Numerous herbal medications may be helpful in boosting your metabolism. Metabolism describes the physical and chemical processes in your body that convert or use energy, including breathing, blood circulation, thermoregulation, muscle contraction, digestion, elimination of waste products and brain and nerve function. Before taking herbal medications to help boost your metabolism, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Ma Huang
Ma huang, also known as Ephedra sinica, is an evergreen, shrub-like plant native to Central Asia and Mongolia. Ma huang has been used for thousands of years in China and India to help treat numerous health problems. Today, ma huang is used to help you boost your metabolism, lose weight and improve your athletic performance. Ma huang, a member of the ephedraceae family, has a sweet taste and warming and drying tendencies. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that ma huang is a central nervous system stimulant that promotes weight loss and increases the metabolic rate of your fat tissue. In 2004, the sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra was banned in the United States. However, ma huang is still prescribed by practitioners of Chinese medicine and acupuncturists in many other countries around the world. Before taking ma huang, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Green Tea
Green tea, also known as Camellia sinensis, is a large shrub or tree that was originally cultivated in East Asia, although it now grows throughout Asia and certain parts of the Middle East and Africa. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," liquid extracts of the dried, unfermented young leaves are used medicinally. The active ingredients in green tea, notes Smith, include catechins, flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that green tea extract may boost your metabolism and help you burn fat. Overweight and moderately obese individuals may benefit most from the metabolism-boosting effects of green tea. Before taking green tea to help boost your metabolism, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Bitter Orange
Bitter orange, also known as Citrus aurantium, is a tree native to eastern Africa and tropical Asia, although it now grows throughout the Mediterranean region, California and Florida. Bitter orange is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including acid reflux, poor appetite, nasal congestion and weight gain. This herbal medication can also be used topically to help treat fungal infections, including ringworm and athlete's foot. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that bitter orange contains synephrine, a chemical that may increase your heart rate and blood pressure and that it may not be safe to use for some individuals. Before taking bitter orange to help boost your metabolism, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
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