Herbal Weight Loss

There are several concoctions available promoting themselves as herbal weight loss products. However, there are few human studies proving that any herb or any combination of herbs, affect weight permanently. The following information will help you decipher the facts from fiction.

How Herbs Cause Weight Loss

Herbs are considered natural because they grow from the earth versus being chemically made in a factory. There are certain parts of the plant, either leaves, flowers, stems, roots, or a combination of these, that are found to affect human functioning. For example, some herbs act as diuretics, causing the body to rid itself of fluid. Some are laxatives, working directly on the digestive track to “move” things along. Other herbs are considered thermogenic, better known as “fat burners”, due to the natural presence of caffeine. These herbs cause an increase in metabolic activity, hence causing an increased use of calories by the body due to the elevated production of heat.

Common Herbs

The following list includes the herbs have been identified as weight loss enhancers and their reported action:

• green tea – thermogenic
• nettle – thermogenic
• dandelion – diuretic
• uva ursi – diuretic
• cascara – mild laxative
• senna – mild laxative
• buckthorn – mild laxative
• ma huang (ephedra) – thermogenic, stimulant
• guarana – thermogenic, stimulant
• kola nut – thermogenic, stimulant
• yerba mate – stimulant, diuretic
• hoodia – thermogenic, stimulant
• licorice – mild laxative
• psyllium – appetite suppressant

These are just a handful of herbs labeled as weight loss boosters. There are a slew of seemingly unpronounceable herbs used in Ayurvedic treatments of traditional Indian medicine, such as garcinia cambogia, gymnema sylvestre, and polygonum multiflorum to name just a few.

Do They Work?

There is significant evidence that some herbs do work to enhance weight loss. However, it is important to keep in mind that only with the reduction of caloric intake and/or the expenditure of calories can weight loss be safe and permanent. Here is a brief summary of what we do know about herbal supplements for weight loss:

Green Tea – black and oolong tea come from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. The difference is how the leaves are prepared. Green tea leaves are not fermented; they are lightly steamed instead. Because of this minimal processing, the leaves retain many of the plant's properties, including its thermogenic action, thus increasing metabolic rate.

Dandelion Root – botanically known as taraxacum officinale, this plant is native to Asia. It is loaded with potassium, thus causing the diuretic effect.

Guarana – from the shrub Paullinia Carpana native to the Amazon region, its extremely high level of caffeine stimulates metabolism which in turn causes the body to expend more energy.

Kola Nut – same action as guarana.

Psyllium – use of the whole seeds in this plant, botanically called plantago ovata, has shown a reduced intake of calories due to its ability to make one feel fuller sooner. In fact, one study reported that an increased level of satiety lasted for up to three hours after the meal intake.

It must be noted that the effectiveness of the above herbs on weight will be minimal. There is not one solution to shedding extra pounds. And, if you are budget-conscious, it is probably in your best interest to skip the purchase of herbal weight loss supplements as they can be pricey. Also, the diuretic effect of herbs will result in only temporary weight loss.

Where to Find

Most herbs can be purchased in pill, liquid, or powder form. The liquid and powder formulas are often added to a beverage or taken directly. Green tea is obviously available in teabag or loose leaf form. Extracts of green tea are available as well. Many teas are “weight loss blends” that will contain a variety of purported weight loss herbs.

Health Precaution

Since herbs and herbal supplements are not monitored by any specific health agency, it is critical that consumers read labels closely and research manufacturers thoroughly. Quality ingredients in herbal weight loss formulas is not a given. Be sure to buy from reputable companies. Consulting with a nutritionist will ensure proper guidance.

Most important, many herbs can interfere with the action of prescription medications. Be sure to talk with your physician beforehand. If you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or lactating, it is best to avoid herbal supplements unless advised by your doctor.

Some herbs can have serious side effects and should be avoided all together, such as ephedra and fen-phen products, which can significantly increase blood pressure, heart rate, and overall stimulation of central nervous system. There have been two known deaths directly related to the use of ephedra.

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