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Ask the Herbalist_questions on Diabetes
To prevent some of the long term effects of diabetes, such as reduced circulation to peripherals, kidney and eye
problems and neuropathies I would employ other herbs.
Ginkgo, is great for circulation especially peripheral and cerebral.
Bilberry/Blueberry is specific to eye health.
Nettles leaf is good for kidneys and Nettles seed can help improve function to a already weakened kidney organ.
Hawthorn is food for the heart and helps maintain vascular integrity.
Milk Thisthle is great for damage to the liver.
Finally to reduce cravings for sugars a balanced bitter formula is good for this. It should be taken 3 times a day just
before meals. Look for one that has both warming and cooling bitters, such as Angelica (warming), Gentian (cooling),
Dandelion Leaf (cooling), Orange Peel (warming), Artichoke (cooling). Look for a carminative in the formula such as
peppermint or ginger to settle and aid in digestion, but no laxatives (such as Senna, Butternut or White Walnut,
Culvers Root and Rhubarb) such as in the Swedish Bitters on the market today. Angustora bitters used in Manhattans
is only Gentian a cooling bitter. Bitters also help balance blood sugars. Bitters are hard to get into a child because you
have to taste them to gain the effect, but many children are adaptable.
Tell him to find the Herbal PDR, published by the same company as the PDR. Not everything in it will be supported by
all herbalists but it will be a good starting reference point for a scientific based philosphy to medicine such as he was
trained in. Make sure he gets the second edition not the first there were changes and additions to it.
Other herbs that are getting recent press about diabetes are: Prickly Pear Cactus, Fenugreek, Devil's club and Jambol
seed but not all of these are appropriate for type 1 diabetes, i.e. juvenile diabetes, IDDM
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