Herbs and teas have been around since the dawn of time. They are what I like to call Mother Nature’s gift to the world. Surprisingly enough people tend to sway toward “man made” chemicals and additives rather than seek an all natural alternative. When it comes to weight loss it tends to be that fad diets, pills, mixed concoctions of drinks and shakes, etc. are chosen over what the studies have shown really work. Not only do these herbs and teas promote weight loss, they also offer other amazing health benefits as well. Here is a list of the top herbs and teas which I consider to be the best and most beneficial.
Green Tea
The Chinese have been using Green Tea for hundreds of years and now the rest of the world is catching on to its incredible benefits. According to Vitamins to Health, recent studies have shown that Green Tea increases the metabolism, burns fat, promotes weight loss, and regulates blood sugar to reduce cravings. It’s also known to help eliminate stubborn belly fat. Green tea comes in several forms such as tablets, extract, and my favorite, regular tea leaves which you steep and drink. In beverage form it can be served hot or cold and one can drink it all day without having any side effects. If at all, the caffeine content in Green tea is very minimal. Other benefits beside weight loss include:
- Potential to fight cancer
- Potential to fight heart disease
- Lowers cholesterol
- Lowers the risk of a stroke
- Contains antioxidants
- Possibility to prevent dementia
Black Tea
As with its cousin Green Tea, Black Tea has also been known to be a fat buster. It’s called Black Tea because in its liquid form it is a darker more robust tea. Black Tea is originally Green Tea but the leaves have been further dried. Several other health benefits can be attributed to Black Tea including:
- Rich in antioxidants
- An immune stimulant
- A virus fighter
- Lowers cholesterol
- Attributed to lowering the risk of stomach, colon, and breast cancer
- Increases metabolism
Both of these teas can also be used as topical treatment for inflammation, sunburn, and soothing arthritis pain.
Licorice Root
Licorice Root is probably the most under rated and over looked of all herbal remedies especially when this plant has an unlimited resource of health benefits. As a weight loss supplement, Licorice Root satisfies your sweet tooth by preventing cravings for other calorie ridden junk food. This certainly would be beneficial to add in your diet for weight loss success. The list is rather long for other amazing uses of this wonder root.
- Used for asthma
- Body odor
- Canker sores
- Bursitis
- Depression
- Colds and Flu
- Coughs
- Ulcers
- Liver problems
- Tooth decay/Gingivitis
- Gout
- Heart burn
- Lime disease
- Menopause
- HIV
- Yeast infections
- Prostate enlargement
The list goes on and on. Licorice Root also comes in many forms including chewable tablets, elixir, extract, a dried root, and even licorice itself.
Chickweed
Chickweed is a herb that you can use as a or in a regular food. It can be mixed in a salad or steamed like a vegetable. It can be used as an ointment, or an additive to a bath. Chickweed has inner and outer health benefits. As for weight loss it is used as an appetite depressant and has a reputation for shedding weight. Mixed with other ingredients such as Black Walnut, Echinacea, Mandrake, Licorice, Safflower, Gota Kola, Hawthorne Berries, Dandelion, Fennel Seed, and Papaya will create a cleansing solution which will ultimately help with your weight loss regimen.
As for other benefits of Chickweed, they include:
- Pain reliever
- Used to stop bleeding in stomach and bowels
- Acne wash
- Reduces swelling
- Helps prevent sores, rashes, and boils
- Helps to purify blood and carry out toxins
- Dissolves plaque in blood vessels
- Dissolves fatty tumors
White Willow Bark
Due to the nor epinephrine levels in White Willow Bark this herb could have the tendency to stimulate fat metabolism and lead to weight loss. In combination with other dietary supplements it can increase energy levels. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties which can be used in place of aspirin. In general it’s considered a pain and inflammation reliever. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center it is lot more gentle on the stomach than aspirin. White Willow Bark from the Salix Alba tree can be chewed on raw or by ingesting oral capsules. It is also available in topical cream form. Benefits of White Willow Bark include:
- Used as an anticoagulant
- Relieves pain due to arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, post surgical pain, etc.
- Fever reducer
- Analgesic
Most if not all of these herbs can be found in your local grocery stores, Health food stores, on-line, and in nature. As with all herbs or drugs please discuss with your physician any risks associated with health problems or side effects prior to beginning a regimen. Nature is a wonderful thing and it offers up so many different choices and alternatives to chose from. Whether it’s for weight loss or treatment and remedies for health issues; nature is the way to go.
Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center – Willow Bark
Vitamins to Health – Weightloss Articles
