Ageless Herbs TCM for Diabetes
Chinese Herbs and Acupressure

Diabetes has risen to epidemic levels in the U.S.; the CDC reports that between the years of 1980 and 2005, the number of incidents of diabetes has basically doubled, and the chances of developing diabetes increases significantly as we age. Herbal strategies are effective at preventing and treating type-2 diabetes, especially when caught early in the pre-diabetes stage, or insulin resistant phase. Herb formulas can help to moderate blood sugar levels for type-1 diabetes, but are not especially effective at reversing it.

There is historical data showing that Chinese medicine has recognized and treated diabetes for over 2,000 years. There are many patterns of imbalance that diabetes can present with, but there are some basic commonalities in the majority of diabetes cases.  According to Chinese medicine, there are typically three stages in type 2 diabetes. Each individual will advance through diabetes differently, but this is a basic progression common in diabetes type 2:

Stage 1
Before diabetic symptoms appear, there are signs of Yin deficiency. Thirst is a common sign of Yin Deficiency and is prevalent in patients with diabetes.  Unfortunately, simply drinking water will not reverse Kidney Yin Deficiency, as the condition requires Yin nourishing herb formulas that include herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa and Dioscorea opposite. There are many other symptoms that point to Yin Deficiency.

Stage 2
As the disease progresses, Yin Deficiency left untreated persists, and Qi Deficiency develops next. The pancreas is part of the Spleen System; Spleen Qi Deficiency is common in the pre-diabetes stage and patients could be drug dependent at this stage.

The Spleen is responsible for the way we utilize and store food in Chinese medicine. The combination of obesity (that would signify a low metabolism common in diabetes) and, at the same time thirst and heat signs (hyper-active metabolism), demonstrates Spleen Qi Deficiency and the empty heat that is prevalent in Yin Deficient conditions. During this stage, those suffering with diabetes would benefit from Yin nourishing tonic herbs as discussed above, and Spleen Qi tonic herbs such as Atractylodes and Astragalus.

Stage 3
Yang energy is dependant on Yin (substance) and Qi  (energy); if diabetes progresses without proper treatment, all three will collapse. Blood is dependent on Qi to circulate, so further symptoms develop related to poor circulation; many diabetic formulas include herbs such as red sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza, to increase blood circulation. At this stage, the diabetes is an advanced disease and becomes difficult to reverse.

Herbs Used for Diabetes

There are many herbs that are effective at addressing diabetes. Most of the herbs listed have been shown to demonstrate blood sugar lowering qualities; however, these herbs more interestingly demonstrate the ability to moderate blood sugar levels by correcting the underlying imbalances and nourishing the Organ Systems that have are affected. These herbs are typically used as a part of a formula that addresses all of the complex attributes of diabetes. Most herbal formulas for diabetes also contain supporting herbs that may not lower blood sugar, but make the overall formula more effective.
Treating diabetes naturally with Chinese medicine depends on restoring the Spleen function. This Chinese herb formula for diabetes increases the cells sensitivity to insulin and reducing insulin resistance, thus acting as a prophylactic where borderline diabetic conditions exist.

Herbs for Diabetes:
Momordica charantia-ku gua-Bitter Melon
At least three different groups of constituents in bitter melon have been reported to have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit in diabetes mellitus.

Atractylodes-bai zhu
Atractylodes is an important Chinese Qi tonic herb famous for regulating the digestive functions. It is a powerful energy booster and is widely used in China by athletes, in weight control programs, and for diabetes. It has a mild diuretic action and drains dampness.

Oplopanax horridus-Devil's Club Root Bark
An exceptional Native American herb that restores pancreatic function and has been known to cure type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar levels in the treatment of diabetes. It also has a tonic effect on the blood and liver.

Trigonella foenum-hu lu ba-Fenugreek Seed
Used widely throughout the Middle East, and Asian cultures, fenugreek enhances the Kidney Yang energy and enhances sexual function. Traditionally used for diabetes and high cholesterol.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum-jiao gu lan
Gynostemma is used to slow down aging and to prevent feebleness and senility; to reduce fatigue, to increase vigor; to improve digestion; to strengthen the mind; and to improve sex functions. It generally reinforces overall health and is viewed as a virtual "cure-all" in Asia. Ongoing use of Gynostemma has a protective quality strengthening the adaptive capacity of the person at every level of their life. Gynostemma is useful in a number of mental conditions, including simple depression and anxiety. It has developed an enormous reputation in Asia as a major aid in weight control programs.  It also moderates blood sugar and reduces blood fat.

Astragalus-huang qi
Astragalus is a potent immune system tonic and has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole. As a Spleen Qi tonic, Astragalus strengthens muscle, builds blood and improves all bodily functions, including pancreatic function in diabetes.

Rehmannia glutinosa-shu di huang
A Kidney tonic and longevity herb and is found in "anti-aging" formulations for longevity, and rejuvenation. It is a first-class blood tonic and benefits sexual functions in men and women. It is the main ingredient in the best selling diabetes formula in Japan.

Eleutherococcus senticosus- wu jia pi
Eleuthro is a famous adaptogenic tonic herb used for thousands of years in China to enhance immune function, protect the body from stresses and build vital energy. It increases physical and mental endurance, builds blood and to improves memory. It aids in the recovery of over exertion of the body or mind. It is widely used to regulate blood sugar levels.

Salvia miltiorrhiza-dan shen-Red Sage Root
Salvia is a famed longevity herb. Studies show a prolonged hypoglycemic effect making Red Salvia an important herb for diabetes.

Citris reticulate-chen pi-Tangerine peel
An artful addition to formulas that regulates Qi, specifically guiding it downward making it especially helpful with acid reflux and nausea. Dries dampness. Tangerine peel modifies herbs that have a “cloying” nature, thus making the combination more digestible without causing digestive distress.

Cochlearia armoracia-Horseradish Root
Warms the middle, supports Spleen Yang.

Inula helenium-Elecampane root
A distinguished Native American energy tonic that affects the Spleen, Lungs and Heart. Useful for any deficiency of the respiratory system. Clears damp conditions of the lung and digestive tract. It has traditionally used to strengthen the immune function.

Alisma plantago-aquatica-ze xie-Water Plantain Root
Alisma is helps strengthen water metabolism and rids the body of excess dampness through the urinary tract. It is safe with mild tonic qualities, especially affecting the Kidney/Bladder, and the Spleen/Stomach. It is often used for obesity, especially for people who carry a lot of water weight. It is also commonly used by people who have difficulty urinating and by diabetics.

Foeniculum vulgare-xiao hu xiang-Fennel Seed
Fennel is a versatile herb that spreads Liver Qi, harmonizes the stomach, relieves Large Intestine spasm & gas, supports Kidney Qi, warms the uterus, relieves coughing and stimulates the immune system.

For information on conventional treatments for diabetes, visit the American Diabetes Association, the CDC, or the National Institute of Diabetes. This is not an indorsement of these orginization, just a resource guide.

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Type 2 Diabetes
The Pancreas is part of the Spleen energetic system in Chinese medicine, and acupressure applied to Spleen
acupressure points is a central strategy with all diabetes.

Tonify Acupressure Point Sp 6
(Sanyinjiao or Three Yin Meetings) to strengthen the Spleen and Kidney Energy:
Spleen 6 is located 3 cun above
the tip of the medial malleolus
on the posterior border of the
medial aspect of the tibia.
Acupressure Directions
chinese herb tonic
spleen qi tonic
yin tonic
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