Herbs To Help With Weight Loss

Guarana, hoodia and ma huang get a lot of attention for their purported weight loss benefits, but there are also natural appetite suppressants, diuretics and detox herbs right in your own backyard. These herbs have been used for centuries as organic, low-cost, weight-loss aides. Remember, many herbs traditionally used for weight loss have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration for safety or effectiveness. Always consult your primary care physician or a trained herbal practitioner before starting an herbal regimen.

Spirulina

Spirulina are spiral-shaped, blue-green algae with a medicinal history dating back to the Aztecs. This cyanobacteria is 70 percent protein, has more beta-carotene than carrots and packs a punch of B-complex vitamins. Although there is no substantial scientific evidence, spirulina is a popular herbal weight-loss therapy.
Swallow a 200 mg tablet three times daily before each main meal as an appetite suppressant. Supplements are also available in powders and flakes, which you can add to protein shakes and salads. Use caution when taking a spirulina supplement. Algae grown in uncontrolled environments have shown heavy metal contamination, which can damage your liver.

Chicory

Chicory roots have been used for weight loss since the ancient Egyptians. The vegetable works as a diuretic to expel excess water from the body and ease bloating. Herbalists commonly prescribe chicory as an appetite suppressant. Chicory has green and white shafts, similar to endives, which can be eaten raw as a snack or on salads.
Steam or saute the shafts and roots as a side-dish. You can also make a simple tea by infusing one tsp. ground chicory root in one cup cold water, or you can grind roasted chicory roots into your coffee grounds in the New Orleans tradition. The root is naturally caffeine-free and adds a chocolate-caramel flavor to the coffee.

Chickweed

An invasive, creeping annual, chickweed will grow almost anywhere in North America, Europe and Asia. It will cleanse and detox your digestive system while providing potassium, calcium and the antioxidant vitamin C. To make chickweed tea, add one tsp. to one cup boiling water, and steep for five to 10 minutes. Drink this tea one hour before each of your main meals. Add the silver leaves to salad greens, or use with other fresh herbs to season soups, meats and vegetables.

Savory

The traditional kitchen herb savory gets its name from its bold, rich flavor. It is naturally low in sodium, so use it instead of salt and other high-sodium seasonings. A diet high in salt can cause water retention, bloating and high blood pressure. Savory also works as an appetite suppressant, digestive aid and anti-flatulent. For the best appetite-control results, combine fresh savory with fennel seeds as a garnish or in salads. You can incorporate it into soup, stew, herb dressings, pot roasts and omelets.