We end up spending large amounts of time and money running after weight loss programs that do more harm than good. Overanxious to burn the extra pounds, many times we don’t get the expected results and, in the process, suffer a lot, restraining our desires, and making our systems vulnerable to the side effects of weight loss medicines.

Why go herbal?

Compared to torturous, strict diet programs and arduous exercises, herbal methods of weight loss are cheaper and are free of side effects, to a great extent. Of course, high doses can cause complications, but herbal ways of losing weight are far safer than the use of chemically manipulated medication. When going the herbal route, one can expect to lose anywhere between five to ten pounds of weight in the very first month, if it’s part of a disciplined lifestyle that includes exercise.

After studying various herbs from different parts of the globe, experts have found many medicinal properties in them. The herbs which have fat-burning and appetite suppressing effects are useful for weight loss. Some well-known herbs are discussed below.

Some popular weight loss herbs

• Chamomile teas are said to soothe the digestive system.

• Mint teas are pleasing to the mind and soothing to the system because of their aroma.

• Rooibos tea is said to be a good antioxidant.

• Cinnamomum tamala, senna leaves, aniseed, Garcinia cambogia, fennel, Salacia reticulata, triphala, licorice root, and many other similar herbs contribute considerably to weight loss.

• Gynostemma pentaphyllum and apple cider vinegar help in controlling your blood pressure and increase the rate of burning fat.

• 999 Fitness Essence, in spite of being less well-known, has been found to be very effective for weight loss.

• Caffeine burns fat.

• Herbal body wraps, comprised of rose petal powder, alfalfa leaf powder, ground basil, and oils such as lavender, lemon, and sandalwood, are a great way to remove body toxins and stimulate blood circulation throughout the body. These act directly with the skin cells to extract the fat and unwanted fluids trapped within the cells.

Some precautions should be kept in mind while using herbs. Various types of herbs have their origins in different continents around the world and the local people from each were aware of the care that should be taken while using them. For example, some may interact with your present medication.

Tips for the wise use of herbal products

• Before using herbal remedies to lose your extra pounds, have a word with your physician to know if he or she approves their use.

• Check the list of ingredients given on the package and make sure that you are not allergic to any of them.

• Make sure that you research whether the ingredients actually have weight reducing effects. There are differences regarding the efficacy of the weight loss properties of some herbs.

• Senna helps in weight loss, but dehydrates the system, putting you at risk of damaging your colon.

• If used improperly, St. John’s Wort can cause fatigue, itching, skin and eye sensitivity, and gastrointestinal problems.

Do herbal supplements really work?

As far as the weight loss properties of any medications or supplements are concerned, nothing can work unless one follows a strict regimen of eating healthier and burning more calories. Only a healthy lifestyle and keeping the body fit through exercise can enable you to shed unwanted flab.