There are numerous herbal medications which claim to help us lose weight and rely on mainly suppressing the appetite, they do this by tricking the body into thinking it’s full.
Ephedra
This is more commonly found in medications for asthma and is commonly used in weight control supplements and acts as an appetite suppressant. Recent studies have suggested that it can cause problems with the health relating to raising the blood pressure, causing irregular heartbeat, insomnia, sleeplessness, tremors and seizures.
St Johns wort
Although better know for its properties as an anti-depressant, studies into St Johns wort have shown that it can be effective in promoting weight loss, it is important that if you take St Johns wort that you avoid foods which contain tyramine.
Foods which contain this are aged cheese, cured or aged meats and wine. It can also interact with certain other medications such as anti-depressants, birth control pill, blood thinners and medication for heart problems.
5-HTP
This is extracted from a South African plant seed and is commonly found in many over the counter weight loss formulas; however, when taken in large doses it can have a negative effect on the liver and has been linked to a deadly blood disorder.
Chitosan
This is a starch which is found in the skeleton of shrimp, crab and other shellfish and it binds with fatty foods and removes some of the fat as it passes through the body. Studies have shown that it causes no more weight loss than that of a placebo.
Chromium
This is thought to act in breaking down carbohydrates and is used as a weight los aid and fat burner, studies recently conducted into the benefits of taking this failed to give any conclusive results.
Aloe
Well known for its wound healing properties aloe is thought to help as a weight loss product due to it being an internal cleanser, it has been known to cause side effects such as diarrhoea and abdominal cramping when taken in large doses and over any period of time.
Guarana
This is known to speed up the activity in the brain and is thought to help in weight loss due to its stimulant and diuretic effect, as it contains around 5% caffeine it has been known to cause problems with high blood pressure, nauseas, dizziness and problems with anxiety and panic.
Precautions to take when taking herbal remedies
* If you become ill while taking a herbal remedy stop taking it immediately and consult the advice of your Doctor
* Do not take herbs in large quantities
* Don’t take any herbs for a long period of time
* Don’t take any herbal medication if you are taking medication prescribed by your doctor for any chronic condition
* Always ask the advice of your doctor before taking any herbal remedies.
