Herb Teas for Type II Diabetes?

There is no quick and easy cure-all for diabetes, but there are simple steps that anyone with diabetes can work into their daily routine. We all need to drink enough water and fluids during the day, and many people make less healthy choices such as sodas or diet sodas.

An alternative is to drink herb teas. Many herb teas are caffeine-free, improve digestion, and/or foster relaxation. An added benefit that initial research studies have shown is that a number of different herbs and botanical products can actually improve the body’s ability to use glucose and balance lipids in the blood stream. For diabetics, these herbal effects can translate into less insulin resistance (lower blood sugar levels), less “bad” cholesterol and more “good” cholesterol and lower triglycerides, and, sometimes, even lower blood pressure (as recently reported for hibiscus tea).

Herbal tea options for consideration include: chamomile, fennel, fenugreek, blueberry leaves, cinnamon, and decaffeinated green tea. Anyone should first consult their doctor and pharmacist to make sure that these teas would not interact with any medications they must take.  People with allergies to the plants from which the teas derive also need to avoid specific allergens. Nonetheless, as a general idea, there are numerous herb teas that might be added into a healthier daily lifestyle for diabetics wanting to make changes.

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