Sugar addict, appetite out of control or have high blood sugar, then this herb may be just what you need
Gymnema for BS balance, curb carb cravings, reduce appetite and help balance out serotonin levels;
Sugar addict, have high blood pressure, or need to reduce your appetite-this herb may be just what you need.
Gymnema contains compounds that bind to block the receptor sites for the sweet taste. If you chew on the leaf or take a bit of the extract and then eat something sweet, you cannot taste the sweetness of the food temporarily.
If you are trying to give up sugar, this may be a way to avoid eating sweet foods.
Gymnema is also known for its blood sugar-balancing effects.
It affects the enzymes involved in sugar metabolism to improve glucose uptake into the cells. It also prevents the liver from releasing glucose into the bloodstream. It can help reduce BS in people with hyperglycemia. Still, the beautiful thing about herbs is that they seek to balance out the body, so gymnema will not lower blood sugar, so you end up with hypoglycemia. Instead, it will stabilize your blood sugar levels.
This excellent herb can also help decrease your appetite, supporting weight loss. It does so by increasing leptin, which helps to regulate appetite. Gymnema can also increase serotonin, and low serotonin levels are associated with carb cravings (because carbs can help to raise serotonin).
Dose: 300 mg three times daily or one capsule three times daily. Use 60-100 drops 2-3 times daily in tincture form. With the tincture, you can titrate the dose as needed. For instance, smaller amounts, such as 30 drops, taken more often may help to reduce those cravings for carbs and sweet treats. If using as a tea, use one teaspoon of the leaves and steep for 5 minutes, and drink one cup 2-3 times daily.
Who should avoid this herb: if you take insulin, do not use it without discussing it with your prescribing doctor since you may need less insulin. Theoretically, Gymnema might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2. In one animal study, Gymnema caused a 2.4-fold increase in the clearance of tolbutamide, a CYP2C9 substrate, in rats. In vitro research also shows that gymnema can inhibit CYP2C9. Theoretically, taking Gymnema with phenacetin might increase the levels of phenacetin. Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, decreases the clearance of phenacetin in a dose-dependent manner by about 21% to 29% and increases plasma levels about 1.3- to 1.4-fold compared to control. Theoretically, taking Gymnema with tolbutamide might decrease levels of tolbutamide. Animal research shows that gymnema, administered orally for 7 days, increases the clearance of tolbutamide by 2.4-fold when compared to the control.
Skenderi (2003) states there are no contraindications when used properly.
Sources
https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.tcsedsystem.idm.oclc.org/#
Mars, B. (2007). The desktop guide to herbal medicine. Basic Health Publications.
Skenderi, G. (2003). Herbal vade mecum. Herbacy Press.