Which traditional Chinese herbs lower blood sugar?

Dec 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Some traditional Chinese herbs have an auxiliary effect in lowering blood glucose. Commonly used ones include Astragalus (Huangqi), Kudzu root (Gegen), dried bitter melon, Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), and Ophiopogon (Maidong). These herbs mainly work by regulating metabolism and improving pancreatic islet function. When using these herbal medicines, it is important to be aware of their contraindications and precautions. They should be selected according to individual body constitution and specific conditions, used strictly under medical guidance, and must not replace conventional Western antidiabetic medications.

Some traditional Chinese herbs have an auxiliary effect in lowering blood glucose. Commonly used ones include Astragalus (Huangqi), Kudzu root (Gegen), dried bitter melon (Kugua Gan), Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), and Ophiopogon (Maidong). These herbs mainly work by regulating metabolism and improving pancreatic islet function. The specific details are as follows:

1. **Astragalus (Huangqi)**: Its core functions are reinforcing qi, strengthening the spleen, promoting fluid production, and relieving thirst. It is suitable for elevated blood glucose caused by qi deficiency and insufficient body fluids. By replenishing vital energy and enhancing bodily metabolism, it helps improve insulin resistance and assist in lowering blood glucose. It also alleviates symptoms such as physical weakness, fatigue, and dry mouth.

2. **Kudzu Root (Gegen)**: Known for its ability to relax muscles, reduce fever, promote fluid production, relieve thirst, elevate yang energy, and stop diarrhea. Components such as puerarin can stimulate insulin secretion and enhance cellular uptake and utilization of glucose, thereby assisting in blood glucose reduction. It is particularly suitable for individuals with high blood glucose accompanied by symptoms like dry mouth, dizziness, and headaches.

3. **Dried Bitter Melon (Kugua Gan)**: Has effects of clearing heat, relieving summer-heat, improving vision, and detoxifying. The bitter melon saponins it contains exhibit insulin-like activity, helping regulate blood glucose levels. It is especially appropriate for individuals with elevated blood glucose due to internal heat, and can relieve discomforts such as dry mouth and irritability caused by blood sugar issues.

4. **Salvia Miltiorrhiza (Danshen)**: Promotes blood circulation, removes blood stasis, unblocks meridians, and relieves pain. It improves blood circulation and helps alleviate complications in diabetic patients caused by blood stasis, such as limb numbness and vascular lesions. It also aids in stabilizing blood glucose through metabolic regulation, making it suitable for those with high blood glucose accompanied by signs of blood stasis.

5. **Ophiopogon (Maidong)**: Nourishes yin, promotes fluid production, moistens the lungs, and clears the heart. Suitable for elevated blood glucose due to yin deficiency and fluid insufficiency, it nourishes yin fluids, generates fluids to quench thirst, improves islet function, and assists in lowering blood glucose. It also relieves symptoms associated with yin deficiency, such as dry mouth and throat, irritability, and insomnia.

When using these herbal medicines, attention should be paid to their contraindications and precautions. Selection should be based on individual constitution and specific conditions, strictly following medical advice. They must not replace conventional Western antidiabetic medications, to ensure both safety and effectiveness of treatment.

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What are the traditional Chinese medicines for lowering blood sugar?

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.

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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.