John and Susan Houser

This condition is a problem with a hormone called insulin and its ability to regulate the level of glucose, the primary sugar in our blood. Insulin is needed to help the cells of the body absorb sugar. When there are problems with this process, the amount of sugar in the body gets too high. This has negative effects on the brain, cardiovascular system, and other body functions.

There are two basic types of this illness. The first, type I, or insulin dependent - occurs when the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas have been damaged or destroyed so they are no longer able to produce insulin. Currently there is no known cure for this type of diabetes in either conventional or alternative medicine. Insulin shots are needed, along with a constant monitoring of insulin levels.

Type II , on the other hand, is insulin resistant.

There is no lack of insulin in type II .

In fact, insulin levels are too high. Normally, the body produces about 31 units of insulin. In type II , insulin levels typically exceed 100 units. What is happening in type II is that the cells of the body have become resistant to the insulin, so they are not taking up insulin and sugar.

Type II develops slowly, over a period of many years. It is usually, but not always, associated with obesity. The causes of type II diabetes are becoming quite clear. Over consumption of simple carbohydrates causes the increased insulin production, while the cellular resistance to insulin is due to a lack of certain nutrients and exercise.

Diet is the first key to natural therapy for type II diabetics. High glycemic carbohydrates (carbohydrates that trigger high levels of insulin production) need to be avoided. This includes refined sugars, grains, and other highly sweet or starchy foods. Dr. Henry Bieler, M.D. in his book Food is Your Best Medicine, talks about his successes in curing type II diabetics by putting the diabetic person on a diet of exclusively nonstarchy vegetables (such as lettuce, string beans, zucchini, etc.) while carefully monitoring their blood sugar. Essentially, he was putting the patient on a diet of exclusively low glycemic vegetables. As the client's blood sugar normalized, Dr. Bieler, would add some meat or other animal proteins back into the diet, and gradually introduce other foods as the blood sugar remained stable.

A similar approach to treating diabetes with diet is found in The Zone Diet and similar books by Barry Sears, Ph.D. Dr. Sears recommends a balanced diet of protein, quality fats, and low glycemic carbohydrates. Research has shown that this diet helps normalize blood sugar levels, and aids in weight loss.

Exercise is helpful in overcoming insulin resistance. Resistance exercise (such as weight lifting) helps muscles take up sugar without the need for insulin. This happens when muscles begin to burn during resistance exercise.

In addition to dietary modifications and exercise, a variety of supplements can also help type II diabetes. There are a number of herbs that help cellular resistance to insulin, including goldenseal, nopal, banaba leaf, bitter melon, bilberry, cedar berries, blueberry and huckleberry leaf, and others. The minerals chromium (especially GTF-chromium), vanadium, and zinc are also helpful, along with omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Several formulas have been successfully used to overcome insulin resistance and aid recovery from type II diabetes. These formulas can also reduce insulin requirements in type I diabetics. One of these is Target P-14. This formula contains special amino acid chelates of zinc and chromium, which have been bonded to amino acids required for insulin production and utilization. These are found in a base of fourteen herbs used historically to treat type II diabetes. These same herbs are found in the formula Pro-Pancreas.

Another helpful formula is SugarReg, which contains chromium and vanadium, in a base of herbs research has suggested are helpful for type II diabetes. PBS and Ayurvedic Blood Sugar Formula are other herbal blends that have beneficial effects in helping overcome cellular resistance to insulin.

Since diabetes also involves a deterioration of circulation, herbs that help cardiovascular disease are also important in diabetes. Capsicum, Garlic & Parsley and MegaChel are very beneficial for type II diabetics in helping maintain microvascular circulation in the extremities of the body, the eyes, and other delicate areas. They can help prevent diabetic gangrene, degeneration of the eyes, and other side effects of diabetes caused by circulatory problems.

Seek assistance from a qualified nutritional or herbal consultant in selecting the program that is right for you. Diabetes is a serious disorder, and appropriate medical attention should be sought to monitor the situation. However, with improvements in diet, exercise and nutrition, it is not a incurable disease.

For Educational Purposes Only

Seek appropriate professional assistance for all serious health problems. Handout prepared by Tree of Light Publishing P.O. Box 911239, St George, UT 84791 (www.treelite.com) 2004 May be reproduced provided it is not altered in any way.

To order any of the herbs on this page click here

Diabetes - Learn more about NSP products

Part Two -The report on Diabetes

The Raleigh Herb Shop

6320-132 Capital Blvd

Raleigh NC

27616 919 875 1005

TARGET P-14

Targeted Minerals and Herbs for Type II Diabetes Target P-14 is a powerful blend of herbs and nutrients that help to overcome insulin resistance in type II diabetes, and can reduce insulin requirements in type I diabetics. The heart of the formula are chelates of chromium and zinc, bonded to the amino acids glutamine and leucine. Chelating the minerals to these particular amino acids targets them to the pancreas, where they aid in insulin production and utilization. Chromium, in particular, is a very important mineral both for producing insulin and for utilizing insulin at the cellular level.

This amino acid chelates have been combined in a base of fourteen herbs blended to help with diabetes. These herbs help strengthen pancreatic and liver function, improve kidney function and circulation, and overcome insulin resistance. This means the blend helps balance many of the problems associated with diabetes, as well as directly enhancing insulin production, and overcoming insulin resistance at the cellular level.

Here's some information about each herb in the formula.

Goldenseal root is one of the most important herbs in this blend. Although there have been no specific evaluations explaining why it has this effect, clinical experience has demonstrated that goldenseal will dependently lower blood sugar levels. It appears to either overcome insulin resistance, or to have an insulin-like effect of its own. Goldenseal also has an anti-inflammatory effect, and appears to reduce some of the side effects of diabetes.

Juniper berries are an excellent diuretic. They enhance kidney function, and may have indirect benefits for diabetics.

Capsicum fruit is a major herb for enhancing circulation. Cardiovascular problems are one of the major problems associated with diabetes. Thus, it is very important for diabetics to have support for the circulatory system.

Uva ursi leaves have traditionally been used as a diuretic and antiseptic for the kidneys and bladder. However, a few herbalists, such as Edward Milo Millet, have also claimed uva ursi has a beneficial effect on diabetics.

Dandelion root is an herb that has a primary action on the liver. The liver is involved in the regulation of blood sugar because it stores sugar in the form of glycogen to be released later by another pancreatic hormone. Dorothy Hall, an Australian naturopath, claims that many cases of diabetes can be cured just by strengthening the liver.

Cedar berries have a blood sugar lowering effect. This was discovered by the famous herbalist John Christopher, who recommended juniper berries for water retention in a client. The client took cedar berries by mistake, and found they helped his diabetes.

Marshmallow root is a soothing and cooling herb that acts in a similar manner to slippery elm.

Mullein leaves are best known as a respiratory remedy. It has soothing properties like slippery elm and marshmallow, but also promotes better lymphatic drainage.

Nettle herb is a extremely rich source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, and zinc. It is an alkalizing herb, promoting the removal of acid waste via the kidneys.

Garlic bulb is another circulatory enhancing herb. It is very beneficial for helping the circulatory problems that typically accompany diabetes.

White oak bark is an astringent that tones membranes and tissues throughout the body.

Yarrow flowers, a strong and soothing diaphoretic, help with lymphatic and blood circulation.

Licorice root is another important herb that helps balance blood sugar levels. Licorice root has the opposite effect of goldenseal. It helps to raise blood sugar levels when they are low.

Use and Dosage

As a nutritional supplement for diabetes, take two capsules with meals three times daily. Blood sugar levels should be frequently monitored so that dosages of diabetic medications can be adjusted as the formula begins to take effect.

Caution: diabetic medications should be adjusted under the supervision of a physician, and type I diabetics should not be taken off of insulin. Selected References

The Little Herb Encyclopedia by Jack Ritchason N.D.

Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pedersen

The Unauthorized Guide to NSP Products from Health Education Library Publication

For Educational Purposes Only

Seek appropriate professional assistance for all serious health problems.

Handout prepared by Tree Of Light Publishing P.O. Box 911239, St George, UT 84791 (www.treelite.com) 2004 May be reproduced provided it is not altered in any way.

Raleigh Herb Shop
Owner-John Houser, Herb Specialist
919-875-1005

6320 - 132 Capital Blvd.
Raleigh, NC 27616

John and Susan Houser

Raleigh Herb Shop

Type II Diabetes is a Preventable and Curable Condition

Blood Sugar - Learn More