A Weak Brew of Gudmar Leaf Tea
A few dried gudmar leaves in hot water, sipped weak. Taken only after speaking to a doctor if on diabetes medicine, because it can lower sugar further.
Important: this remedy is only a supportive home measure. Keep taking any medicine your doctor has prescribed, monitor your readings, and consult your doctor before adding anything new.
Gudmar: a weak brew, and a doctor first
Gudmar, called gymnema, is a climbing herb whose leaves have been used in Ayurveda and are known as sugar-destroyer because they dull the taste of sweetness. Interest in it for blood sugar is high, but the proof in people is limited, and it is not a treatment. It can lower blood sugar further if taken with diabetes medicine.
Keep the brew weak, with a few leaves. Speak to your doctor before using it if you take diabetes medicine or have low sugar episodes. Skip it in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and stop it before surgery.
Ingredients
- 4 to 5 dried gudmar leaves
- 1 cup hot water
- No sugar
How to prepare
- Pour hot water over the leaves in a cup.
- Cover and steep for five minutes, then strain.
How to use
- Sip it once a day, only if your doctor agrees.
- Stop if you feel shaky, sweaty or dizzy.
Helpful habits
- Buy clean dried leaves from a trusted source.
- The tea tastes mildly bitter; do not add sugar.
Precautions
- It can lower blood sugar further with diabetes medicine, so speak to your doctor first.
- Skip it in pregnancy and breastfeeding and stop it before surgery.
- Not a treatment for diabetes.
Frequently asked questions
Does gudmar cure diabetes?
- No. It is not a treatment.
Can I take it with my tablets?
- Only if your doctor agrees, since sugar may fall too low.
Why does sweetness taste odd after?
- Gudmar temporarily dulls the taste of sugar.
