If you are looking to lose weight or suppress hunger without the use of prescription medication, then alternative herbal supplements may be a good option to consider. Widely available in most local supermarkets and drugstores, these herbs can be found in the form of pills, powders and even liquid extracts. With very few documented side effects related to these supplements, many herbs can be taken on a daily basis.
Hoodia Gordonii
One herbal supplement that may suppress your appetite is hoodia gordonii. According to the University of Michigan Health System, one small, double-blind study showed that subjects who took a hoodia-based supplement had a lower desire for food. This is due to the herb's natural effects on the digestive system and the central nervous system, which suppresses the desire to eat. However, UMHS also suggests that more research needs to be conducted in order to determine the consistency of these findings as well as the overall safety of hoodia gordonii.
Saint John's Wort
Another supplement that is known for its ability to suppress appetite is Saint John's wort. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, herbs that are commonly used to help treat depression or anxiety can also suppress the appetite. While there are no major side effects directly associated with the herb, UMMC cautions against taking Saint John's wort along with other medications due to a strong risk of drug interaction. If you are currently taking herbal supplements or medication for the treatment of anxiety or depression, or if you take drugs to lower cholesterol, you should first consult your physician before taking Saint John's wort.
Green Tea
According to UMHS, green tea can also help promote weight loss and suppress appetite in patients. In a study of moderately obese individuals, administration of a specific green tea extract resulted in a 4.6 percent reduction in average body weight after 12 weeks. The dosage used in this study was 270mg and was combined with 150mg of caffeine, another substance known to suppress appetite. However, some researchers believe that these effects can be more of a placebo effect than a direct correlation to green tea consumption, according to UMHS.
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