Another name for Gymnema is Gurmar, and it means "Sugar Destroyer." That tells you what you need to know about this herb. It has been used for 2000 years to reduce excessively high blood sugar levels, by boosting the amount of insulin available to process sugar. Gymnema is an Ayurvedic herb and has been used to treat digestion, urinary tract problems, obesity, and hyperglycemia. It is unique in that it actually helps block the taste of sugar and its absorption by the body. Gymnema can be used as an herbal supplement to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also effective in lowering the levels of liquids in the blood relieving the symptoms of allergic reactions and fighting various viral infections. Gymnema has been used as a snake bite cure because it inhibits venom ATPase (an enzyme in venom), and has also been used to treat toe mycosis (a fungal infection of the toe). This herbal remedy is used to help prevent tooth decay, to restore pancreatic function for diabetes and alcoholism.
The Gymnema plant contains a number of compounds, such as glycosides and anthraquinones. The bioactive constituent of Gymnema is gymnemic acid, and it is a sweetness inhibitor. The herb can reduce the appetite for sugar or "sweetness in the mouth". The fact that Gymnema herbal tincture can also help to reduce blood sugar levels is believed to be one of the other reasons that it is a good weight management compound. Structurally, gymnemic acids are similar to glucose and behave in the intestine in a similar way. When these acids lock into intestinal receptors, they effectively lock out glucose.
The effect is twofold, first it helps to balance blood sugar, and secondly, it promotes lean body mass by lessening the amount of sugar that gets stored as fat. Gymnema can reduce fat deposits in the abdomen, waist, and hips. Sports players who struggle to avoid excess carbohydrates also find help in taking Gymnema liquid herbal extract. Gymnema Sylvestre may also offer hope for people suffering from binge eating disorders associated with obesity.
Gymnema Sylvestre is a plant native to the tropical forests of India and probably the most practical herbal recommendation for improving blood sugar control in diabetics. This herbal extract is said to help lower blood sugar levels in Type 2, adult onset diabetics by blocking sugar's efficacy in the system and reducing blood sugar levels after sugar consumption. Furthermore, there is some evidence that it may possibly regenerate or revitalize the insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas. It is interesting to note that Gymnema extracts are without side effects and exerts its blood sugar-lowering effects only in cases of diabetes. Gymnema extract, when given to healthy volunteers, does not produce any blood sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects.
Gymnema helps reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. This is important, since high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity and Type-2 diabetes tend to occur in unison. A study of the herbal extract of Gymnema reports that its use may lead to a reduction in body mass index and weight.
Gymnema is also used to treat swollen glands, cough, sore eyes, conjunctivitis, bronchitis, asthma, and fever. The antiviral powers of this herbal remedy reportedly make users resistant to some viruses. It also has very potent antibacterial properties which come in handy in fighting various conditions caused by the activity of microbes and bacteria.
Gymnema benefits are not permanent, the herbal tincture must be taken consistently over long periods of time to reap significant improvement. The suppression of sugar cravings may occur the first week of supplementation or even immediately. The balancing of blood sugar and blood cholesterol generally takes place in 3 to 4 weeks.
Ingredients: Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf, Structured Water, and 20% Alcohol.
Non-Alcohol: Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf, Structured Water, and Vegetable Glycerin.
Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications: People with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) should use Gymnema only under the supervision of a physician. It is important to note that Gymnema should never be used in place of insulin. Gymnema can enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of insulin and hypoglycemic drugs and, thus, blood glucose levels. Therefore, blood glucose levels must always be monitored closely by a healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: The information presented herein by New Way Herbs is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own healthcare provider.
