This plant is literally called ‘sugar destroyer’ in Hindi, so you can well imagine its diabetes-busting properties. The herb is loaded with glycosides known as gymnemic acids. These essentially reduce your taste bud’s sensitivity to sweet things, thereby lowering sugar cravings in prediabetics  . Even those who are already affected by type 2 diabetes can control their sugar levels with the help of this herb. It increases the enzyme activity in the cells, which results in utlization of excess glucose in the body. It can also positively affect insulin production .

Ginseng has been known as an immunity boosting and disease-fighting herb for ages, but researchers have recently found that it also contains anti-diabetic properties. When you take ginseng, the absorption of carbohydrates slows down, and the cells take up and use more glucose. Apart from that, insulin production in the pancreas also increases. All these contribute to a healthier body that is less prone to diabetes. If you already have diabetes, this can help lower the blood glucose levels by 15 to 20%, better than placeboⁱ  , as shown by the research team from the University of Toronto.

Consuming sage on an empty stomach can help reduce the blood glucose levels significantly. It boosts insulin secretion and activity, which helps to curb blood sugar in prediabetics and manage it in type 2 diabetics. Apart from that, it also affects liver function positively, thus improving immunity. Although favored as an addition to meat dishes, this herb is at its medicinal best when it is consumed as tea.

Also known as marjoram, this exotic herb of Spanish and Mediterranean origin is known to contain glycosides that lower the blood sugar levels in the body. The water extracts of oregano exhibit a glycosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. The Rosmarinic acid separated from the extract has been shown to increase the pancreatic amylase activity. It also boosts the immune system. It helps in increasing insulin activity and mobilizes glucose in the cells, thus reducing the rate of carbohydrate formation.

This fleshy leaf plant grows widely in India, South Africa, Mexico, Australia, and China. It is mostly used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Aloe vera has been used for ages to treat inflammation, improve digestion, prevent acne, and reduce hair fall. Recent scientific studies have found that aloe vera gel contains lipid-lowering and blood sugar lowering properties.

The mighty ginger is widely used in Asian cuisines and is grown in China, India, Australia, Africa, and Jamaica. Like aloe vera, ginger has also been used in herbal medicines since ancient times. This aromatic spice can also help lower the blood glucose levels. Many scientific studies have confirmed that ginger helps to control the blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity.

Fenugreek seeds and leaves are extremely useful to treat metabolic disorders and digestive problems. This plant is native to Spain, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, France, Egypt, Argentina, and Morocco. It has been used since ages to treat hair fall, skin issues, and slow metabolism. This spice is also widely used in various cuisines. A study confirmed that fenugreek seeds have blood glucose-lowering effects and can be used to treat type 2 diabetes.

This strong-smelling spice, derived from the bark of cinnamon trees, is regularly used in South Asian cuisines and desserts. It is an amazing herbal supplement for diabetes and treat obesity, muscle spasms, diarrhea, and common cold. Many studies have confirmed that consuming cinnamon regularly can help to control high blood sugar and hence, it can be used as an alternative medicine to treat diabetes (9).

Turmeric is commonly used in Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, and Iranian cuisines. This ginger-like spice adds color and a distinct flavor to food. Turmeric is also an Ayurvedic medicine that is used to treat bacterial infections, wounds, skin issues, and digestive problems. Research has found that a phytochemicalⁱ  called curcumin is responsible for turmeric’s yellow color and medicinal properties. Curcumin is also responsible for having a blood glucose-lowering effect. In fact, one study confirmed that patients with type 2 diabetes could lower their blood glucose levels by consuming turmeric .

Neem or Azadirachta indica is native to India. It also grows in the neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Neem trees have bright to dark green leaves that possess many medicinal properties. In fact, its bark and fruit are also used in traditional medicines. Ayurveda says that neem has antidiabetic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. A few studies show that it possesses blood glucose-lowering properties. This confirms neem’s antidiabetic property as mentioned in Ayurveda.

When it comes to lowering blood sugar, chromium is one of the best supplements. It has recently gained popularity as a dietary supplement. Chromium helps to keep your carb cravings at bay, lowers bad cholesterol levels, mobilizes fat, and improves insulin sensitivity.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an antioxidant mainly found in potato, spinach, broccoli, liver, yeast, and kidney. It is usually used to treat fatigue, memory loss, kidney disease, liver disease, neuropathyⁱ  , and Lyme diseaseⁱ  . It has been found that alpha lipoic acid supplements can help lower the blood glucose levels and hence, it is a potent supplement for treating diabetes type 2.