Know what you're putting in your body.

158 herbs, nutrients, and compounds. What the science says, what tradition knew, and what to watch for. Founding members keep this running.

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HORMONE BALANCE

Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre

also known as gurmar

Moderate (blood sugar)

An Ayurvedic woody vine called gurmar in Hindi — meaning 'sugar destroyer.' The name fits: chewing the leaf temporarily blocks the tongue's ability to taste sweetness, and modern research backs the blood sugar effects the tradition has claimed for over two thousand years.

Helps lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes when used consistently
Reduces sugar cravings — partly through the tongue-receptor effect, partly through systemic action
Temporarily blocks sweet taste perception when the leaf is chewed directly
Supports healthy insulin function
May modestly support weight management when paired with dietary changes

Can cause low blood sugar, especially when combined with diabetes medication — monitor closely and adjust medication with provider guidance

Stop two weeks before surgery to avoid blood sugar swings

Skip during pregnancy and nursing — limited safety data

May affect iron absorption — separate doses from iron supplements

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro · Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

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