Herbs & Weight Loss

Weight loss and the herbal remedies that aid it have had a troubled relationship in the last decade. Some of the most effective remedies were found to have side effects that did not make them safe for consumption. There are some herbs that in small quantities can help facilitate weight loss, but there are a greater number of products that should be avoided.

Warning

It is getting easier and easier to promote a product on the Internet and have it look like it is legitimate and endorsed by a doctor. This has led to many scams and the use of unsafe products. The only herbs you should take are those recommended by a doctor or a dietitian.

History

Herbs have been used for thousands of years for all sorts of ailments, including obesity. In 1985, a supplement called Herbalife was called into question after causing dizziness nausea, and perhaps even a general deterioration of health. In 1997, the FDA warned the creators of a product called "Herbal Phen-Fen" to stop selling the product as if it were a medication, and they questioned the safety of its herbal combination. The main ingredient in this concoction, ephedra, was banned for sale in the United States in 2003 after it was been linked to several deaths.

Misconceptions

There is a misconception that weight should be lost as quickly as possible. Products like ephedra that were taken off the market have proven that attempts at quick weight loss may instead lead to loss of life. Doubling the dose of an herb will not enhance its effectiveness, so you should make sure to use recommended amounts of any particular product.

Examples

Here are some examples of herbs that can help with weight loss. Guarana is a natural source of caffeine that can speed up metabolism when used properly. If too much is used it can cause heart problems or tremors. Hoodia is a herb that has been used to help with digestion and appetite suppression. It has come into question as a result of Internet scams where no actual active ingredient is in the product. Garcinia cambogia is a herb that contains the active ingredient hydroxycitric acid. This acid can improve the body's ability to store glycogen and thus it will cause the body to store less fat.

More Examples

Several herbs have been included in herbal weight-loss products due to their laxative or diuretic abilities. Aloe vera can increase the body's ability to have strong bowel movements. Cascara is a laxative the can help to shed water weight. Dandelion is a herb that can help to shed water and to improve digestion. All three of these products may cause unsafe side effects like diarrhea, dehydration and gastrointestinal disorders.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, it may be safer to lose weight through diet and exercise than to try to do it through the use of herbs and supplements.

References

• FDA Warns About Herbs for Weight Loss
• Prescription for Herbal Healing: An Easy-to-Use A-Z Reference to Hundreds of Common Disorders and Their Herbal Remedies; Phyllis A. Balch, 2002
• Herbalife Product Safety Remains Unclear

Resources

• Herbal Store
• FDA bans sale of weight-loss herb
• Overweight