Nopal Cactus and Type 2 Diabetes

I am thinking seriously about adding Nopal Cactus back into my regimen. I bought a gallon of this juice when I was first diagnosed and new to diabetes and frankly didn't know anything about it. I was still in that wonder, "WHY ME" stage and was frantically trying different things and I just remember that drinking the Nopal Cactus juice every day made an immediate difference in my blood sugar readings. Unfortunately I do not remember where I bought it, however it was on line.

There are several outlets for Nopal Cactus products out there, and amongst them is a product called "Nopalea" marketed by Trivita Corporation. They have on ongoing series of InfoMercials on TV with some astounding testimonies. I am already a MEMBER of Trivita and used their products exclusively a few years ago (prior to the introduction ofNopalea). I am THINKING of seriously looking into this company again, as I understand, "once a member, always a member" which entitles one to discounts and also a business opportunity. With the number of diseases being LINKED directly or indirectly to INFLAMATION, I am going to take a second look at their Nopalea product along with their other supplements.

I will be doing another post on this Nopalea product from the Nopal Cactus Juice and post results on my BLOG if I feel it has merit and is something I will personally take and recommend to others.Here are some other alternatives in the interim  from IHerb, called, Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum 1000mg Nopal Cactus formula.
LINK To IHerb Products   .................Including the Nopal Cactus Full Spectrum formula.

I will do a separate post on the history and benefits of Nopal Cactus. Dan

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Herbs proven To Help With Type 2 Diabetes

I am going to list several common herbs that have proven of benefit in treating Type 2 Diabetes. These are available from different sources individually and in an herbal formula. Herbs have been used for centuries in the treatment of various illnesses including those dealing with glucose problems. One should ALWAYS check with your doctor first to see if there might be any complications or reactions or synergism with any existing prescription drugs you are taking or if you are on insulin. I would recommend doing additional research on your own and even contacting a professional herbalist before taking herbs on your own.

Banaba Leaf  known in the USA as Crape Myrtle (or Crepe Myrtle) provides for us banaba extract taken from the leaves is a form of plant insulin known as Corosolic acid and contains anti diabetic properties. Although native only to India. the Philippines, Australia and East Asia is has been successfully grown in temperate climates around the world including the USA.

Bitter Melon (momordica charantia) a tropical vegetable cultivated in Asia, Africa and South America with its roots in folk medicine as a treatment for diabetes. The fresh juice or extract of the unripe fruit has been proven in several clinical studies to lower blood glucose levels.

Onion or Garlic (Allium cepa & Allium sativum) / both have impressive blood glucose lowering agents. The principal active ingredients are believed to be allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (Allicin), among others. They also play a role in lowering blood lipid levels and blood pressure and have beneficial cardiovascular effects.

Gymnena Sylvestre (Gurmar, Meshasringi, Cherukurinja) /assists the pancreas in production of insulin for type 2 diabetics and decreases cravings for sweets.

Pterocarpus Marsupium (Indian Kino, Malabar Kino, Pitasara, Venga) / this herb has a long history in India for treatment of diabetes. Both epicatechin and a crude alcohol extract of Pterocarpus marsupium have been shown to regenerate functional  pancreatic beta cells. NO OTHER drug or natural agent has been shown to generate this activity.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) Both clinical and experimental studies have shown the anti diabetic properties of Fenugreek seeds. The active ingredient is apparently the defatted portion of the seed containing the alkaloid trogonelline, nicotinic acid and coumarin.

Bilberry / has a history of being good for the eyes and may lower the risks of  diabetic cataracts and retinopathy

Blueberry Leaves (Vaccinium Myrtillus / the leaves of the blueberry have been used for centuries in the treatment of diabetes. The compound Myrtillin is the most active ingredient. It is weaker than insulin but less toxic and one injection is beneficial for several weeks.

Asian Ginseng used in Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It enhances the release of insulin from the pancreas and also shown to increase the number of insulin receptors. It also has a direct lowering effect on blood glucose levels. (See my posts on squats with weight resistance as also having an effect on increasing insulin receptors as part of a circuit training using both aerobics and weight resistance training)

Stevia should be in every Type 2 diabetics household (throw out the sugar bowl) shown to have a beneficial effect on glucose tolerance.


Ginko Biloba has shown some promise  of prevention in the early stages of diabetic neuropathy

Cinnamon proven useful in improving insulin efficiency

Barberry often used as a liver tonic

I have personally ordered different herbal formulas along with other vitamins and mineral supplements from iherb.com with good success. Again I have NO personal or financial interest of any kind in iherb.com or anyone else.

Dan


Better to hunt in fields for health unbought
Than fee the doctor for a nauseous draught.
The wise for cure on exercise me depend;
God never made his work for man to mend.
John Dryden

Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”