There are many herbs which help the metabolic rate of the body to increase and which make the stomach feel full with just a little food. These are thermogenic herbs which stimulate the functions of the body and increase the speed of the respiratory system, the digestive system and the cardio vascular system by putting up the heart rate too. This energizes your whole system and gets you and going. These herbs are easily found and available and you can trust using them more than the medications which are sold over the counter for weight loss. Among herbs which help in weight loss are dandelions, nettles and green tea. Some herbs like uva ursi and buchu are diuretics and remove the excess fluids from the body, which also cause weight loss. However, getting rid of fluids is not a permanent way of keeping weight off.
Herbs which are stimulants
A herb which speeds up the metabolism and digestion is cayenne. If spicy food is not something that you shy away from , this is an excellent digestive spice of which one needs just a light sprinkling and it gives the desired affect of stimulating the digestion by increasing the salivation in the mouth also.
Another easily available stimulant is green tea, which is the most natural and healthy herb. This is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help in raising the metabolic rate and bringing about weight loss. Green tea is available in tea bags, loose and also in the capsule form. However, it is best to use the leaves rather than the capsules, as the leaves are assimilated better in the body.
Another stimulant which helps to boost the thyroid function is the sea weed. This weed is rich in iodine and chromium which are natural stimulants for the thyroid. Sea weeds are available in tablet and capsule forms. However, this is something which one should check with a doctor before using, especially if there is an existing thyroid problem and you are under medication already.
Alfalfa has a component saponin in it which has diuretic properties and also makes the fat more easily dissolvable. This not only reduces weight it also keeps the blood vessels healthy. The leaves of the alfalfa contain sterols, isoflavones and flavones.
How herbs help in weight loss
Herbs which assist weight loss are cathartics which hasten up the digestion and reduce the absorption of calories; diuretics which get rid of the excess body fluid; stimulants which speed up the metabolism and burn make the body burn more calories and appetite suppressants which decrease the hunger.
Some herbs to use in limitations
Like most substances there are limitations for their use, and overdoing anything could have adverse effects too. Some of these herbs if used indiscriminately could have fatal results and should only be used under a qualified person’s supervision. There are herbs which have a laxative effect and are helpful in weight loss, but because of the side effects it is safer to avoid them. There are some other herbs which raise the metabolic rate but can cause serious disorders of the nervous system so it is safer to avoid them.
