Stevia is an herb that may be used as an alternative sweetener to sugar or aspartame and may be used to regulate blood sugar, lower elevated blood pressure, inhibit the growth of bacteria including that which causes tooth decay and gum disease, reduce cravings for sweets and fatty foods, improve digestion and gastrointestinal function, and reduce desire for tobacco and alcoholic beverages and is safe for diabetics.(non caloric). Dietary supplement. Steviasides are 250 times sweeter than sugar, based on a sweetening index of 250.