Herbal Remedies To Suppress Appetite

You may be overweight if you eat more food than you need to stay healthy. A big appetite may lead to larger size clothing and it may affect your health, putting you at risk for developing diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. You may find some help in herbal remedies that may suppress your appetite if you find it difficult to turn away from food when hunger strikes. Visit with your doctor before starting an herbal program to suppress your appetite. Undesirable side effects may occur with some herbal appetite suppressants.

Cola

The cola acuminate herb, sometimes called Kola Tree or Guru Nut, may suppress the appetite, according to the PDR for Herbal Medicines. Taken as a tonic or in capsule form, carbonated beverages once contained this herb, and some still bear the name although the cola herb is no longer an ingredient. Follow dosage instructions on the package or consult a reputable herbalist for direction.
The cola herb is not safe for pregnant women. Those with stomach ulcers or digestive problems should consult their doctor before taking it. Side effects include insomnia, excitability and nervousness.

Dwarf Elder

A tea made from the leaves, the roots and the fruit of the dwarf elder plant (sambucus ebulus) may suppress the appetite and lead to weight loss. This bushy perennial herb may temper strong food cravings advises the PDR for Herbal Medicines.
Use a very weak tea to avoid nausea or vomiting. Dwarf elder may also act as a diuretic so drink plenty of additional water when using the tea. Additional side effects may include diarrhea, dizziness and headaches. Do not take dwarf elder unless you're following the advice of a qualified herbalist.

Hoodia

Grown in southern Africa, this herb is readily available in tablet form from health food stores and it may suppress the appetite, although the Mayo Clinic advises that no scientific evidence exists to support this claim.

Bitter Orange

Bitter orange (citrus aurantium), when taken as a supplement or in tea form, may suppress the appetite. Unfortunately, the Mayo Clinic reports that bitter orange may cause undesirable side effects including a racing heart, increased blood pressure and an increased risk of stroke or heart attack.
Dieters should follow the advice and dosage of a physician or a reputable herbalist when using bitter orange to take the edge off hunger.

Fiber

Psyllium husks taken with water, swell in the stomach reducing hunger reports the PDR for Herbal Medicines. Psyllium is an ingredient in many over-the-counter fiber drinks and fiber supplements. The Mayo Clinic suggests increasing the consumption of fiber as part of an overall healthy diet.
The PDR reports that guar gum, another dietary fiber, works in the same manner as psyllium to fill the stomach and reduce the appetite. By drinking a teaspoon of guar gum stirred into a glass of juice or water, 30 minutes before a meal, you may your reduce hunger and eat less.
Although these plant fiber products are considered safe, it is recommended to drink guar gum quickly after mixing with water to prevent the liquid from thickening as you drink it.