- Salvia Officinalis Lowers Blood Glucose Levels - David Monniaux
People who are diabetic or pre-diabetic must closely monitor their blood glucose levels to avoid serious complications of the disease. While many people take medication to control their glucose levels, a study shows that Salvia Officinalis, also know as the spice sage, is effective in reducing blood sugar levels. The following discusses the study results and gives instructions on using sage in a tea form to control glucose levels in the blood.
Recent Study on Using Salvia Officinalis to Lower Blood Sugar
Cristovao F. Lima and colleagues performed a study on pre-diabetic patients, in which the participants replaced the water in their diet with sage tea. The researchers concluded that sage tea works similarly to the diabetes drug, metformin. It should be noted that the effects of sage tea are not considered effective enough to be used as the sole blood glucose reducing agent in people who have actually been diagnosed with diabetes. The study, entitled "Metformin-Like Effect of Salvia Officinalis (Common Sage): Is it Useful in Diabetes Prevention?" was published in a 2006 issue of British Journal of Nutrition.
How to Make Sage Tea to Lower Blood Glucose
For the best results, use two tablespoons of fresh sage mixed with 20 ounces of hot water. Allow the solution to steep for at least five minutes. Fresh sage can also be substituted with an equal amount of dried sage for this recipe. After steeping the tea, remove the tea ball or bag, or strain the sage leaves from the solution in order to drink it. This can be accomplished by using a coffee filter or strainer.
Sweetener can also be added to enhance the flavor. However, remember that sugar and honey will cause the blood glucose level to rise, so use it sparingly. Sage tea can also be a refreshing drink by making it in large batches and pouring it over ice.
Considerations When Using Salvia Officinalis to Reduce Blood Glucose
Remember, while it is effective in pre-diabetics, sage tea should not be used as the sole treatment for reducing blood sugar in diabetic patients. Always discuss any change in diabetes and exercise regimen with your healthcare team. Failure to do so can cause serious diabetes complications.
It’s important to be sure that you perform regular checks of your blood sugar level whenever incorporating sage tea into your diet. If you experience low blood sugar levels frequently, discontinue the use of this regimen until you have a chance to discuss your symptoms with a medical professional. Despite many considerations before using sage tea to lower blood sugar levels, when properly implemented, the regimen can help to maintain lower blood glucose levels.
Read More on Living With Diabetes
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Can Exercise Cause Low Blood Sugar Symptoms in Diabetics?
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Sources:
Lima, Cristovao F. et al. “Metformin-Like Effect of Salvia Officinalis (Common Sage): Is it Useful in Diabetes Prevention?” British Journal of Nutrition, 96 (2006): 326–333 (accessed September 5, 2010).
Eldi M., Eldi A. and Zamanizadeh H. “Effect of Salvia Officinalis L. Leaves on Serum Glucose and Insulin in Healthy and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Sep 14;100(3):310-3. (accessed September 5, 2010).
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
