Herbal Weight Loss

Herbs can aid in weight loss in different ways. Some herbs contain caffeine, or components similar to caffeine, that energize body functions like heart rate, respiration and digestion, while other herbs activate the body to rid itself of excess fluid. In effect, either herbs will make you have more energy and increase movement or rid excess fluid weight in the body.

Some herbs may be beneficial while others may be potentially dangerous. Some herbal weight loss means that should be stayed away from are herbal laxatives, Ephedra and herbal Fen-phen. The herbal laxatives are usually in the form of a tea and can cause non-functioning bowels without laxative stimulation. Ephedra (Ma Huang) can cause heart palpitations, seizures, stroke, chest pain and heart attacks, and is the main ingredient in the herbal Fen-phen.

Some of the safer herbs assisting in weight loss include cayenne, green tea and seaweed. Cayenne contains an ingredient that stimulates the saliva, stimulates digestion and accelerates the metabolism. It can be sprinkled on any food regularly eaten. Green tea energizes the body into action through steeping the leaves and drinking -- or in capsule form. Seaweed is a natural thyroid stimulant usually found in capsule or tablet form.

Other weight loss herbs include: Bitter Orange, Coleus, Garcinia Cambogia, Guarana, Guggul, Spirulina and St. John's Wort. Bitter orange works by simmering in a cup of water for 10-15 minutes to release the oils and other elementsin the orange peel. It acts as a laxative, detoxes the liver and strongly affects the metabolism of other drugs and may cause light sensitivity. Coleus, part of the mint family,aids the body during exercise to remove fatty acids and glycerol into the bloodstream, removing them from the body. It usually comes in supplement form and it's only known adverse affect is the increase in stomach acidity. Garcinia Cambogia herb is the extracted rind of an exotic fruit of the same name. It works by not allowing fat to store itself in the body and suppressing appetite. Found in powderorextract form, this herb is takenbefore eating with water and has no known adverse affects, it being used for decades in Indian and Asian cooking. Guarana is the herbal equivalent to caffeine, but also contains the ability to break down and mobilize fat for energy usage in the body. An evergreen vine native to the Amazon rainforest, guarana is usually combined with ephedra which has been linked with problematic side affects and death and is not intended for long term use due to the side effects. The guggul herb is a resin harvested in winter from a native tree in India, works to lower blood fats and works even better when used in combination with garlic. Normally found in tablet form, guggul has only milddigestive upset as an adverse effect. Spirulina, also known as blue-green algae, is found in fresh water ponds and lakes with a higher alkalinity. Spirulina is considered a complete protein consistingof all essential amino acids and it is available in capsules, tablets, powders and flakes. Labeled as an appetite suppressor, there have not been any studies hinting at spirulina working as a weight loss agent or aid. A perennial plant that grows wild, St. John's Wort has been mostly known for treating depression and can be found as capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas and oils. Weight loss is only listed as a side effect in using St. John's wort rather than a reason to use it.       

All herbs should be used with caution as a person would with any medication, regarding side effects, drug interactions, dosages and quality of herbs purchased.

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