Weight Loss Herbs that Work
While there is no magic pill for weight loss, there are certain herbs that are believed to promote weight loss. Most herbs contained in over-the-counter weight loss products are appetite suppressants, which are basically substances that make the brain believe that the stomach is full. Some herbs work by increasing the body's metabolism and some as diuretics that cause water loss in the body. However, the usage of herbs in this capacity comes with many warnings, including that long-term use can lead to addiction and cause health problems. It is important to understand that these herbs do not present a magic solution, but will only work in conjunction with healthy diet and exercise. As the use of herbs comes with many warnings, you are advised to use them only after receiving a nod from your doctor, and doing a reasonable amount of research about them. Here is a list of natural weight loss herbs that work for some. Read more on natural weight loss.
Weight Loss Herbs
Green Tea: One of the herbs for weight loss, green tea has a coffee like effect, but is much healthier, and has the benefit of vitamin C and flavoniods. Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study confirmed that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in overweight and moderately obese individuals. Some researchers speculate that substances in green tea known as polyphenols, specifically the catechins, are responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect. Read about green tea fat metabolizer.
Cayenne: A popular spice, you can use cayenne for weight loss if you can tolerate a bit of pungency in your food. Cayenne pepper includes an ingredient called capsaicin which stimulates saliva and digestion, thus accelerating a person's metabolism, at a safe level.
Seaweed: The herb seaweed is a natural thyroid stimulant, and also a good source of trace minerals such as chromium and iodine. Seaweed is available in market as kelp capsules and tablets. People who are already on thyroid medication, or suspect their weight problem is due to a thyroid problem, must consult a doctor before taking this kelp or seaweed. Learn about seaweed health benefits.
Cascara: Cascara is a strong stimulant laxative and one of the few natural herbs for weight loss, approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA. One must be aware that the misuse of this herb can cause problems with the body's minerals, and can interact with drugs such as Lanoxin and diuretics. It should not be taken by pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
Dandelion: Another of the natural herbs that lose weight, dandelion functions as a diuretic, which causes weight loss by decreasing the amount of water in the body. However, it is also known to cause allergic reactions and heartburn in some people.
Glucomannan: Glucomannan is made from the root of Amorphophallus Konjac, and may help weight loss by delaying the absorption of glucose from the intestines. It is also possible that weight loss is due to the "feeling of fullness" that one experiences after consuming the herb. This feeling is generated as glucomannan swells up in the gut once it has been exposed to liquids. However, one must also be aware that there have been several cases of esophageal obstruction in people who consumed glucomannan. In fact, due to this, glucomannan and glucomannan containing products have been banned in several countries. Learn more about natural herbs for weight loss.
While there is no magic pill for weight loss, there are certain herbs that are believed to promote weight loss. Most herbs contained in over-the-counter weight loss products are appetite suppressants, which are basically substances that make the brain believe that the stomach is full. Some herbs work by increasing the body's metabolism and some as diuretics that cause water loss in the body. However, the usage of herbs in this capacity comes with many warnings, including that long-term use can lead to addiction and cause health problems. It is important to understand that these herbs do not present a magic solution, but will only work in conjunction with healthy diet and exercise. As the use of herbs comes with many warnings, you are advised to use them only after receiving a nod from your doctor, and doing a reasonable amount of research about them. Here is a list of natural weight loss herbs that work for some. Read more on natural weight loss.
Weight Loss Herbs
Green Tea: One of the herbs for weight loss, green tea has a coffee like effect, but is much healthier, and has the benefit of vitamin C and flavoniods. Clinical studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat. One study confirmed that the combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss and maintenance in overweight and moderately obese individuals. Some researchers speculate that substances in green tea known as polyphenols, specifically the catechins, are responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect. Read about green tea fat metabolizer.
Cayenne: A popular spice, you can use cayenne for weight loss if you can tolerate a bit of pungency in your food. Cayenne pepper includes an ingredient called capsaicin which stimulates saliva and digestion, thus accelerating a person's metabolism, at a safe level.
Seaweed: The herb seaweed is a natural thyroid stimulant, and also a good source of trace minerals such as chromium and iodine. Seaweed is available in market as kelp capsules and tablets. People who are already on thyroid medication, or suspect their weight problem is due to a thyroid problem, must consult a doctor before taking this kelp or seaweed. Learn about seaweed health benefits.
Cascara: Cascara is a strong stimulant laxative and one of the few natural herbs for weight loss, approved as an over-the-counter drug by the FDA. One must be aware that the misuse of this herb can cause problems with the body's minerals, and can interact with drugs such as Lanoxin and diuretics. It should not be taken by pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
Dandelion: Another of the natural herbs that lose weight, dandelion functions as a diuretic, which causes weight loss by decreasing the amount of water in the body. However, it is also known to cause allergic reactions and heartburn in some people.
Glucomannan: Glucomannan is made from the root of Amorphophallus Konjac, and may help weight loss by delaying the absorption of glucose from the intestines. It is also possible that weight loss is due to the "feeling of fullness" that one experiences after consuming the herb. This feeling is generated as glucomannan swells up in the gut once it has been exposed to liquids. However, one must also be aware that there have been several cases of esophageal obstruction in people who consumed glucomannan. In fact, due to this, glucomannan and glucomannan containing products have been banned in several countries. Learn more about natural herbs for weight loss.