Curb Your Appetite With Herbs

Herbs have been used by the Chinese for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years. Although the medical community used to shun the use of herbs for medicinal purposes, today they are starting to take notice of their benefits. Nutritionally sound, herbs offer a healthy, natural alternative to heal and nourish the body. Herbs can also give the body nutrients that it does not always get through a regular diet.

Types Of Herbs

Herbs include bark, berries, flowers, gums, leaves, roots and seeds and come in many forms -- bark pieces, capsules, creams, extracts, liquids, lotions, oils, powders, salves and tablets.

It is important to look for the word "standardized" on the label when buying herbs of any kind. Although most herbs are not FDA approved, their labels provide important dosage and safety information. You should also look for freshness when purchasing herbs. Remember, those that are loose and sold in bulk have almost no nutritional value, so it is wise to opt for freeze-dried over air-dried herbs.

Herbs have always been used as a weight loss remedy. Many herbs, used efficiently and safely, aid weight loss. For people who want to shed a few pounds, but who already eat healthy and participate in regular exercise, adding natural herbs to the diet can help aid in weight control. However, if you are seeking to lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time, herbs may not be a good choice. Remember, some herbs, like medicines, do have side effects and need to be taken carefully. Caution should always be used, as with any weight loss program, and in conjunction with regular diet and exercise.

Following are some good starters to help you curb your appetite with herbs:

Queenie's Flower

Queenie's Flower has been shown to be one of the most effective plants used in alternative weight control (and also diabetes).

Brazilian Cocoa

Brazilian Cocoa, almost identical to caffeine, stimulates the central nervous system and increases metabolic rate. It has a very mild diuretic effect. As in caffeine, when taken in excess, it can cause anxiety, nervousness, restlessness and trembling.

Green Tea

A natural stimulant that acts much like coffee, the added benefit of Green Tea is vitamin C and antioxidants. It's possible to control the strength of the tea by steeping the tea using a watch -- the longer, the stronger. The capsule formula of Green Tea works better in the body than the liquid form.

Cayenne Pepper

When added to food, cayenne pepper helps stimulate capsaicin, which stimulates saliva. It also helps to accelerate the metabolism at a safe level and stimulates digestion.

Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose is effective as a natural alternative to help reduce cholesterol levels and help people who do not process fats correctly to lose weight.

Psyllium

Studies show that granules of Psyllium seeds consumed with water before a meal help to control the appetite, causing an instant reduction of appetite by making the stomach feel full. This full feeling leads to less caloric and fat consumption.

Seaweed

A good natural source of trace mineral and a natural thyroid stimulant, seaweed is widely available in capsule or tablet form at many health food stores.

How To Use

There are several ways that herbs can be used:

1. Infusion uses the soft part of the herb plant including the flowers, leaves and the whole herb. Infusion of herbs is made much like tea, as boiling water is poured over the plant and allowed to steep. The liquid is then strained and consumed. Honey may be added to the infusion liquid to improve the bitter taste.

2. Decoction uses the tough part of the plant. The bark, root, twig and stem are simmered for about 30 minutes and then consumed.

3. Juice can also be made using small pieces of the herb. However, the juice should be consumed immediately after it is made, as the vitamin content declines rapidly. This method works well for getting vitamins that are sensitive to heat.

4. Tinctures are considered the best way to take herbal supplements and it is a good way to take well-preserved herbs. For this method, the herb is soaked in alcohol or a water mixture and then pressed to make the tincture.