Rosemary and Oregano Treat Diabetes without Side Effects

Diabetes effects millions of people in the United States alone and is becoming an increasingly serious problem all around the world. This disease, marked by uncontrolled and often dangerously high blood sugar levels, is the leading cause of blindness, end-stage renal failure and non-traumatic amputations and is the seventh leading cause of death in America. It is, in short, a deadly serious condition.
The good news is, however, that many risk factors of diabetes are modifiable and that this condition can be treated naturally, without resorting to prescription drugs. Finding natural therapies without dangerous side effects is more important than ever, considering how common a problem diabetes is becoming, and the solution might just be found in two common garden herbs, rosemary and oregano, both of which show amazing anti-diabetic properties.

Rosemary and Oregano for Lower Blood Sugar

Rosemary and oregano have recently been studied in regards to their ability to effect blood sugar levels in diabetics – and the results seem promising. In one study, for example, researchers from the American Chemical Society found that rosemary and oregano both were able to inhibit an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase IV, which is responsible for insulin secretion with the result that overall blood sugars were lowered. The lead researcher noted that, though diabetes can sometimes be controlled strictly with diet and exercise that this can be difficult for patients and that consumption of these herbs offers another way to gain glycemic control.

Fresh and Dried Herbs Both Effective

While fresh, organic herbs from the garden or a farmer’s market are certainly the best option, if access to a garden or local market is an issue, then don’t worry. Researchers testing the antidiabetic properties of these herbs found that, unsurprisingly, fresh herbs had higher levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. However, it was also found that both the fresh and dried herbs worked equally well to lower blood sugar.

Why Rosemary and Oregano are Effective

Rosemary and oregano appear to be so effective at lowering blood sugar levels because of their high degree of phytochemicals, plant-based compounds proven to have beneficial effects on the body. One of the most important phytochemicals in these two herbs is gallic acid, which is shown to be an extremely potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory chemical that apparently helps to treat the diabetic condition. In additional, these two herbs have other active ingredients such as rosamarinic acid, volatile oils like camphene and borneol, and Vitamins A and C, also potent antioxidants. The great thing is, these chemicals aren’t good for just lower blood sugar but also for the body’s general health.

So if a natural treatment method for diabetes in appealing, look no further than the kitchen garden, where the rosemary and oregano quietly offer safe and effective treatments for this chronic condition as well as safety from possible diabetic complications.