Glucomannan

Species Name: Amorphophallus konjac.

Also known as: Amorphophallus konjac, Devil's Tongue, Elephant-foot Yam, Konjac, Konjac Mannan, Konnyaku, Snake Plant.

What is Glucomannan: Glucomannan is the western name for a vegetable fiber that is derived Asiatic plant family known as konjac.

Glucomannan dose not dissolve in water, but forms a tick gooey gel when exposed to fluids. The body does not digest glucomannan, therefore it is effective as a laxative even though it might take a while to be effective.

Home remedies using glucomannan:

Benefits of Glucomannan:

Glucomannan has been studied for helping with obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Studies with adults and children that have obesity did show a degree of weight loss while taking this herb. It is believed that glucomannan creates a feeling of fullness because the fiber swells in the stomach, making you feel like you've eaten.

Uses of Glucomannan:

If you are over weight and want something that can help you along with a daily exercise route. Using this herb can help you feel fuller longer once you've eaten a meal.

This herb can also be used to help lower blood sugar levels. It can also be used in lessen cholesterol in the blood.

It parts of Asia the root that makes this herb are sliced and fried. Mostly they are shredded and dried then ground to make a meal or as a flour. From there the flour is made into noodles.

In pill form you must be careful and make sure that you drink a whole glass of water when you take this herb. There have been cases where this herb in pill form has caused blockages in the esophagus. There is a liquid version also that can be mixed in water if you can't swallow the pill form.

Side Effects and Other Warnings of Glucomannan:

This herb has been studied in children as young five, but there is little information on how glucomannan might affect a fetus, infant or small child. So do not take this while pregnant or breast-feeding.

If you have diabetes you should avoid using large amounts of glucomannan as this herb can make your blood sugar change.

At the moment there are no known other drug interactions with glucomannan. Make sure you check with your doctor beforehand in case something has changed with the study of this herb.