The herbal supplement has become so popular in the last decade that manufacturers are spinning out more and more products.  This leaves us, the consumers, dizzied by the choices.  Some of the more popular herbal supplements are hoodia, guarana, dandelion, cascara, St. John’s wort and green tea extract.

Hoodia gordonni is a cactus found mostly in Africa.  It has been touted as an effective appetite suppressant.  Apparently, it tricks the brain into thinking blood glucose levels are normal thus suppressing the body’s natural response to low blood sugar which is the sensation of hunger.  While this sounds promising, there have not been significant studies proving its efficacy in weight loss.

Guarana is a stimulant and diuretic that is made from the seeds of a Brazilian plant.  It contains caffeine and though it does speed up the body, thus producing a slight increase in metabolism, its side effects outweigh its efficacy as an herbal supplement.  Some potentially negative effects are high blood pressure, nausea, dizziness and anxiousness.  

Dandelion is another diuretic.  Side effects are relatively harmless, though allergic reactions have been reported.  A diuretic merely increases the body’s production and excretion of urine.  The immediate result is water which is temporary at best leaving this herbal supplement ineffective for long-term weight loss.

Cascara is a laxative used in many herbal supplements.  Any laxative will help a person lose weight just like any other form of “purging.”  Just because it is marketed as an herbal supplement

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