Herbs for Sugar Addiction
Herbs for Sugar Addiction People look for solutions to sugar addiction for many reasons. The first is that they may be in danger of becoming diabetic - or in some cases, already are. The second is to control their weight - an excessive amount of sweet things can cause a person to become obese. Of course, these two are not mutually exclusive, and it could be a combination of the two added to a simple desire to have a healthier lifestyle. Quickly absorbed sweeteners can cause blood sugar levels to climb - this causes the pancreas to release insulin and can lead to a let down/pick up vicious circle - always looking for the next 'high' from the sugar hit. Herbs for sugar addiction are not the kind you would grow in your garden - you will need to buy these from a reputable source. Licorice root is anti-inflammatory. It is extremely sweet. You can use it as a tea to satisfy sugar cravings or add a bit of powder as a sweetener. Be careful how much you use as it is commonly known to promote bowel movements. It can also enhance your immune system functioning and is a potent liver herb, assisting the liver’s role in hormone balance. Licorice is considered an adaptogen (a herb which is mixed with others) which enhances the effects of other herbs in a formula, so it is widely used. The dose is about 500 mg per day. Ashwaganda root (Withania somnifera) This is known as “Indian ginseng,” and is an adaptogen. It’s used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic and sedative. It's unrelated to true ginseng but appears to share the properties. In fact, studies show ashwaganda to be superior to ginseng as an antistress adaptogen. Ayurvedic practitioners consider ashwaganda to be a “grounding” herb — one that nourishes and regulates metabolic processes. A typical dose of ashwaganda is about 1 g per day, taken over long periods for up to many years, as a rejuvenator. But because ashwaganda is very safe, larger quantities are often used short-term. Astragalus root (Astragalus membranaceus) This herb is considered to be a major tonic in Chinese medicine. Used regularly, it helps to support stamina over time and helps reduce sugar cravings. Ginseng root (Panax ginseng or P. quinquefolius) is the ultimate stamina herb and helps to stabilize energy and blood sugar levels. It's a long-term builder and the effect will be gradual. A typical dose of ginseng powder in capsules is 4,000 to 6,000 mg per day. You need to give it time to see the effect - about 2 to 3 months. In addition to herbs for sugar addiction, you can try the following: Chromium is a mineral that helps regulate blood glucose levels. Many studies have shown it reduces glucose levels in Type II diabetics. A daily dose of chromium between 200 to 1,000 mcg daily helps to minimize short-term cravings. Vitamin B6 often helps quell cravings. Amounts up to or above 1,000 mg per day, for a short duration, often are the most effective. You will need to try to find the best formula for you. A good start for herbs for sugar addiction would be to take a daily Chromium supplement and Vitamin B6. Use licorice to make a tea when you have strong cravings and Ginseng to build long term stability. If you're looking for a simple sugar substitute to use in cooking (such as stewed fruit) then Sweet Cicely works very well and will halve the need for sugar in things such as rhubarb, gooseberries and apple. For an explanation of gardening terms that you might not understand, please check out the Growers Dictionary section.
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