Bilberry Cinnamon Liquid Extract Combination is designed to assist in normalizing blood sugar levels. We know other factors come into play as we strive to keep our sugar levels normal, such as adequate diet and exercise, better control of stress reactions, and good immune support. As one part of such an holistic approach, this product plays an important role. The herbs in it are rich in compounds beneficial to overall health and more specifically, they offer the potential to help regulate blood sugar.
At Cheryl's Herbs, our liquid extract combination products each contain multiple herbs and are sold in one-ounce, two-ounce, and four-ounce dropper bottles. These products are for internal use.
The five herbs in the Bilberry Cinnamon Liquid Extract Combination are:
Bilberry Berry - is a fruit that is high in vitamin C. Quoting herbalist Matthew Wood as he writes in The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants - "The flavonoids [in Bilberry berries] decrease the fragility and permeability of the capillaries, reducing hemorrhage and increasing the blood flow into the periphery and decreasing platelet aggregation. At the same time, the tannins improve tone on the venous side of the circulation. This can reduce tendencies to atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and stroke. The blood moves freely and there is less congestion and heat. The anthocyanidin [in Bilberry berry] called myrtillin helps to reduce blood sugar levels even though the berries are sweet. This is an effect we find in many wild berries and natural sugar sources - they do not have the hyperglycemic effect of refined sugars." Some of the anthocyanosides in Bilberry berry are specific to the retina in the eye. And some of them help to support the collagen that boosts the structure of the eye. The tannins in the berry help with some cases of cataract. Glaucoma may be helped because of the better blood flow in the capillaries and veins that may be attributed to Bilberry berry. Please note that eating blueberries, which are related to bilberries, is also beneficial where diabetes is concerned.
Cinnamon Bark - can be used to help lower sugar spikes after eating. When the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin, or our cells are not responsive to insulin, blood sugar rises. Cinnamon Bark helps to promote insulin's ability to move sugar into the cells. Cinnamon Bark is also considered an "assistant herb," helping to support the actions of other "more directional" herbs with which it's combined.
Pfaffia Root - contains saponins** called pfaffosides which have been clinically shown to help regulate blood sugar in vivo.
Fenugreek Seed - contains six compounds that assist in regulation of blood sugar levels.
Lapacho Bark - may "inhibit absorption of glucose from the intestines. Because it quickly goes directly into the blood, without having to be further reconstructed by the metabolism, glucose increases the level of blood sugar in a way not tolerated by the organism. As a result, larger amounts of insulin are excreted by the pancreas in order to once again normalize the blood sugar level. Often the consequence of this is that hypoglycemia occurs, triggering fatigue and an appetite for 'something sweet.' Industrial sugar is frequently eaten . . . in large amounts, the pancreas experiences such an extreme strain that it becomes damaged in its ability to produce insulin in cases of constitutional weakness or other negative accompanying circumstances. If the absorption of glucose in the intestines is inhibited by Lapacho Bark, this immediately relieves the pancreas. In addition, the metabolism is then caused to obtain its energy for the largest part from the utilization of long-chain carbohydrates. This supports the normalization of the appetite, the hunger decreases, and in some cases there is a growing tendency towards more healthy nutrition." The saponins** in Lapacho Bark may also help the absorption, from the small intestines, of medicinal components of other herbs making this herb a suitable addition to all the others in this liquid extract combination.
**"Saponins from various plants have been reported to have a hypoglycemic activity. This activity helps regulate blood glucose levels and [because saponins offer antioxidant activity], they help prevent complications. Saponins may help decrease the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in diabetes."
Overall, this product, as with any other of our liquid extract combinations, is a synergy, offering more to us than any one of the individual herbs in it can offer, thereby helping the body normalize its blood sugar levels and helping, in the process, to prevent the deleterious effects of too high and too low blood sugar.
Eating healthy foods in moderate amounts and staying active are great complements to the use of the Bilberry Cinnamon Liquid Extract Combination. The greater the effort we make to control our diabetes may well mean that our health improves.
SOURCES: Matthew Wood's The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants; www.healthline.com; Peter Holmes' Energetics of Western Herbs; Leslie Taylor's The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs; www.openaccessjournals.com; James A Duke's The Green Pharmacy; www.herbmuseum.ca
BOTANICAL SAFETY INFORMATION
Rejuvenating and nourishing, this herbal combination is a source of anthocyanidins and antioxidants. It can help increase circulation and maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This liquid extract can be used as prevention.
Use 5 - 15 drops, 1 - 2 dropperfuls, or as much as a teaspoon at a time. Dose frequency could be 1 - 3 times or several times a day as desired. Generally best to start with less before increasing dose. Better results are more likely if taken on a daily basis. After several months of use, take a break. If necessary, change to a different set of herbs.
Do not use herbal products to replace necessary care by a qualified physician.
Contains:
Bilberry Berry, Vaccinium myrtillus, organic/wild crafted
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
Cinnamon Bark, Cinnamomum cassia, reg
Avoid during pregnancy. May lower blood sugar. Use with caution if diabetic and monitor blood sugar levels. Not for long-term use; do not exceed recommended dose. Standard Dose: 2.0 to 4.0 grams of Cinnamon Bark as tea.
Pfaffia Root (Suma), Pfaffia paniculata, wild crafted
Safe to consume when used appropriately.
Fenugreek Seed, Trigonella foenum-graecum, organic
Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid with blood thinning medication. May lower blood sugar. Use with caution if diabetic and monitor blood sugar levels. Medication should be taken one hour before or several hours after consumption of Fenugreek seed. The mucilage content of Fenugreek seed inhibits iron absorption. Repeated external application can result in undesirable skin reactions.
Lapacho Bark (Pau D'arco), Tabebuia avellanedae, wild crafted
Avoid during pregnancy or lactation. Avoid with blood thinning medication. Large single doses of Lapacho bark decoctions may cause gastrointestinal upset and/or nausea.