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Hoodia, or Hoodia Gordonii is a plant that grows in the semi-deserts of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola. It resembles a cactus and lately has been gathered and marketed as an alternative treatment for weight loss. The plant's popularity seemed to rise after Ephedra was banned in the United States after it was discovered it might lead to serious side effects. Hoodia is hardly a new discovery though; it is alleged that the San Bushmen of Kalahari desert used the Hoodia plant for thousands of years to calm their thirst and hunger when they went on long hunting expeditions. The plant is not harvested until maturity at five years when pale colored purple flowers start to appear.

Hoodia can be found in capsule form, powder form, liquid or as a tea in various health food stores and from online retailers. Hoodia is also an ingredient in Trimspa, another diet pill. Despite some promise involving rat experimentation there is no strong evidence that it is safe or effective treatment as a weight loss supplement for humans. Another interesting issue that has come up in recent years is the threat of "counterfeit Hoodia" products. Some experts believe that 80% of Hoodia projects are contaminated or counterfeit. The problem is that it is not easy to identify fake from genuine Hooda, at least not outside of a laboratory.

Before you take Hoodia products, be aware that there may be moderate to severe side effects, particularly if you are taking other medications. People assume that because the San Bushmen used the plant to no seeming harm, it must be "safe" for civlization. However, it has not received an approval from the FDA, and many experts actually warn users about using the product, as it could lead to liver problems or affect Diabetes. There are even rumors of people in Africa who have died from dehydration, possibly linked to this mysterious plant. Learn more about Hoodia before trusting this Hoodia Gordonii with your life.

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