When faced with a diagnosis of diabetes, you can be devastated. All the drugs and all the side effects — it’s a bit overwhelming.
There is, however, good news! A supplement, berberine, is extracted from the Oregon grape plant and has many medicinal properties. The plant produces a beautiful yellow flower, the state flower of Oregon, and blue grapes. It’s from these grapes that the compounds are extracted.
Berberine has been used in China since 3000 BC and current studies have shown that it is beneficial for diabetes. It works just as well as metformin, without as many side effects. A study from the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, in 2008, showed that a 1000 mg dose of berberine daily significantly reduced the hemoglobin A1c and improved cholesterol ratios. A different study, done on animals, showed that berberine may prevent pre-diabetes.
What else does this amazing grape do?
- It cures the herpes simplex virus with no harsh drugs needed.
- It reduces inflammation in the brain and protects the neurons, thus helping people with traumatic brain injury.
- When combined with the chemo drug cisplatin, it has strong anti-cancer effects against ovarian cancer.
Berberine is sold nationally and is all natural. The recommended dose is 500 mg, one to three times a day. Because the dose can vary so much, consult someone trained in its use. The right dose for you will depend on your medical history, the condition you’re taking it for, and liver function. It is also a natural blood thinner. Because it works like a diabetes medicine, be careful when taking berberine as you could drop your blood sugar too low. Berberine should not be used if you’re pregnant as it is a uterine stimulant.
Many doctors underestimate the benefits of herbs, but they work, and in most cases, have for centuries.
Read the full article here: Berberine Offers Hope for Diabetes, Herpes, and Brain Injuries Suzy Cohen RPh
