Are you one of those people looking for shortcuts to lose weight almost overnight? If you are, I am pretty sure that you have heard of the herb EPHEDRA or Ephedrine, which is one of the leading herbs for quick weight loss in the market back in the 90’s, and even today.
What is Ephedra?
Ephedra (Ephedrine) is a shrub-like plant that grows in central Asia. And are used in most weight loss and energy enhancing supplements. But ephedra was banned by the FDA in April 2004, when it was proven that several people died from ephedra use. Although there are still a lot of weight loss supplements laced with ephedrine, especially in countries where ephedra use is not considered illegal, that is sold online.
This herb for weight loss can raise blood pressure, increase heart rate, over stimulate the central nervous system and cause heart palpitations, seizures, stroke, and chest pain. And it is a known fact that most people who want to lose weight already have some kind of heart problem, and using ephedra can cause a major HEART ATTACK that can lead to DEATH.
There are of course other herbs that we can safely use for weight loss. Herbs aid weight loss in three main ways– digestion, metabolism and appetite suppression. Different herbs produce a range of these results and can be administered and incorporated in the diet in various ways.
So what herbs for weight loss that you can use that WON’T KILL YOU? But will KILL THE FAT in your body instead?
Dandelion, a flower and herb, has been used for centuries to treat liver, gall bladder, kidney ailments and weak digestion. Its bitter compounds stimulate digestion and work as a mild laxative. It is considered the safest diuretic. Dandelion leaves can be brewed into tea, or eaten fresh on salads or in soups.
A common spice used in regional cooking, cayenne is a stimulating herb made from the dry pods of chili peppers. Cayenne contains a chemical called capsaicin, which, aside from giving peppers their heat, stimulates saliva, digestion and accelerates the metabolism. It is most commonly used as the ingredient giving spice to foods.
Cascara Sagrada is a potent herbal laxative and diuretic that assists the body in cleaning the colon of waste and toxins. The herb can be consumed as capsules, in tea form, dried bark or liquid extracts. As it can cause malnutrition or dehydration, it should not be used in excess of ten days.
Often called a ‘miracle plant’ because of its therapeutic properties, seaweed is an amazing natural source of trace minerals such as iodine, selenium and chromium. Seaweed’s myriad weight loss benefits include thyroid stimulation, body detoxification and increased metabolism and can be consumed raw, cooked or in capsule form.
Ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. There are several different types of ginseng and the variant used for weight loss is called Dang Shen. Included in many weight loss formulas, Dang Shen increases the metabolism, improves digestion and is considered an energizer and strengthener. Ginseng can be eaten raw, lightly cooked or steamed and also as tea.
Another popular ancient Chinese herb is green tea. One of the most effective and safe weight loss herbs, green tea contains catechins, a class of antioxidants that are associated with increased metabolism and overall weight loss. Green tea is readily available and can be purchased just about anywhere.
Nettle is a genus of plants comprising about 40 different species. It is a thermogenic herb (tending to produce heat), which helps to rev the metabolism. Nettles is also considered to be an appetite suppressant as it contains serotonin, a mood enhancing neurotransmitter that plays a role in the feelings of satiation associated with eating. As they are mineral dense, nettles are cleansing and detoxifying for the body. They are most effectively consumed as tea.
These herbs, excluding ephedra, are a safe way to get rid of unwanted weight and easily incorporated into a healthy lifestyle and daily diet.
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