Safe Herbal Weight Loss

Eating a low-fat, low-calorie diet, getting regular exercise, eating breakfast and monitoring your weight, are good weight loss strategies, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are also a variety of herbal remedies that may promote and maintain weight loss. However, herbal supplements should only be taken under the advice and supervision of your professional health-care practitioner.

Herbal Actions

Certain weight loss herbs act to trick the brain. They create fullness and decrease the feeling of hunger. According to eMedical.com, weight loss herbs are classified as stimulants, which make the body burn calories; diuretics that excrete fluids from the body; laxatives that decrease absorption and move waste through the colon; or appetite depressants that act to reduce hunger.

Weight Loss Herbs

Green tea, parsley, cinnamon and panax ginseng are herbs that promote weight loss. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, clinical studies show that green tea extract may promote metabolism and burn fat. Green tea may also improve and maintain weight loss, when combined with caffeine. Cinnamon reduces glucose levels and promotes weight loss. Parsley is a diuretic; it reduces blood sugar level and promotes weight loss. Panax ginseng lowers blood sugar levels and helps to reduce weight.

The Benefits of Weight Loss Herbs

The overall effects of weight loss herbs include many health benefits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, even a modest weight loss decrease can improve blood pressure level and decrease cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It can also increase your energy and physical activity levels and improve your mood and self confidence.

Research

In a review published in "World Journal of Gastroenterology" in 2009, Dr. S. Hasani- Ranjbar and colleagues report their evaluation of the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines and their effect on obesity in humans and animals. The researchers identified and reviewed 915 results and 17 studies; 19 studies were in humans and 58 in animals. The findings revealed that compounds with ginseng, bitter melon, zingiber, CQ and ephedra were effective against obesity.

Considerations

Using natural herbs for weight loss can lower the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes. However it is important to bear in mind that herbs contain active ingredients that can interact with other herbs, supplements and medications, or may even trigger side effects, according to the UMMC. Herbs and supplements should be taken with the advice and supervision of your health-care practitioner.