Teas have been used through the centuries to treat ailments, obtain nutrients and to gain relaxation. Clayton College of Natural Health notes that to obtain the best results, brewing natural or herbal teas requires a few tried and true rules of thumb. Appetite-suppressing teas brewed from roots or bark need about 10 minutes of brewing, leaves need about five minutes of brewing time, and flowers need about seven minutes.
Cha de Bugre
Found in the rain forests of Brazil, the cha de bugre tree berry produces a beverage similar in color to coffee. Also referred to as porangaba, coffee of the woods, or cafe do mato, it is popular in Brazil as an appetite suppressant. The leaves of the tree are used for tea. Available in tea bags, tinctures and extracts, the tea is promoted as a weight loss aid and diuretic. Japanese research shows that it might fight the herpes simplex virus. According to Raintree Nutrition, the active ingredient appears to be caffeine.
Candle Nut Tree
Originally from Indonesia, the candle nut tree, or kukui, is also found in South America. HerbSafety.com claims that when a small amount of seed is steeped in water, it may be used as an appetite suppressant. Caution should be used as candle nut tree may act as a strong purgative. Use it in small amounts under a physician's supervision.
Ma Huang
Ma huang is an evergreen-type plant with a scent similar to pine. Salisbury University states the effective parts of the plant are found in the stems and seeds. Ma huang acts as a weakened type of epinephrine, or adrenalin, and should be used cautiously, the university warns. Appetite suppression, coupled with increased metabolic rate, may be achieved with 3 cups of tea per day. Because of the ephedrine effect, side effects may include hypertension, heart palpitations, anxiety and hyperglycemia. The tea may adversely interact with heart medications, diabetic drugs and steroids.
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