| fa | | | | Astragalus comes from the root of a legume |
| Alfalfa is a nourishing legume used worldwide to feed | | | | cultivated in Asia. It has been used for thousands of |
| animals. Many people eat alfalfa sprouts on salads or | | | | years in China as a restorative tonic. |
| in sandwiches. Nutritionally, alfalfa is rich in protein; | | | | Various research studies have confirmed that |
| vitamins A, B, D, and K; and several minerals, including | | | | astragalus has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and |
| iron and copper. | | | | anti-inflammatory properties. It is fast gaining an |
| As a food supplement, alfalfa is sold by health food | | | | excellent reputation in natural medicine circles as an |
| stores in powder, tablet, juice, tea, and other forms. | | | | immune system booster. At least one natural |
| In a few studies, alfalfa has been shown to reduce | | | | weight-loss product on the market lists astragalus in |
| levels of LDL cholesterol in the body. Reportedly, it | | | | its formulation, along with other ingredients. But |
| has natural diuretic and laxative properties which is | | | | despite its many true talents, astragalus has no |
| why it shows up in some natural weight-loss | | | | effect on weight loss. |
| supplements. No credible scientific evidence, however, | | | | Astragalus is considered to be a safe herb. No toxic |
| supports any weight-loss benefits. Paradoxically, it has | | | | reactions have been reported in animals or humans |
| a reputation in folk medicine as an appetite stimulant. | | | | even when the herb is taken in very large doses. |
| Alfalfa is generally regarded as safe when used in the | | | | Bladderwrack |
| tiny amounts found in natural weight-loss | | | | Used in steam baths by Native Americans to treat |
| supplements. Some herbalists, however, advise | | | | joint problems and other illnesses, bladderwrack is a |
| against using alfalfa or alfalfa products at all, since the | | | | seaweed rich in iodine, a mineral required by the body |
| sprouts and seeds have been found to be toxic | | | | in tiny amounts and an essential component of |
| when consumed in large quantities. | | | | thyroid hormones. An iodine deficiency is usually |
| Aloe | | | | related to hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). |
| A member of the lily family, aloe is an African | | | | People with this condition are prone to weight gain. |
| succulent plant. Its leaves are filled with an | | | | Because it is high in iodine, bladderwrack is thought to |
| anti-bacterial and anti-fungal gel that appears to be | | | | correct a sluggish thyroid, thus boosting the |
| useful as a topical agent for treating wounds and | | | | metabolism and treating obesity. Bladderwrack is a |
| healing first-degree and second-degree burns, as well | | | | familiar homeopathic weight-loss herb in Europe and |
| as X-ray or other radiation burns. The gel is also | | | | has been available in American health food stores for |
| processed into juice and pills, taken internally for | | | | several years. Its benefit in promoting weight loss is |
| gastrointestinal problems. The rind yields a whitish | | | | purely speculative, however. |
| substance that is a powerful laxative. | | | | If you suspect you have a weight-related thyroid |
| Aloe shows up as a weight-loss herb because of its | | | | problem, see your physician before self-medicating |
| laxative effects. It contains powerful laxative | | | | with an herbal preparation. |
| chemicals known as anthraquinones. Most recently, | | | | Buchu |
| aloe has been paired with hydroxyproline, a protein | | | | Derived from a shrub native to South Africa, the |
| found in collagen, as part of a rather bogus liquid | | | | leaves of this herb are usually made into a tea and |
| protein diet aid. | | | | other supplement forms. |
| Aloe is so potent a laxative that credible authorities | | | | Buchu is a known diuretic and antiseptic that fights |
| rarely recommend its use for treating constipation. | | | | germs in the urinary tract. |
| Side effects may include abdominal cramping, bowel | | | | It is generally considered safe, though herbalists |
| irritation, diarrhea, nausea, red urine, and vomiting. | | | | recommend taking no more than 2 grams two or |
| Astragalus | | | | three times a day. |