All Natural Weight Loss

Herbs Used for All Natural Weight Loss

There are lots of different plants that help with weight loss.  They all work in a number of different ways and affect the body in a number of different ways too.  Before you use any herbs you need to read the labels carefully to ensure that you completely understand any side effects that might occur. 

A great example is hoodia which is a plant originating from Africa which works by decreasing your hunger and thirst to the point where it can make you dehydrated and malnourished.  There are other herbs that have thermogentic characteristics.  This means that they speed up bodily functions such as breathing, heart rate, and digestion.  These herbs are classified as fat-burning herbs.  Lots of herbs often contain a lot of natural caffeine.  Herbs containing caffeine include nettle, dandelion, and green tea. 

The herbs mentioned above are those which cause the least amount of side effects.  Some herbs have many side effects and these are known as diuretics.  You might find it hard to believe, but both dandelion and green tea are part of this particular group and can cause serious dehydration if taken in high quantities.  Whilst they might make you look thinner ingesting these herbs will only give you a temporary quick fix.  Once you stop taking them the weight will go back on once your body has become rehydrated. 

Many weight loss herbs cause the unwanted side effect of diarrhea.  Herbs known to cause this side effect are birchbark, uva ursi, and buchu.  The United States Food and Drug Administration have issued warnings about these herbs and the serious long term side effects they can cause such as diarrhea, cramping, and other health issues. 

One of the most hazardous herbs is called Herbal Phen Phen or Ma Haung.  This herb causes the central nervous system to become overstimulated and blood pressure and heart rate to become elevated.  The FDA has warned of many side effects as a result of using this herb and these include depression, heart murmurs, heart palpitations, anxiety, heart attacks, seizures, stroke, chest pain, dehydration, dissociation, and psychosis. 

Safer options would be cayenne which is known to burn fat or seaweed which provides trace minerals such as chromium and iodine.  Seaweed can be used to give a slow metabolism a kick start which is often the main cause for weight gain.

Remember that prior to taking any herb it is essential that you speak to your doctor first.  Some health issues do not respond favorably to even the safer variety of weight loss herbs.  For example, whilst green tea is considered a healthy herb, it can prove disastrous  to somebody who suffers from anxiety as it has a high caffeine content.