- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Africa, Oceania (Australia)
- Sanskrit
- Meshasringi
- Other names
- Suikervernietiger
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Unani medicine
Asia · Herb · № 506
Gymnema sylvestre
Herb · Asia
Gymnema
Gymnema sylvestre
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, stomachic, tonic, cooling, diuretic, lowers blood sugar (suppresses sweet taste); for diabetes and sugar in the urine, snake bites, fever, cough, swollen glands.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Leaf powder 2–4 g; leaf decoction 14–28 ml; root powder or paste on a snake bite.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Meshasringi. Gurmar means 'sugar destroyer': after chewing the leaf you cannot taste sweetness for a few minutes, because of gymnemic acid. In Ayurveda and Unani medicine it is used for madhumeha, diabetes; a few small studies point to a slight blood-sugar-lowering effect.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Astringent, stomachic, tonic, cooling, diuretic, lowers blood sugar (suppresses sweet taste); for diabetes and sugar in the urine, snake bites, fever, cough, swollen glands.
Preparation and amount
Leaf powder 2–4 g; leaf decoction 14–28 ml; root powder or paste on a snake bite.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen