In an age where the risks of many manufactured weight loss and appetite control products outweigh the benefits, you may want to consider a homemade natural appetite suppressant. Because many substances occur naturally that curb the appetite, selecting the right combination may provide a more affordable alternative without risky side effects. As with any homemade remedy, you should consult your physician first.
About Natural Remedies
Natural, or home, remedies take advantage of the natural benefits of foods, herbs, vitamins and other low-risk approaches to addressing health issues, rather than turning to contemporary medicine. Though once thought to be based on folklore, today, many doctors and researchers have proven that certain combinations of natural elements successfully yield a number of desired results. Homemade natural appetite suppressants are used to both treat obesity and help maintain a healthy weight naturally.
Mountain Ash Berries
To naturally curb your appetite before or between meals, you can drink a cup of tea prepared from 1 tsp. of orange berries from the Mountain Ash Tree, also known as the European Rowan or Sorbus aucuparia. The concoction can be slightly bitter and is most effective when consumed hot rather than cold. You can steep the berries in hot tea for five minutes or may muddle them into the mixture. Muddling is a processes by which you crush the berries with the back of a spoon, making them into a paste and then incorporating the paste into your tea. According to Dr. Patrick Quillin, this mixture has traditionally been used as a natural therapeutic remedy for appetite control by the Amish. Natural remedies should not be used in lieu of medical treatment for any existing condition. You should always consult your physician before using a homemade remedy.
Honey
Though the mountain ash berry tea may be strong enough on its own to curb your appetite, you can boost the effectiveness of the mixture by adding honey. In a study of athletes in the "American Bee Journal," it was determined that those who ingested 1 to 2 tsp. of honey four to six times each day had more energy and did not report feeling a dip or "crash" in energy levels mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Additionally, athletes on a reduced-calorie diet who consumed 1 tsp. of honey at the end of a small meal reported a greater feeling of fullness, allowing them to feel satisfied while consuming fewer calories.
Tea Selection
Mixing mountain ash berries with green tea may enhance the results of this natural appetite suppressant. Green teas, like traditional teas, contain caffeine, which acts as a stimulant, and is thought to curb appetite. Green tea also contains epigallocatechin gallate, an antioxidant thought to increase metabolism. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that data from studies suggests that a component of tea other than caffeine might promote the preferential use of fat as an energy source, making it an even better choice for natural weight loss. You should be aware that large amounts of caffeine can cause you to feel jittery, anxious and nauseous and can cause headaches.
References
- "Trees of Britain and Europe"; K. Rushforth; 1999
- "Amish Folk Medicine: Home Remedies Using Foods, Herbs and Vitamins"; Patrick Quillin, Ph.D., RD.; 1995
- USDA: Brewing Up The Latest Research
- "Experience with Honey in Athletic Nutrition"; American Bee Journal; Lloyd Percival;1985
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