| tion_start --> | | | | You can find excellent photos of Stelleria media by |
| Some herbal remedies for weight loss have been | | | | using Google's image search. |
| popular for years. But before you run out and buy a | | | | One herb that does have some scientific backing as a |
| weight loss herb, be sure to find out if it really works | | | | weight loss remedy is Citrus aurantium ("bitter |
| - and if it's even safe. | | | | orange," or zhi shi). |
| For instance, Cascara sagrada, (buckthorn) has been | | | | Unfortunately, studies have been done on animals, |
| recommended for years, and is easily bought online | | | | not people, but one scientific study in 1999 found |
| from herbal pharmacies. But this natural laxative can | | | | that rats given an extract of zhi shi in their food ate |
| become habit-forming, and can cause diarrhea, | | | | significantly less, and lost weight. We're still waiting |
| vomiting, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and | | | | for a study using humans. |
| stomach or intestinal cramps, according to Dr. David | | | | Marketers who sell this product state that the herb is |
| Charles Dodson, co-author of The Diet Pill Guide. | | | | a rich source of many important vitamins and |
| Although this herb has been used for centuries, no | | | | flavonoids, and they say it contains some alkaloids |
| controlled scientific studies have ever been published | | | | that have been shown to break down fat and raise |
| to prove the remedy even works, and it may even | | | | your resting metabolism levels. They also state that |
| be dangerous if the bark has not been properly | | | | your energy will increase and your digestion will |
| harvested and dried. | | | | improve. |
| Clearly, Cascara shouldn't be your first choice if you're | | | | This herb is easily found on the Internet and in |
| looking for a natural supplement that can help you | | | | natural food stores, and although it is said to improve |
| lose weight. | | | | your metabolism, it does not appear to increase your |
| Another commonly used weight loss herb is | | | | heart rate or blood pressure. |
| chickweed (Stelleria media). This herb is a diuretic, | | | | Has it been "proven" to work? Not yet, so more |
| laxative and possibly an appetite suppressant. It | | | | studies are needed. |
| grows wild in many parts of the world, and may be | | | | Although the numbers of studies are obviously |
| one of the weeds attempting to take over your | | | | limited, there have been no reported side effects |
| garden. Many people enjoy eating this herb, which is | | | | from the use of this herb. However, pregnant or |
| supposed to taste like spinach, and it is particularly | | | | breast-feeding women should always discuss things |
| recommended as a healthy fresh green food for | | | | with their doctor before using any herbal remedy. |
| caged birds and chickens. | | | | This is probably good advice for just about anyone, |
| There appears to be no reason for concern about | | | | in fact, whether you're pregnant or not. |
| any bad side effects from either eating chickweed, | | | | It should go without saying that you should not use |
| or using it as a dietary supplement. But there is also | | | | this information for self-diagnosis or self-treatment, |
| no scientific evidence that it will actually help you lose | | | | but should always consult a medical professional |
| weight. | | | | regarding any medical problems and before |
| However, the next time you're weeding your garden | | | | undertaking any major dietary changes. Don't accept |
| you might bring some of this flavorful little plant inside | | | | any information on the Internet as a substitute for |
| for your lunch instead of throwing it on the compost | | | | medical advice. |
| pile. | | | | |