9 herbs that can help with weight loss
1) Milk Thistle – encourages the liver to function better, helps to reduce fluid retention and cellulite.
2 ) Red Clover flowers contain phyto-estrogens, about ten times the isoflavones of soy. Balances female hormone estrogen, treats menstrual and menopausal problems, hot flashes, anxiety, depression, mood swings, and relieves cramps caused by painful menstruation. Suppresses the appetite, purifies the blood and relaxes the nerves, encourages healthy bones.
3) Kelp is a type of seaweed and can be bought in pills, tinctures, and dried. It is delicious and can be used as salt substitute, or eaten as a snack. One of the ways it works is by strengthening the thyroid, which can increase the metabolism. The other way it works is by giving your body easily absorbed nutrients which feed the body on a cellular level which reduces cravings. It is also a bulk laxative. This is a good supplement if your temperature was a little low.
4) Chickweed – In several studies it has been shown to help break down fat molecules. It is usually recommend in combination with burdock root which helps balance oils and fats in the body; the chickweed breaks down the fat and the burdock helps transport it out of the body. As a tea, it is an effective way to curb cravings, assist digestion, and help lose weight.
5) Fennel Seeds – This is a good diuretic that reduces hunger and improves energy. Fennel seeds make a useful tea for weight loss. Use one teaspoon fennel per large cup of water per day. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Fennel is potentially toxic. There are plenty of other teas to drink. Place the seeds in a small pan with the cold water, bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Drink hot or cool.
6) Cleavers This is a really good herb for cleansing the lymphatic system, cleansing the whole body.
7) Nettles – are high in nutrients, rich in vitamin C and E and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, silica, and potassium, which are important for healing broken bones, muscle strains, and tendon injuries but also helps clears toxins. The effect on weight loss is not completely understood, but it is believed the nutrients help feed the cells on a deeper level. Nettle tea is used to curb appetite and cravings and assist in weight loss. To prepare an infusion – like any standard tea, leaves are steeped in boiled water in a cup or tea pot.
8) Dandelion Root – aids fat metabolism by affecting the liver. By actively aiding the removal of toxins, chemicals and poisons from the body, it acts as a tonic and stimulant also.
9) Burdock – improves fat metabolism and acts as a diuretic (reduces fluid retention). Active ingredients include inulin, polyphenolic acids, and non-hydroxy acids. It is an excellent herbal blood purifier, detoxifying the blood and lymphatic system. It is high in iron, and can help build blood during times of low hemoglobin. Burdock is also considered a mild laxative, aiding to reducing uric acid. Burdock root is also good at helping to reduce cravings and hunger. The best way to prepare the root for weight-loss is as a decoction (boil in water) – place three heaped teaspoons of the root and three mugs full of cold water into a pan and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Divide into three doses and drink one three times a day between meals. Burdock can also be found in supplement form.
