The Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa is the native environment that produces the moist, cactus-like plant known as Hoodia Gordonii. It was first discovered by Western science in 1937 when a Dutch anthropologist studying primitive peoples of the Kalahari saw how well it worked as an appetite suppressant. Hoodia has recently gained a huge following of people who want a safe, natural way to control their appetites.

The rights to the appetite-suppressing molecule, the active ingredient in Hoodia, are held by a pharmaceutical company in Great Britain. Company researchers continue to investigate it's possibilities for use in diet pills. Although Hoodia has traditionally been used somewhat differently in its original Southern African culture, it suppressed appetites then as it does now.

If you are thinking about taking herbal supplements, it is recommended that you first discuss this with your health care provider. Alternatively, you may seek the advice of a practitioner trained in the use of herbal supplements. It is safe practice to inform all health care providers of any supplements that you take.

Use Hoodia according to the directions printed on the package or as your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional has told you to do. You should also see to its storage as specified. If you suffer from diabetes or if you take medication for any blood glucose condition, have a cardiac problem or take heart-related medications, or have any condition or take any medication which relates to bleeding or blood clotting (including some sort of eating disorder), you should not ingest Hoodia until you have discussed doing so with your physician.

If you take any of the medicines or have any of the conditions listed above, you may require careful monitoring during your treatment, and may not be able to take it. Most people seem to be able to use it safely, but further studies are necessary to establish the safety parameters of its extract. A winning battle to lose weight is the basis of Oprah's weight loss plan.

If you develop any side effects, notify your doctor. Although research has shown that Hoodia does not interact with other medicines, you should talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider if you are taking any other prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal medicines.