Hoodia gordonii has been used for thousands of years by the San tribe (also commonly known as bushmen) of South Africa to decrease appetite. The bushmen use the hoodia by chewing the root while on long desert expeditions.

The appetite controlling features of hoodia gordonii were discovered in the 1990's when a South African laboratory known as CSIR did a study about the diet of the San bushmen. Hoodia was tested by being fed to animals, who subsequently lost weight.

Hoodia works by affecting the hypothalamus, a gland located at the base of the brain that regulates numerous bodily functions and signals, including hunger. Hoodia works in the same way that glucose does. However, hoodia has been found to be thousands of times more efficient in controlling hunger impulses.

There are many different products on the market to choose from. You can find hoodia gordonii in pill form, liquid form, and spray form. But perhaps the most exciting new product available is the hoodia patch.

The hoodia patch is applied to clean, dry skin daily. There are no worries about forgotten doses with the hoodia patch. The hoodia gordonii found in the patch is slowly released into the bloodstream and works by tricking your brain into thinking it's full.

There have been no unpleasant effects associated with taking hoodia gordonii for weight loss. If you experience any skin discomfort or rash when using the hoodia patch, simply switch to a different form such as liquid or pill.

When purchasing the hoodia patch or any other hoodia product, make sure that it comes from South Africa. The only authentic hoodia available is protected and grown on farms by the San tribe, who receive compensation for hoodia sold. The current patent for P57, the component responsible for hoodia's weight loss qualities, is held by the Phytopharm company.

Phytopharm is the only corporation who can sell hoodia specifically for weight loss purposes, but other companies can legally sell hoodia in patch, pill and liquid form as long as they don't advertise that it is for weight loss.

The hoodia patch, when added to a healthy diet and exercise routine, can increase your chances of shedding unwanted pounds quickly and easily.

Gary Stephens is known as the king of diet products. After losing over 60lbs with the use of certain diet products, he now writes informative articles and reviews of popular weight loss methods. To learn more about Hoodia please see http://www.hoodiahaven.com