10 Effective Herbs to Naturally Lower Blood Sugar Levels
Discover 10 evidence-based herbs for diabetes to support blood sugar control, including ayurvedic herbs, with safety tips and trusted sources.
Written by Dr. J T Hema Pratima
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 13th Nov, 2025
Introduction
High blood sugar over time can damage the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Alongside healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, and prescribed medicines, some people look to herbs for extra support. If you’re curious about herbs for diabetes or ayurvedic herbs for blood sugar control, this guide explains what the research shows, how to use herbs safely, and when to talk with your healthcare provider.
Important: Herbs can complement, not replace, your diabetes care plan. Always check with your clinician or pharmacist before starting a supplement, especially if you take medicines for diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, or blood thinning.
10 herbs that may help with blood sugar control
Evidence for herbs varies. Many studies are small or short-term, and results can be mixed. The options below have the most commonly cited research. Monitor your glucose closely when adding any herb, since combining supplements with diabetes medications can cause low blood sugar.
1) Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia or Ceylon cinnamon, C. verum)
• What it is: A popular spice; cassia is most common; Ceylon is sometimes called “true” cinnamon.
• What research suggests: Some studies show small reductions in fasting blood sugar; effects on A1C are inconsistent.
• How people use it: As a spice in food or as standardized capsules.
Safety notes:
• Cassia cinnamon naturally contains coumarin, which can stress the liver at high intakes. Ceylon cinnamon has much less coumarin.
• May interact with medicines that affect the liver or blood sugar.
2) Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
• What it is: A seed rich in soluble fiber and plant compounds.
• What research suggests: Several small trials suggest fenugreek can lower fasting glucose and improve A1C, likely by slowing carbohydrate absorption and improving insulin response.
• How people use it: Soaked seeds, tea, or capsules with meals.
Safety notes:
• Can cause digestive gas or bloating.
• May enhance the effect of diabetes medicines and blood thinners—monitor glucose and discuss with your clinician. Consult Top Specialists
3) Gymnema sylvestre
What it is: An ayurvedic herb sometimes called the “sugar destroyer.”
• What research suggests: Limited human studies suggest it may support lower fasting glucose and A1C, especially alongside standard therapy; it can reduce sweet taste perception and sugar cravings for a few hours after use (lozenges).
• How people use it: Capsules or lozenges before meals.
• Safety notes: Can increase the risk of hypoglycemia when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas—monitor closely.
4) Berberine (from plants like Berberis, Coptis)
• What it is: A natural compound found in several herbs (barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape). What research suggests: Meta-analyses of clinical trials report improvements in fasting glucose, post-meal glucose, and A1C, though study quality varies.
• How people use it: Standardized capsules taken with meals.
Safety notes:
• Common side effects are stomach upset and constipation.
• Can interact with many medicines (including those moved by CYP3A4, CYP2D6, and P-gp).
• Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Do not give to infants.
5) Bitter melon (Momordica charantia)
• What it is: A vegetable and traditional remedy used in Asian and ayurvedic medicine.
• What research suggests: Some studies show modest glucose-lowering effects; results are inconsistent.
• How people use it: Cooked vegetables, juice, tea, or capsules.
Safety notes:
• Can cause digestive upset; may increase risk of low blood sugar with diabetes medications.
• Avoid pregnancy.
6) Aloe vera (oral preparations)
• What it is: Succulent plant; oral products use the inner gel (not the latex).
• What research suggests: Some small studies suggest aloe gel may help improve fasting blood sugar and A1C in type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
• How people use it: Standardized capsules or decolorized inner leaf extracts.
Safety notes:
• Avoid aloe latex (strong laxative) and products not clearly labeled “inner fillet/gel.”
• Can interact with blood sugar and certain heart or kidney medicines.
7) Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum, tulsi)
• What it is: A revered ayurvedic herb with adaptogenic properties.
• What research suggests: Early small trials suggest potential benefits for fasting glucose and stress-related metabolic measures.
• How people use it: Tea or capsules.
• Safety notes: May enhance effects of diabetes medications; monitor for low blood sugar.
8) Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius, Panax ginseng)
• What it is: Traditional herbal root (American and Asian types).
• What research suggests: Several trials show improved post-meal glucose and modest improvements in fasting glucose; effects vary by species and preparation.
• How people use it: Standardized extracts before meals.
• Safety notes: Can interact with blood thinners, stimulants, and diabetes medicines; may cause insomnia or jitteriness in some people.
9) Turmeric/Curcumin (Curcuma longa)
• What it is: The yellow spice in curry; curcumin is its key active compound.
• What research suggests: Studies suggest curcumin may improve insulin sensitivity and inflammatory markers, with small improvements in glucose measures in some trials.
• How people use it: Cooking spice or standardized curcumin capsules; absorption improves when taken with fat and black pepper (piperine).
• Safety notes: May interact with blood thinners and gallbladder disease; can cause stomach upset in high doses.
10) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• What it is: Culinary root with anti-inflammatory properties.
• What research suggests: Some trials report modest reductions in fasting glucose and A1C.
• How people use it: Tea, food, or capsules.
• Safety notes: Can affect blood clotting and blood sugar; may cause heartburn at higher intakes.
Smart ways to use herbs for diabetes safely
• Keep your care team in the loop. Tell your clinician and pharmacist about every supplement you take.
• Start low, go slow. Add only one herb at a time so you can see how it affects your readings and how you feel.
• Monitor more often at first. Check fasting and post-meal sugars when you begin a new herb to catch lows early.
• Quality matters. Choose products from brands that use third-party testing (USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab).
• Time herbs with meals. Many supplements are taken with food to reduce stomach upset and help with post-meal blood sugar control.
• Watch for interactions. Herbs can interact with metformin, insulin, sulfonylureas, GLP-1 RAs, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, blood thinners, blood pressure meds, and others—verify with a pharmacist.
• Know who should avoid herbs. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, serious liver or kidney disease, upcoming surgery, and complicated medication regimens warrant extra caution or avoidance.
• Never stop prescribed medicines without medical guidance.
Lifestyle still does the heavy lifting
While ayurvedic herbs and other botanicals may support blood sugar control, your daily habits are foundational:
• Build balanced plates: focus on vegetables, lean proteins, high-fiber carbs, and healthy fats.
• Move regularly: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly plus 2 days of resistance training.
• Sleep 7–9 hours and manage stress: both affect insulin sensitivity.
• Don’t smoke; limit alcohol.
• Keep up with A1C, blood pressure, cholesterol, and kidney and eye checks.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Anjan Das
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • Ayurvedacharya ( B.A.M.S )
Dumdum
Vedhive Ayurveda Clinic, Dumdum
Dr. Rik Sadhukhan
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Dr. Shiv Prakash Singh
Ayurveda Practitioner
19 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda College Street, Kolkata
Dr. Pepsy Jose
Panchakarma Practitioner
14 Years • BAMS, MD Ayurveda (Panchakarma)
Bengaluru
AYURRHYTHM HOLISTIC CLINIC AND PANCHAKARMA THERAPY, Bengaluru
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Anjan Das
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • Ayurvedacharya ( B.A.M.S )
Dumdum
Vedhive Ayurveda Clinic, Dumdum
Dr. Rik Sadhukhan
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Dr. Shiv Prakash Singh
Ayurveda Practitioner
19 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda College Street, Kolkata
Dr. Pepsy Jose
Panchakarma Practitioner
14 Years • BAMS, MD Ayurveda (Panchakarma)
Bengaluru
AYURRHYTHM HOLISTIC CLINIC AND PANCHAKARMA THERAPY, Bengaluru
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Frequently Asked Questions
1) Can herbs cure diabetes?
No. Herbs cannot cure diabetes. They may provide modest support alongside your prescribed care plan, nutrition, and physical activity. Do not replace your medications with supplements.
2) Which herb works best or fastest?
There is no single “best” herb. Effects are usually modest and build over weeks. Some people see post-meal benefits with ginseng or cinnamon when taken around meals, but results vary.
3) Are ayurvedic herbs safe to take with metformin or insulin?
Some can be combined, but this should be supervised by your clinician because the combination may cause low blood sugar. Check your glucose more often when starting or changing any herb.
4) Is Ceylon or cassia cinnamon better?
Ceylon cinnamon has far less coumarin, a compound that can harm the liver at high intakes. Many people prefer Ceylon for long-term use. Evidence for blood sugar effects is mixed for both types.
5) What’s a safe way to start?
Discuss options with your healthcare provider, choose one high-quality product, start at the low end of the label’s suggested range with meals, and track your readings and symptoms. Stop and seek advice if you notice side effects or low blood sugar.