Gymnema leaf | Gymnema sylvestre | Organic
$12.00 – $25.00
Gymnema is a unique herb in that it has several properties that make it specific for sugar cravings and diabetes.
We use Gymnema for both and in 2 different ways. Firstly when Gymnema is made into a tea and drunk, as it passes the taste-buds it affects the sweet taste receptors and numbs them temporarily. This means you can’t taste sugar for an hour more after! This is helpful in that we can use this property to help us keep away from sweets until our cravings dissipate naturally and our blood sugars balance on their own.
What’s more taking Gymnema long term and in therapeutic doses (even small amounts will affect taste receptors) it will regulate the insulin release from the pancreas and keep sugar cravings at bay, as well as help reduce a high blood sugar level over time – alongside dietary changes.
Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the anti-diabetic activity of Gymnema sylvestre. Gymnemic acids can prevent absorption of sugar molecules in the intestine, which leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels. The molecular shape of the gymnemic acid molecules is similar to that of glucose therefore it blocks the receptor site for sugar in the intestines, preventing the absorption of sugar which reduces blood sugar levels. Gymnema sylvestre has also been found to increase the secretion of insulin.
Animal studies as well as human clinic trials confirm its blood glucose lowering action with most results showing significant results. On top of this Gymnema also has lipid lowering – Triglyceride and LDL lowering activities which makes it great for Metabolic syndrome and patients who are overweight as part of a weight loss treatment plan.
We use this for people who have sugar cravings but also non-medicated pre-diabetics. It is important to note the Gymnema cannot be used alongside medication for high blood glucose unless your health professional has agreed and given a protocol for medication reduction. Low blood sugar levels can occur when combining with medications, which can be dangerous. For non-medicated individuals it means their body can balance the blood sugars on its own back to a normal level just like it did before diabetes developed.
If you have diabetes or have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes please book into a Diabetes clinic for a holistic nutritional approach to managing diabetes in conjunction with your GP and specialists.
Here is a flow chart on the myriad of actions from the Gymnema sylvestre plant:
- Comprehensive Review on Phytochemicals, Pharmacological and Clinical Potentials of Gymnema sylvestre. Front Pharmacol. 2019; 10: 1223. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6830388/
Additional information
| Ingredients | Dried Gymnema leaf organic |
|---|---|
| Actions | Antidiabetic, Hypoglycemic, Taste bud anesthetic, Antilipidemic |
| Constituents | Triterpene Saponins – Gymnemic acids, Oleanane Saponins – Gymnemic acids and gymnemasaponins, Gymnemanol, Dammarene Saponins – Gymnemoside A, B, C,D,E,F, Gymmestrogenin Pentahydroxytriterpene, Gurmarin, Triterpenoid saponins – Gymnemasin A, Gymnemasin B, Gymnemasin C, Gymnemasin D, Flavonol glycoside – Kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-4)-α- L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6)- β-D-galactopyranoside, Sterols – Stigmasterol, Lupeol, d-Quercitol, Parabin, Quercitol, Conduritol A |
| Contraindications | Diabetics taking hypoglycemic medications must talk to their health professional before using. Strict monitoring of blood glucose must be undertaken. This herb has GRAS rating {Generally Recognised as Safe}. Herbs should generally be avoided when pregnant or trying to conceive. Please consult with a qualified practitioner before self-prescribing. |
| Instructions | Steep 1 teaspoon of herb for 5-10 minutes. Reuse leaves and drink 1-3 times daily. |
| Size | 30 grams, 50 grams, 100 grams |
| Country of origin | Gymnema is native to India. This tea is organically grown and harvested in India. |
