| andra | | | | However, more medical evidence is needed to verify |
| This herb comes from the fruit of the schisandra | | | | whether spirulina affects appetite in any way. |
| shrub, cultivated in China. | | | | There is really no harm in supplementing with spirulina. |
| Schisandra is popular among herbalists as a liver | | | | It's an expensive way to obtain nutrients you can |
| protector. The herb is also used to treat colds, | | | | get from food, however. Also, if grown in polluted |
| urinary incontinence, and allergies. It is unclear why | | | | water, spirulina may contain harmful microorganisms. |
| schisandra is an ingredient in natural weight-loss | | | | High levels of mercury and other toxic metals have |
| supplements, since it has no effect on fat loss, nor is | | | | been detected in some batches. |
| it a diuretic. | | | | Uva Ursi |
| Schisandra is widely used in China, but very little | | | | This herb is derived from the leaves of the |
| information is available on its safety or effectiveness. | | | | bearberry, an evergreen plant. |
| Senna | | | | A mild diuretic, uva ursi's active ingredients are ursolic |
| Senna is derived from the leaves of a shrub grown in | | | | acid and isoquercetin, two natural chemicals that |
| India and is the active ingredient in several | | | | increase urine output. Other compounds in uva ursi |
| over-the-counter laxatives. | | | | help prevent bacteria from anchoring to the uretha. |
| Senna is a strong laxative. It stimulates contractions | | | | Thus, the herb may be helpful in treating a mild |
| of the colon to relieve constipation. | | | | urinary tract infection. But don't use it with cranberry |
| Side effects include severe cramps, violent diarrhea, | | | | juice or other acidic juices. They cancel out uva ursi's |
| dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Some dieter's | | | | anti-bacterial effect. |
| teas contain senna. It may produce a temporary loss | | | | Although considered relatively safe, uva ursi tends to |
| of water weight, but it is neither effective nor safe if | | | | turn urine green. If you have a sensitive stomach, |
| used as a weight-loss agent. Long-term use can lead | | | | this herb can cause nausea and vomiting. The small |
| to laxative dependence. | | | | amounts of uva ursi used in natural diet products are |
| Spirulina | | | | generally harmless, however. |
| Also known as blue-green algae, spirulina has been a | | | | Yellow Dock |
| popular supplement for years, thanks to its | | | | The leaves and roots of yellow dock are used in |
| "superfood" reputation. Nutritionally, spirulina is a | | | | herbal preparations. As a food, it has been used in |
| treasure trove of health-giving nutrients: beta | | | | salads. |
| carotene, B-vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. | | | | This herb is a laxative known for its stimulating action |
| Spirulina has been touted as a curative for a range of | | | | on the gastrointestinal tract. It has been |
| conditions, including diabetes, liver disease, ulcers, and | | | | recommended for treating occasional constipation |
| hair loss. But claims are largely without merit. | | | | experienced by dieters after altering their eating |
| Spirulina has also been hailed as a weight-loss agent | | | | habits. Still, that's no reason to supplement with |
| because it supposedly suppresses the appetite by | | | | yellow dock. Eating a high-fiber diet and drinking |
| increasing levels of the amino acid phenylalanine. In a | | | | plenty of fluids will usually correct such temporary |
| Japanese study, diabetic patients were given | | | | constipation. |
| twenty-one spirulina tablets a day, and within weeks, | | | | Yellow dock is considered slightly dangerous. Side |
| their symptoms improved, along with significant | | | | effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and skin |
| weight loss. Theoretically, the nutrient-packed spirulina | | | | eruptions. |
| reduced food cravings, which led to weight loss. | | | | |