It can be really easy to gain weight (especially as we age)….but unfortunately, it’s not always so easy to lose it! But do not fear – herbs are here – to help you reach your goals, and help you along your journey of transformation.
If you want to shed some extra weight, of course, the most important things are diet and exercise. But you also need the motivation and dedication to change your daily habits & become a healthier, happier you. Setting a goal, and envisioning yourself achieving it, will help you stick to your plan when the going gets tough. With that in mind, don’t forget to enjoy the journey. Enjoy taking care of your body, and enjoy the newfound energy that comes with it.
Herbs can help you achieve your goals by boosting metabolism and energy, reducing hunger and cravings, balancing blood sugar, eliminating toxins. and increasing bowel movements.
Here are some of our top picks for weight loss support, and some recipes below to help you incorporate them into your daily routine.
HERBS
Matcha / Green Tea – The antioxidants catechin & caffeine in green tea have been found to increase metabolism, and help burn excess fat. Matcha contains more antioxidants than green tea, so might be even more effective. There are many anecdotal reports (all over the internet) from many people who believe green tea helped them lose weight.
Psyllium Husk – A bulking agent that assists the elimination of waste. Psyllium is highly anti-inflammatory and also normalises bowel action and reduces hunger. It is a key component in most colon cleansing programs. When taking Psyllium, it is recommended to consume at least 6-8 glasses of water per day, or you may experience constipation instead of increased elimination! Check out the ‘Smooth Move’ recipe below.
Slippery Elm – This powdered bark contains mucilage, which helps to coat and protect the lining of the digestive tract, reduce inflammation and absorb excess acid. Like Psyllium, it has a normalising action. It is a great aide for easy and smooth bowel movements. Check out the ‘Smooth Move’ recipe below.
Barberry – Barberry root contains berberine, an antioxidant that has been found to decrease obesity, reduce metabolic syndrome and regulate glucose metabolism. It is commonly used for liver congestion, gallbladder inflammation, as a bitter digestive tonic, antimicrobial, antifungal & antiparasitic.
Gymnema – Used to reduce sugar consumption by making sweet foods taste less appealing, as well as help balance blood sugar. It is believed to block glucose receptors in the gut as well, preventing the absorption of sugar. As sugar is a major contributing factor in weight gain, cutting out sugar can really help you lose those extra kilos. In fact, a small study found people taking a Gymnema extract had a 5–6% decrease in body weight, as well as reduced food intake (small study ).
Check out our Weight Assist Spagyric.
Yerba Maté – This stimulating herb from South America is also packed with vitamins and minerals. Like Green Tea, Yerba Maté has been found to boost metabolism and reduce hunger, which is why it is included in many weight loss products.
Paw Paw Leaf – Paw paw leaf contains papaine, an enzyme that helps break down hard to digest proteins. It has also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar lowering properties.
Siberian Ginseng – Another excellent adaptogen, used to increase stamina, endurance, immunity and balance stress response. It is excellent to add to your daily routine, especially when trying to lose weight, as having more energy will help you stick to your goals, and reduce the need for unhealthy snacks.
Dandelion Root – One of the top herbs for the liver, Dandelion root is a gentle laxative & diuretic that helps rid the body of toxins.
Turmeric – Turmeric is a top anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herb that benefits digestion as well as liver function. Studies indicate that turmeric may also assist weight loss & regulate metabolism.
TIPS
Kick the Sugar
Sugar is low in calories, low in nutrients, and leads to weight gain. Check out the Sugar Buster Tea recipe below if you’re struggling with cravings. Also see the tips on how to balance blood sugar, below.
Drink plenty of water
Often sugar, food or caffeine cravings are actually a sign of dehydration. Train yourself to reach for water first when you’re feeling flat. Once you’re sufficiently hydrated, you may not need that afternoon sweet treat after rall!
Move!
It goes without saying that in order to lose it, you’ve got to move it. Figure out what works for you, what brings you joy, and what is realistic in your life.
Eat your fruits & veggies
Low in calories & high in fibre – they will give you fuel without the fat & help your bowel movements too!
Love your liver
Your liver is responsible for helping to metabolise fat, and works like a filter to clean toxins out of your blood. Many people struggle with overburdened livers due to diet & lifestyle factors, resulting in weight gain, feeling heavy, bloated and sluggish. Optimising your liver health can help you lose weight and feel more energized. Sound good?! Try Dandelion root, Milk Thistle or Barberry. Eating less and reducing alcohol consumption (and other intoxicants) will also help.
Learn to love your bitters!
Research has found that the bitter flavour can actually block sugar receptors in the brain, thereby reducing cravings, moderating hunger & blood sugar levels. Many bitter herbs & foods also stimulate digestion & liver function, helping to detoxify the body and improve elimination.
Balance Blood Sugar
Eat a balanced diet with several small meals throughout the day, starting with protein for breakfast. Replace refined sugar snacks with nutrient-dense foods (like nuts, seeds, sea veggies or avocados) and naturally sweetened foods (fresh fruit & veggies).
Find Healthier Rewards
If you are in the vicious cycle of rewarding yourself with unhealthy sweet treats, try examining what it is that your body really needs, and really what makes you happy. Instead of that afternoon or late-night treat, try meditation, walking, dancing, bathing, or hugging as an alternative source of endorphins.
RECIPES
Morning Detox Tea
1 tsp each Nettle, Paw Paw Leaf, Peppermint, Yerba Maté, Dandelion Root, Siberian Ginseng
In a saucepan, bring 1 litre of water to a boil, add 1 tsp each of Dandelion Root & Siberian Ginseng. Turn down to low, cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off, and add 1 tsp each of remaining herbs, cover & let steep for 10 more minutes. Strain and drink 1-2 cups in the morning, then the rest throughout the day (put in a thermos to go, or put in fridge and drink later hot or cold).
Turmeric Tonic Tea (to boost metabolism)
1 Tablespoon Turmeric (freshly grated)
1 Tablespoon Ginger (freshly grated)
Pinch of Cayenne
Pinch of Cinnamon
1 Lemon (sliced)
Honey or Stevia (optional)
In a saucepan, combine 1 Tablespoon each of freshly grated Turmeric & Ginger (or 1/2 tsp each if using powder), a large pinch each of Cayenne & Cinnamon, and 1 sliced lemon + 3 cups of filtered water. Simmer on medium heat for 5 -10 minutes. Strain into cups & add 1 tsp of honey or stevia to taste (optional). Store leftovers in fridge, and drink cold or hot.
This tea is not only excellent for boosting metabolism, it also boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, improves circulation & helps to detox and alkalize the body.
Sugar Buster Tea
If your sweet tooth is what’s holding you back from losing weight, try this tea to help curb sugar cravings.
1 tsp Green Tea,
1 tsp Gymnema,
1/4 tsp Licorice Root,
1/2 tsp Fenugreek (optional),
pinch of Cinnamon
Place all ingredients in a teapot (or in your favourite mug with one of our stainless steel tea infusers). Pour over 1 cup of boiling, let steep covered for 5 – 10 minutes. Strain and enjoy.
Smooth Move Shake
Encourage healthy bowel movements with this simple & easy to drink an herbal shake.
1-2 tsp Slippery Elm or Psyllium Husk or combination
pinch of Cinnamon (optional)
Place all ingredients in a glass jar (or cup), and add a small amount (50ml) of cold water. Shake (or stir) well. Top up with hot or cold water, let sit for 1 minute, and drink. Great before bed to encourage a healthy bowel movement in the morning. Follow with another cup of water.
PRODUCTS
Are you looking for an easy way to incorporate herbs into your weight loss routine? Here are a few of our favourite products to help you reach your goals…
Herbal formula to support weight loss with herbs traditionally used to balance metabolism, stimulate digestion, suppress appetite, and support the body’s elimination process. Contains Korean Ginseng, Gymnema, Dandelion, and Bupleurem.
This stimulating tonic is cleansing, healing, and strengthening to the entire gastro-intestinal system. It stimulates your peristaltic action (the muscular movement of the colon) and over time strengthens the muscles of the large intestine. It halts putrefaction and disinfects, soothes, and heals the mucous membrane lining of your entire digestive tract.
This formula contains the 3 most powerful and effective absorbers and neutralizers known, Clay, Charcoal and Pectin. This formula also contains 5 of the most soothing and demulcent herbs known for the lining of the colon: Chia seed, Psyllium seed, Slippery Elm bark, Marshmallow root, Peppermint leaf. Works best in conjunction with Intestinal Detox Formula #1.
Contains a blend of 18 herbs that support healthy bowel function, and aids long-term constipation, detoxification, promotes elimination, and rids the body of wastes and parasites.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/weight-loss-herbs#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
https://thelostherbs.com/how-to-make-a-weight-loss-tonic/
https://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/top-5-herbs-for-weight-loss?page=2
https://thelostherbs.com/20-slimming-herbal-teas/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2978305/
https://www.urbanmoonshine.com/blogs/blog/five-ways-stop-sugar-cravings
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/weight-loss-herbs#TOC_TITLE_HDR_3
https://thelostherbs.com/how-to-make-a-weight-loss-tonic/
https://www.active.com/nutrition/articles/top-5-herbs-for-weight-loss?page=2
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6233907/
https://goop.com/wellness/health/why-youre-not-losing-weight/
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