Herbal Energy & The Suppression Of Appetite

Several herbs may enhance your energy levels -- along with suppressing your appetite to help you lose weight. Reportedly, the herbs guarana, bitter orange and green tea are used as herbal energy boosters to stimulate the central nervous system and decrease the appetite to some extent. Although believed beneficial, insufficient scientific evidence exists to prove the effectiveness of herbs for promoting energy and reducing the appetite. Consult your doctor before beginning an herbal treatment.

Herbs

Herbs, which may increase energy and suppress the appetite, have been used medicinally for thousands of years, according to the Mayo Clinic. In fact, historical medical records from the Romans, Egyptians, Persians and Hebrews indicate that herbs have been used to treat almost every ailment, according to certified nutritional consultant, Phyllis A. Balch. However, herbal remedies have not been scientifically proven to treat any illness or condition and should only be used under the supervision of your doctor.

Guarana

The stimulating effects of the herb, guarana, may increase energy levels and inhibit your appetite. Guarana is an effective central nervous system stimulant used in weight loss products, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Guarana contains caffeine that reportedly boosts energy and decreases your desire to eat for a period of time. However, the caffeine in guarana may cause side effects, such as high blood pressure and anxiety. Available scientific evidence is lacking to support the use of guarana for energy levels or appetite suppression, and guarana should only be taken after consulting your doctor.

Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is another herb with stimulating effects that may increase energy and reduce your appetite. Many weight loss products use bitter orange instead of the stimulant herb, ephedra --- banned by the Federal Drug Administration in 2004 for safety risks that include stroke, reports National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. However, bitter orange contains a chemical called synephrine -- similar to the main chemical in ephedra, and there is insufficient evidence to suggest that it is any safer, according to NCCAM. Bitter orange has not been scientifically proven to increase energy levels or reduce your appetite, and should be used only with the advice of a doctor.

Green Tea

Both green tea, which is not considered an herbal tea, and green tea extract contain caffeine -- reportedly an energy stimulant that may decrease your appetite for a short time. According to NCCAM, green tea is considered safe in moderate amounts; however, the caffeine in green tea and green tea extract may cause side effects including insomnia and anxiety. Insufficient scientific evidence exists to conclusively support the use of green tea for energy or appetite suppression.

Considerations

Some herbal supplements have drug-like effects that may be harmful, and it is important to investigate their potential benefits as well as any side-effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. Herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA; however, they are reportedly not subjected to the same rigorous testing requirements as drugs and foods. Although the FDA is responsible for monitoring the safety of herbal products, herbal supplements may be put on the market before being approved by the FDA, reports the the Mayo Clinic website.