There have been many missteps in the diet industry with drugs that promise miracles and then deliver heartache and disappointment instead. A few medications over the years have even cause severe health problems and even death to users. This has led many people to say, “I want to lose weight using herbal methods only!”
If you are one of the many people saying, “I want to lose weight using herbal methods”, there are some things you have to keep in mind. While herbal remedies are provided by nature and generally much better for you than pharmaceuticals, too much of anything can be harmful. Besides marijuana, cocaine and opium are all derived from natural substances.
Bad Herbs
When going through the herbal options there are a few that you should avoid, as they will do more harm than good. The following herbs have been listed by the Food and Drug Administration as potentially harmful, even deadly.
- Laxatives- Cascara, senna, buckthorn, aloe and rhubarb root are all forms of natural laxatives that are many times pawned off as diet teas. These substances can cause diarrhea and cramping. When overused anyone of these herbal laxatives can cause your bowels malfunction, leaving you dependent upon laxatives to have a bowel movement.
- Ephedra- A few years ago all products containing ephedrine were banned by the FDA as potentially harmful. Also known as, mu huang this natural additive can elevate your heart rate, blood pressure and overstimulation of your nervous system if you take high doses. While the debate rages on about the effectiveness versus safety of these herbal supplements it is probably best to avoid them and wait until the dust settles.
- Herbal Fen-Phen- Many people were disappointed when the diet drug fen-phen was removed from the market as a dangerous drug. It was not long until someone figured out how to concoct an herbal version. Ephedra combined with St. Johns Wort creates a product known as herbal fen-phen which has been shown to cause irregular heartbeat and even death when misused.
Good Herbs
You might get the impression that there simply are not any herbal methods for weight loss. While there are more myths and half-truths than anything else in the entire diet industry, there remain a few decent herbal methods to lose weight.
If you are considering a new herbal product, first check the ingredients for the problem herbs like the ones listed above. This is research that you may need to continue as new herbs are introduced to the weight loss community nearly every day.
Below are just a few good herbal methods for losing weight. If you have decided enough is enough and said, “I want to lose weight using herbal methods,” one of these may be just the ticket for you.
- Green Tea- Tea is a natural stimulant that people have been using for centuries. In addition to giving you a mild pick, me up green tea has the added benefit of antioxidants, flavanoids and Vitamin C. This supplement can be purchased as a capsule, but the better method of transmission is in liquid form.
- Cayenne Pepper- Not everyone will be able to incorporate this herbal diet remedy! Sprinkle a bit of cayenne pepper around for better digestion and metabolism.
- Flax Seed- This is a natural bulking agent this seed has a covering, which swells in water. One teaspoon full taken with 8-ounces of water about 30 minutes before you eat will reduce the amount of calories you consume. Remember to use whole seeds, as they will pass largely undigested, ground flax seed has a high caloric value and therefore is not the best diet aid.
These are by far only a few of the many herbs that are safely used for weight loss every day. One key thing to remember is if a product promises you will lose 20 pounds overnight, it is likely a scam and could be harmful. Do your homework and stick with safe, tried and true herbal methods.
We all want a slim body
