Gymnema sylvestre
- Origin
- Asia
- Part used
- See detailed notebook
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
Gymnema sylvestre, a climbing vine of the tropical forests of India and South Asia, has for centuries been known by the Hindi name "gurmar," which can be translated as "the one that destroys sugar." Practitioners of traditional Ayurvedic medicine made great use of it to help with digestive balance and the relationship to sugar. Its leaf, chewed or infused, holds a special place in the notebooks of traveling herbalists who brought back this curious plant of the East.
Traditional uses
What to know before use
Do not use without medical advice in cases of diabetes or hypoglycemic treatment, due to a risk of interaction and hypoglycemia. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, for lack of sufficient data. Avoid in children. Consult a health professional before any prolonged course, particularly in cases of ongoing medication treatment.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PFAF, Wikipedia