Recently Gymnema Sylvestre was introduced to my mother for the treatment of diabetes (糖尿病).
A check in the Internet shows that Gymnema sylvestre (匙羹藤) is a plant used in India and parts of Asia as a natural treatment for diabetes or “sweet urine.” It is actually an Ayurvedic medicine. While it is still being studied, and the effects of the herb are not entirely known, the herb has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period of time.
In healthy adults gymnema sylvestre is believed to help curb cravings for sweets. Though not a magic bullet, when taken with a high-carbohydrate meal or a meal high in sugar, it can aid the body by passing through sugars and making carbs available for burning, rather than turning these into fat stores. In this way it helps to build lean muscle mass.
Gymnema sylvestre has been deemed very safe for adults at suggested doses. If pregnant or lactating, do not take this herb due to lack of research and potential impact on the baby. Those will allergies to the milkweed family might experience allergic reactions to gymnema sylvestre.
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