What are the traditional Chinese medicines for lowering blood sugar?

Sep 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, if it is necessary to lower blood sugar, single-herb traditional Chinese medicines can be used under the guidance of a physician. Commonly used herbs include Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Ophiopogon (Ophiopogon japonicus), Solomonseal (Polygonatum odoratum), and Chinese wolfberry bark (Lycium chinense). In addition, individuals requiring auxiliary blood sugar regulation may also use other suitable single-herb TCMs under medical supervision. During treatment, a light diet should be maintained, with avoidance of high-sugar and high-fat foods, along with regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 habits or daily routine) and moderate exercise.

Generally, if it is necessary to lower blood sugar levels, single-herb traditional Chinese medicines can be used under the guidance of a doctor. Commonly used herbs include Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata), Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), Dwarf lilyturf root (Liriope spicata), Solomonseal rhizome (Polygonatum odoratum), and Cortex Lycii Radicis (root bark of Lycium chinense or Lycium barbarum). Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Kudzu Root

Kudzu root is the dried root of the leguminous plants Pueraria lobata or Pueraria thomsonii. It has effects of relieving muscle tension and fever, promoting body fluid production to relieve thirst, promoting eruption of rashes, uplifting yang energy, and stopping diarrhea. The contained puerarin and other components have an auxiliary effect in regulating glucose metabolism, making it suitable for individuals experiencing excessive thirst and high blood sugar caused by yin deficiency and internal heat.

2. Astragalus

Astragalus is the dried root of the leguminous plants Astragalus mongholicus or Astragalus membranaceus. It can tonify qi and uplift yang energy, strengthen the exterior to stop sweating, promote diuresis and reduce edema, generate body fluids and nourish blood, and support the body to expel toxins and pus. The astragalus polysaccharides it contains can assist in improving the body's utilization of glucose and alleviate discomfort such as fatigue and thirst caused by qi deficiency, thereby aiding in blood sugar regulation.

3. Dwarf Lilyturf Root

Dwarf lilyturf root is the dried tuberous root of the Liliaceae plant Liriope spicata. It has functions of nourishing yin and generating body fluids, moistening the lungs, and clearing the heart. It can alleviate symptoms such as excessive thirst, dry mouth and tongue, and polydipsia and polyuria caused by internal heat due to yin deficiency. It can also assist in regulating blood sugar levels, making it suitable for individuals needing to improve their blood sugar levels while exhibiting symptoms of yin deficiency.

4. Solomonseal Rhizome

Solomonseal rhizome is the dried rhizome of the Liliaceae plant Polygonatum odoratum. It nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and generates body fluids to relieve thirst. The polysaccharides contained in it can assist in regulating blood sugar levels, improving symptoms such as dry throat and mouth and poor appetite caused by yin deficiency. It is suitable for individuals with elevated blood sugar levels accompanied by manifestations of yin deficiency.

5. Cortex Lycii Radicis

Cortex Lycii Radicis is the dried root bark of the Solanaceae plant Lycium chinense or Lycium barbarum (commonly known as goji berries). It has functions of cooling the blood, clearing away feverish conditions, clearing the lungs, and reducing fire-heat. The betaine and other components it contains have an auxiliary effect in regulating blood sugar levels. It can help alleviate discomfort such as tidal fever, night sweats, and thirst caused by yin deficiency, making it suitable for individuals needing to regulate their blood sugar levels.

In addition, individuals needing assistance in regulating blood sugar levels can also use other appropriate single-herb TCM remedies under the guidance of a doctor. During medication, it is important to maintain a light diet, avoid high-sugar and high-fat foods, and combine regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "rest and activity patterns" or "daily routines") and moderate exercise to better support blood sugar regulation.

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Can Ophiopogon japonicus (McDoor) lower blood sugar?

Under normal circumstances, Ophiopogon japonicus (MJ) can serve as an adjunct in lowering blood glucose levels. When using MJ to help regulate blood sugar, it is important to control the dosage, as excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal distension and diarrhea. Individuals with deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach or frequent loose stools should avoid using this method to regulate blood glucose, so as to prevent aggravating existing health issues. People with elevated blood sugar levels should be aware that MJ is only an auxiliary approach.

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Can dried mulberries lower blood sugar levels?

Under normal circumstances, dried mulberries cannot lower blood sugar levels. When consuming dried mulberries, intake should be strictly controlled, with only a small amount consumed at a time. Individuals with unstable blood sugar control should avoid consumption as much as possible. While eating dried mulberries, one can pair them with some vegetables rich in dietary fiber to slow down sugar absorption. If a significant increase in blood sugar or physical discomfort occurs after consumption, seek medical advice promptly.

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Can Artemisia selengensis help lower blood sugar?

Under normal circumstances, Artemisia selengensis may help lower blood sugar to some extent. When consuming Artemisia selengensis, it is recommended to use low-oil and low-salt cooking methods such as cold mixing or stir-frying, avoiding the addition of excessive sugar. The portion size should be moderate and combined with whole grains, high-quality proteins, and other foods to ensure a balanced diet. Individuals experiencing significant blood sugar fluctuations or those with diabetes should not rely solely on Artemisia selengensis to regulate their blood sugar levels.