Better known as just Gymnema, this natural herb has been a treatment for diabetes for 2000 years. It is widely known and used in Asia and the far East and has just recently been introduced to Europe and the United States. The active parts of this herb are gymnemic acids.
Uses
Keep in mind that much like most herbal remedies, modern science has done relatively little research on its properties and effects. That is not to say that gymnema isn’t a powerful natural drug and should be used with restraint and caution.
That said, Gymnema which means “sugar destroyer” has been used to treat, diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach ailments, constipation, water retention, liver disease, not to mention obesity and “sweet tooth”.
For Weight Loss
Gymnema lowers the desire for sweets. Some say this is done by blocking the sugar or sweet receptors in the tongue. This effect lasts for about 2 hours after ingesting Gymnema. Studies have confirmed that people given Gymnema have less desire to “snack” than those who haven’t, under the same conditions.
Is a strong Antioxidant
Gymnema researchers in India where it has been used for centuries, have found that it has strong antioxidant properties
Other possible benefits
How Gymnema Works
Side Effects and Interactions