Ginseng
Many people find that as they age, they begin to carry more weight. But statistics indicate that today even children and teens in the United States are at an increased risk for obesity due to high-fat diets and poor exercise habits.
Everyone knows that extra weight, over time, can be harmful to the heart, lungs, circulation, joints, and organs. But dieting is hard. Unlike harmful habits such as smoking, that can be stopped cold, dieters still need to consume food every day; plus food is not intrinsically harmful, so moderation remains the key when trying to lose weight.
BUMP UP METABOLISM
Weight loss is not just about reducing your foot intake or focusing on healthier choices. You need to increase your metabolism and rate of digestion so that you burn more calories—and shed more fat. Exercise is one way to do this, but there are also many herbal options. The herbs and spices listed below are especially effective if you have hit that proverbial wall and are not losing any weight while continuing to stick to your diet.
Ginseng: This powerful metabolism booster can keep your energy levels high. Take 15–20 drops of ginseng extract in tea or water twice a day, or take 5 grams of ginseng extract twice a day for 2 weeks, then reduce to 2 grams.
Ginseng
Hibiscus: This vivid red tea helps to rid the body of excess water. It also has an enzyme called phaseolamin, which can inhibit the production of amylase, the enzyme that turns carbs into sugar molecules, thus limiting the amount of carbs the body absorbs. It is low in calories and, like most teas, it takes the edge off your appetite.
Hibiscus
Recipe: Combine 2 teaspoons dried hibiscus flowers with two cups boiling water in a teapot, then let steep for 5 minutes. Strain and add honey to taste.
Yerba mate: This traditional South American beverage is made from the aged and dried yerba mate plant. Its phytonutrients elevate energy levels, suppress appetite, boost mood, and aid in weight loss by inhibiting the enzymes that metabolize fat and slowing the emptying of the stomach.
Recipe: Add 1 tablespoon dried yerba mate to a teapot, add two cups hot (not boiling) water, and let it steep for 5 minutes. Strain and sip.
Yerba mate
Goji berries: These tasty fruits make an ideal snack—a quarter cup serving combined with nuts is crunchy and satisfying. Sprinkle them over yogurt, salads, or breakfast cereals, or add them to a fruit smoothie.
Quick fixes: Hot herbal teas are filling, low calorie, and nutrient rich. Make cinnamon tea by boiling 1 cup of water and adding 1 teaspoon plus a cinnamon stick. Or combine 1 teaspoon green tea and 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon each dried dandelion leaves and peppermint, or 2 teaspoons dried sage or a handful of chopped sage for a stress-busting beverage. Mix 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in warm water with honey to taste, or you can make a cold drink by adding 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper and the juice of half a lime to a cup of water.
THE AYURVEDIC WAY
Traditional Indian medicine offers a number of less-familiar but effective weight-loss aids. These include a gum resin called guggal that stimulates thyroid function; pu-erh, a fermented Chinese tea that aids digestion; coleus forskohlii root, a thyroid stimulant that increases energy; and gurmar leaf, an Indian vine that is used to treat obesity and diabetes. For sourcing information, check the internet.