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Lauri,

 Most of the so called natural remedies for weight reduction sold contain ephedra and caffeine. I am reprinting several statements from sources which I trust to help you decide whether you need the considerable risks entailed in using these things you mention. UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, 1997 and 1999.

 
Avoid any herbal supplement containing ephedra, also known as ma huang. It can be dangerous, particularly for people with high blood pressure or a heart condition. This year in New York City, a 37-year-old woman died of stroke after taking a sports supplement containing ephedra-only the latest of dozens of deaths linked to the amphetamine-like substance over the years. Ephedrine, the active ingredient of ephedra, is used in many over-the-counter decongestants and asthma drugs, but with clear warning labels about possible side effects and drug interactions. It is also used in weight-loss products. Texas recently proposed a ban on all supplements containing natural ephedra, but ran into industry opposition. Ohio, Washington, Florida, and Texas do limit the amount of ephedra in a given "serving." In most states you have no idea how much you're getting. The FDA has proposed restrictions but so far has taken no action.

There are as yet no firm federal guidelines on ephedra. If it were a drug, the manufacturer would have to demonstrate safety and efficacy. But since it's technically an herbal remedy, no such restrictions apply. Based upon the best calculations we can make, the dose in the diet pills appears to exceed the maximum dose the FDA proposes as safe.

Xanadrine.  (It contains very large doses of ephedra and caffine, just like Thermoslim)
Warnings: from their info on internet
Keep out of the reach of children. Not intended for persons under 18 years of age. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Do not use if you are at risk or being treated for high blood pressure, liver, thyroid, or psychiatric disease, diabetes, pernicious anemia, nervousness, anxiety, depression, seizure disorder, cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, or pheochromacytoma. Do not use if you are at risk or being treated difficulty in urination due to prostate enlargement. Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if dizziness, sleeplessness, tremors, nervousness, headache, heart palpitations or tingling sensations occur. Consult your healthcare professional before use if you are taking an MAO inhibitor or other prescription drug.

George Dixon MD