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Gymnema Sylvestre
Family Name : ASCLEPIADACEAE
Botanical Name : GYMNEMA
SYLVESTRE
Common Name : PERIPLOCA OF
THE WOODS, GUDMAR
Part Used : WHOLE PLANT,
LEAVES
While it is still being
studied, and the effects of the herb are not entirely known, the herb has
been shown to reduce blood sugar levels when used for an extended period
of time. Additionally, this Gymnema alters the taste of sugar when it is
placed in the mouth, thus some use it to fight sugar cravings. This effect,
however, is short-lived, lasting a mere fifteen minutes. Some postulate
that the herb actually reduces cravings for sugar by blocking sugar receptors
in the tongue, but no scientific studies have supported this hypothesis.
It is currently being used in an all natural medication for diabetes with
other ingredients such as cinnamon, chromium, zinc, biotin, banaba, huckleberry
and bitter melon.
Uses : The plant is acrid,
antiinflammatory, anodyne, liver tonic, emetic, diuretic. It is useful
in hepatosplenomegaly, dypepsia, constipation, jaundice, halminthiasis,
cardiopathy, amenorrhoea. The fresh leaves when chewed have the remarkable
property of paralysing the sense of taste for sweet and bitter substance
for some time.
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