Symptoms

To understand diabetes, it helps to know something about the pancreas. Pancreas is long, thin and located behind the stomach. Pancreas responsible for regulating the body’s use of glucose. The pancreas will create a number of chemicals including insulin to regulate body’s glucose. When blood glucose levels begin to rise, it is insulin’s job to prod muscle and fat cells to absorb whatever glucose they need for future activities; the liver stores any surplus.

How Ginseng Can Help

Ginseng is a popular diabetes treatment that can be used alone or in tandem with traditional medication. The herb’s adenosine and polysaccharides lower above normal sugar levels. Furthermore, ginseng has been shown to promote insulin secretion in diabetics even though the herb does not have this affect on nondiabetes.

Dosages

Before taking ginseng, speak with your physician about whether the herb is for you. This is especially important if you are currently on medication for diabetes. The recommended dose is one 200-mg capsule twice a day; or 1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract twice a day; or 1 teaspoon of tincture twice a day. If taking ginseng continually, plan on taking a one-week break from the herb every four or five weeks. This reduces the chance of possible hypertension, insomnia or restlessness that some health authorities believe can develop with long-term ginseng usage.