Herbs that Produce Significant Weight Loss

Weight loss is never an easy undertaking, especially if you have more than 15 pounds to lose. In today's growing marketplace there are hundreds of different supplements and diet plans that offer hope to those trying to lose weight, however, most of them never live up to their claims. There are some herbal remedies however that can produce significant weight loss when used properly. Please check with your doctor before beginning use with any of these herbs, as some of them can cause serious damage to you if you have other medical conditions. With any weight loss program, your eating habits need to change. Herbs can help a great deal with this, by reducing cravings and leaving you feeling fuller and more satisfied. Exercise is also essential to any weight loss program.

Dandelion is not just a weed that grows in your yard. It is a powerful weight loss herb as well. It's often called lion's tooth. Dandelion leaves have confirmed diuretic activity, meaning they aid in ridding the body of excess water weight. It also helps speed up the metabolism, removes fatty acids from the bloodstream (which lowers cholesterol), and restores certain minerals. To use dandelion you can make a tea (made from the leaves (not the root). Drink 3-4 cups of this tea a day. Also uses the stem and leaves in soups and salads.

Licorice root is another great weight loss herb. It not only helps ease cravings for sugar, but also helps control the appetite so you aren't snaking on junk food. You can take licorice root in capsule form from your natural health food store, or just eating several sticks a day will do the trick. Make certain if you eat it that you are eating the black variety only.

St. John's Wort is often used as an herbal remedy for depression, but it works well for those trying to lose weight too. It is known as a serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor, meaning that it increase the serotonin your brain produces, which in turn suppresses the appetite. It also does help with the common side effects of depression and deprivation that come with "dieting" and trying to lose weight. You can get St. John's Wort at your local health food store. 300mg. capsules are standard and should be taken three times a day.

Psyllium is a gentle laxative. It also contains mucilage. It reduces hunger, by making you feel full. Psyllium is found in many over the counter laxatives. It should not be take long term, but may help jump start a significant weight loss. Powdered psyllium can be found at your local health food store in powder form. Use 1 tsp. of dissolved powder in 2 cups of juice or water, two to three times a day.

Cascara Sagrada is a strong diuretic and laxative that is usually mixed with digestive soothers like marshmallow or chamomile. You can find the capsule form of this terrific weight loss herb at your local health food store in capsule form. Capsules are 500mg to 1,000 mg. Some health food stores will also carry the powdered/leaf form of Cascara Sagrada. To make a tea with the powder/leaf, simply dissolve or steep in hot water. Drink 1-2 cups a day. It is recommended that you not use Cascara Sagrada for more than one week at a time. It will definitely jump start your weight loss though.

These herbs are the best for losing significant amounts of weight or for just jumpstarting your diet program. Again I caution that everyone consult their physician before beginning an herbal supplement. Many herbs if used over a long period of time can be very dangerous and even deadly.