Herbal Remedies to Suppress Appetite

One of the biggest challenges when trying to lose weight is finding ways to suppress your appetite. There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help you reach your target weight. These include noradrenergics, such as lonamin and Adipex-P, and antidepressants, such as sertraline. Unfortunately, these drugs have many side effects, including nervousness, insomnia and nausea. If you want to suppress your appetite a more natural way, try one of these herbal remedies.

Fennel

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a natural appetite suppressant. You can buy fennel seeds at many health food stores. It's also available as a supplement and in tea form. In addition to reducing hunger, fennel is used to treat colic, irritable bowel syndrome, amenorrhoea, arthritis, angina and heartburn. It's sometimes prescribed to cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy to strengthen their digestive system.

Malabar Tamarind

• Malabar tamarind (Gareinia cantbogia) is a fruit commonly found throughout southern India. It's used extensively in Indian cuisine. The dry form of the fruit is an appetite suppressant, as well as an effective lipogenic inhibitor. It helps prevent the production of fat. The key ingredient is hydroxycitric acid, which has been shown to inhibit the production of fat in animals. The recommended daily dosage is 500 mg, taken three times a day.

Guarana

• Guarana (Paullinia cupana) comes from Brazil. The seeds have been used to treat everything from diarrhea to arthritis and hangovers. It's also an effective appetite suppressant. Guarana seeds contain twice as much caffeine as coffee beans. Many people use concentrated guarana supplements to reduce fatigue in the same way others would drink a cup of coffee. Appetite suppression and increasing metabolic rate are two side effects.

Kola Nut

• Like guarana seeds, the kola nut contains a high concentration of caffeine. Found in parts of North Africa, it was once used to flavor cola drinks. It's now used to aid digestion, increase energy and reduce fatigue. It's a natural appetite suppressant. However, it can also be addictive and should only be taken in moderation. It should not be used by women who are pregnant.

Warnings

• As with all herbal remedies, you should discuss them with your doctor. Just because something is natural, doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe. For example, the Food and Drug Administration recently banned ephedra, a popular appetite suppressant, because of a high risk of poisoning. Certain herbs may interact negatively with each other and with other medication. Do your research and talk to a professional before you take anything.