Real Deal on Weight Loss Herbs: Dandelions and Malabar Tamarind

Weight loss herbs are taking over the market, and you might be bombarded with message after message of promises. Some weight loss herb marketing messages will even say that they are from all-natural products – which can sometimes trick people into believing that such herbs are harmless, and that these people no longer need to consult a doctor before taking these herbs. But how reliable are weight loss herbs, and can they really work?

There are many purported weight loss herbs on the market, and they each have to be examined for reliability and safety. Here are only a few examples that you might want to look at before taking that container from the shelf and bringing it to the cash register.

- Dandelions are now marketed as weight loss herbs, often under their scientific name Taraxacum officianale. Although not extensively assessed for safety, dandelion has been found to remove bad cholesterol and acts as a laxative. However, because it removes water from the body, it should not be taken in large amounts.

- The Malabar tamarind, or Garcinia cambogia, so far has no unwanted side effects. It works as a stimulant, acting as a jumpstart mechanism so that the body is forced to do exercise and be active. It can also make one feel hyperactive, thereby decreasing appetite. However, prolonged use or overuse of this herb may have implications for those with a history of heart disease, or for people who rely on it solely without doing any exercise.

[images from about.com and sssbiotic.com]