Latin name: Gymnema sylvestre
Other names: gurmar, gurmarbooti, gurmari, meshasringi gurmar
What is Gymnema?
Gymnema is an herbaceous plant from Southern and Central India. For several thousand years it has been used as a treatment for diabetes in India.
What are the health benefits of Gymnema?
Much of gymnema’s medicinal qualities relate to the Indian tradition of using it to treat diabetes. The leaves, which are the plant’s primary medicinal resource, are known to anesthetize the sweet taste buds and reduce blood sugar levels over an extended period of time. Gymnema is therefore used to fight sugar cravings by placing the leaves in the mouth. Gymnema is used to fight obesity, prevent the intestines from absorbing sugar molecules during digestion, and treat hyperglycemia. It is also used to treat anemia and osteoporosis, and the root is used for snakebites.
Where can I find Gymnema?
Gymnema can be found online, in herbal specialty stores, and in the offices of Ayurvedic practitioners.
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