Being obese or overweight can put you at risk for many health problems, such as stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease, writes Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Shedding excess pounds can often be challenging, but there are a variety of herbs that can aid in suppressing the appetite, helping you to eat less to shed excess pounds.
Consult with a health care professional before using herbs to as part of a weight loss program.
Fennel
Fennel suppresses the appetite and helps to cleanse fat and mucus from the intestinal tract, according the the Balches. Fennel also supports the digestive system by neutralizing stomach acid and relieving gas.
According to Michael Castleman, author of "The Healing Herbs," fennel is regarded as a relatively safe herb. However, studies conducted on fennel's effect on the liver are inconclusive. Do not take fennel if you have a history of hepatitis, alcoholism or liver disease. Fennel should not be taken if you are pregnant, nursing, have estrogen dependent breast tumors or have abnormal blood clotting as it acts similar to estrogen. Contact your doctor before using fennel for appetite control.
Dandelion
Dandelion may be used to help suppress your craving for sweets, according to Holisticonline.com, a website dedicated to educating the public about holistic and alternative healing methods. Dandelion is also a powerful diuretic and may be used to remove weight resulting from water retention. Dandelion may also increase the flow of bile, which aids in the digestion of fats. Dandelion may be consumed as a tea or used as salad greens. Consult your physician if you plan to control your appetite with dandelion.
Possible side effects of dandelion include skin rash, diarrhea and stomach upset. If you experience any of these side effects discontinue use immediately. Do not use dandelion if you are pregnant or nursing.
Kola Nut
Kola nut is a natural appetite suppressant, according to the Balches. The use of kola nut can be traced back to West Africa, where it was used to treat heart problems, ease water retention, aid in digestion, fight fatigue and prevent diarrhea, writes Castleman. Today, kola nut is an ingredient in many popular soft drinks.
Kola nut contains caffeine. Do not use kola nut if you are pregnant or nursing. Kola nut should not be used by individuals with a history of high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, insomnia, anxiety disorder, digestive disorder or stroke. Possible side effects include upset stomach, insomnia and irritability. Discontinue use if you experience any of these side effects. Talk to your doctor before addressing appetite control issues with kola nut.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch; 1997
- "The Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 1991
- Holistic Online: Herbs for Obesity
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