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Thursday, December 23, 2010

Natural Herbs Used for Weight Loss


Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium). This herb for weight loss works in much the same manner as ephedra, both contain beta antagonists which are known to cause body fat loss also to increase metabolism in those who are combining exercise and dietary measures to lose weight. Specific studies investigating the herb bitter orange are to date fairly small and not yet conclusive regarding the benefit of this herbal medicine for weight loss. Bitter orange should be used with caution if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. The rind of the immature fruit is also used in Chinese Medicine to aid digestion, it is known as Zhi Quao or Zhi Shi.

Bitter Orange Therapeutic Uses and Claims

Bitter orange has a complex chemical makeup. Of particular value is the oil that is extracted from the peel of bitter orange. This oil gives bitter orange a strong odor and flavor and is used as a remedy for a variety of health problems. The peel contains flavones, the alkaloids synephrine, octopamine, and N-methyltyramine and carotenoids.

Bitter Orange
(Citrus aurantium)Only the peel of bitter orange has proven medicinal value, mainly for digestive problems and a few other health concerns.

In folk medicine the flower of bitter orange is also used for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, nervousness and insomnia, gout and sore throat, and even for obesity.
In Chinese (Oriental) medicine, the flower of the bitter orange is used to increase appetite and to ease chest and stomach pain, and vomiting.

Homeopathic practitioners use both the peel and the flower to remedy headaches, aid weight loss, indigestion, abdominal pain (epigastric), constipation, dysenteric diarrhea and high blood pressure.

In Latin America, the leaf of the bitter orange plant is prepared as a tonic and used as a laxative, a sedative for insomnia, and to calm anxiety.

Dosage and Administration

Customary daily dosages are:
Crushed peel: 4 to 6 grams (about 1 teaspoonful) simmered for 10 to 15 minutes in a cup of water. 3 times per day
Tincture: 2 to 3 grams (about one-half teaspoonful). 3 times per day. Extract: 1 to 2 grams (about one-quarter teaspoonful)

Weight loss remedies usually contain between 100 – 200 mg of bitter orange extract in combination with other herbs. Bitter orange extract commonly contains from 1.5 to 6% synephrine.

Potential Side Effects of Bitter Orange

Bitter orange is safe in the small amounts found in foods. However, bitter orange is not safe when used in high doses. Bitter orange, which contains synephrine and N-methyltyramine, can cause hypertension and cardiovascular toxicity. Frequent contact with bitter orange peel or oil can also cause adverse skin reactions, which include sensitivity to the sun, blisters, pigment spots, and others. Large amounts of bitter orange peel ingested by children can cause intestinal colic, convulsions, and even result in death so caution is advised.

Bitter orange may interact with some other medicines and can cause adverse effects. Some of these medications include:

Ulcer medications, Anti-anxiety medication, Blood pressure medications, Cholesterol medications, Allergy medication, Fungal medications, HIV medications, Sedation medication, Anti-nausea medication and Weight loss medication

Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use this herb. People suffering from hypertension, tachyarrhythmia, or narrow-angle glaucoma should stay clear from bitter orange.

http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/bitter-orange.html

http://www.depsyl.com/

http://back2basicnutrition.com/

http://bionutritionalresearch.olhblogspace.com/

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