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Gymnema is a remarkable herb which is a powerful aid in blood-sugar related ailments such as weight loss and diabetes, or pre-diabetes.
Side effects and cautions relating to Gymnema sylvestre are few but, for completeness, here they are.
Side Effects Of Gymnema
The main side effect, as such, is that as it can reduce blood sugar levels, some caution may be necessary if you take it with other agents, such as herbs or pharmaceutical drugs, which might lower blood sugar.
If blood sugar levels fall too low, side effects include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control may occur.
Gymnema Sylvestre And Herbal Side Effects
Herbs whose side effects – or benefits, depending on your viewpoint – can include reducing blood sugar levels include:
* Aloe Vera
* Devil’s Claw
* Eleutherocccus senticosus (Siberian Ginseng)
* Fenugreek
* Ginger (in high amounts)
* Jambul Seed
* Panax Ginseng
* Psyllium Husks
* Stevia
* Turmeric
It must be stressed that there is little definitive research to show that these herbs definitely reduce blood sugar, and certainly not in every case; but it is best to be cautious if taking any of these herbs in addition to Gymnema.
Gymnema sylvestre And Drug Side Effects
Gymnema sylvestre may increase the amount by which drugs for diabetes can lower blood sugar. As well as insulin, these drugs include:
* Actos
* Avandia
* Glimepiride
* Glipizide
* Glyburide
* Glyset
* Metformin
* Prandin, and
* Precose
Toxicity
There are no side effects published relating to human toxicity with Gymnema sylvestre.
Pregnancy And Breastfeeding
Very little information is available on side effects of Gymnema sylvestre relating to pregnancy or breast feeding, or its use for infants. Therefore, we advise caution in using Gymnema in these circumstances.
Gymnema is a remarkable herb which, if used bearing in mind the above cautions, can be a huge benefit both to those who truly want to cut down their consumption of sweet foods and those with blood sugar issues. Of course, if on medication you should consult your doctor before taking Gymnema: but if you have ‘blood sugar lows’ and are not on medication, try Gymnema.
The main treatment for low blood sugar is in changing diet and getting more exercise: but if you do these things, Gymnema is a great help to have in your pocket. Additionally, it can conveniently be taken throughout the day if used in capsule form. I recommend 3-6 capsules (raw herb, not extract).
