotson points out that, “This herb is a good long-term tonic for Type 1 and 2 diabetics. Results are best seen after long-term administration, over 6 months to a year. I
Administration:
60-90 drops (2-3ml), three to four times daily, in a mouthful of water, on an empty stomach.
Contraindications and Cautions:
Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sensitive individuals may experience stomach upset while taking this product: reduce dosage or discontinue use if necessary. Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you suffer with hypoglycaemia, kidney or heart disease, if you intend to use this product for diabetes or if you are on medication for diabetes.
Available in bottle sizes of 50ml, 100ml, and 250 ml.
A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life.
Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb's medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences.
As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you’ll be surprised to learn that it’s about the same as what you’d find in an overly ripe banana!
Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs.
Ingredients:
Wildcrafted
Gymnema (leaf)
(Gymnema sylvestre) |
