I know you all can relate. Life is INSANE! Especially here at the ranch!
From a 5am wake up time to milking goats twice daily tocleaning out the hen-houseto mothering, being asupportive wife, and budding entrepreneur…
…my body was talking a backseat. Which is why I began researching best herbs for weight loss.
You probably know that obesity is a worldwide epidemic.
The latest figures tell it all — and it’s only getting worse.
In addition to normal concerns of clothes not fitting, lack of energy, and low self-esteem, being overweight can lead to other moreserious health concerns. Diabetes and other health concerns are plaguing us like never before. To say that there is an obesity problem is an understatement!
- 8 out of 10 Americans over the age of 25 are overweight
- 174 million American are overweight or obese.
- The worldwide number is expected to double by 2030.
- Being overweight is associated with dramatic increases in diabetes, heart disease, cancer, strode, arthritic, and depression.
- 25.8 million children and adults in the United States — 8.3% of the population — have diabetes.
Previously we discussed a few things to help us focus on developing the habit of healthy living — click here to read that post.
Today, I’d love to talk specifics and share a few of my most favorite herbs for weight loss, detoxification, and over all well-being.
But first let me say…
…herbs should not be considered a magical solution to anyone’s weight-loss efforts!Nonetheless, I do believe that they play a huge role — most effectively in the role of appetite suppression and detoxification.
There are severaldifferent herbsthat have proven to increase metabolism and/or suppressthe appetite — naturally helping us achieve our weight loss goals.
Just be careful — please note…this statement is my disclaimer — with any information you read (yes, even this information that I am sharing with you today) regarding herbs with weight loss claims. Do your own research.
The Best Weight Loss Herbs
As mentioned above, there are countless herbs and remedies in the realm of weight loss.
These that I share with you are simply the ones that I have found to be most beneficial and useful in my efforts! Herbs such as:
- Nettle Leaf –Highly nutritive, nettle leaf contains a great amount of chlorophyll,making this herb asignificant source of antioxidant vitamins (such asC and A) and powerhouseminerals. Nettle leafis also considereda blood purifier due to it’s ability to increase theproper function of the liver and the kidneys.
- Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)Root — While it primarily works on the nervous system, in general eleuthero root is well known as a powerfuladaptogen –that is an herb that helps the body properly respond to stress. Reducing anxiety and balancing the appetite. Read more here…
- Senna leaf — Senna leaf is best known as a natural laxative.
- Dandelion leaf — Dandelion leaf neutralizes acid in the blood thereby making it one the best remedies for detoxification and blood purification available. And similar to Nettle leaf, it too contains high quantities ofnourishing vitamins and minerals. I love dandelion leaf especially for it’s ability to cleanse the body and help with my skin’s complexion.
- Marshmallow root — Is one of the most mucilaginous herbs. Highly nutritive…it also works to soothe the entire digestive system by reducing inflammation. Likewise, marshmallow root is a wonderful diuretic.
- Slippery elm bark —Slippery elm bark contains many of themucilaginousproperties asmarshmallow root — and ithelpsbring tobalance to the body byabsorbing toxins in the bowel.
- Papaya leaf — Containing high concentrations of digestive enzymes, papaya leaf is an excellent tonic for the digestive system as a whole…and a wonderful herbal support for weight loss.
- Sweet cinnamon bark — A well-known for centuries due to it’s anti-biotic and anti-fungal properties, cinnamon is a wonderful remedy that supplies excellent flavor. Moreover, cinnamon is excellent for our digestive systems and works to warm the body.
- Ginger root — Ginger root, a trusted cold/flu fighter, assists the body in the removal of excess toxins. It too, cleanses the digestive tract and the kidneys as well as increases circulation by warming the body.
- Fennel seeds — Aid in digestion and help to regulate the appetite. They also positively effect kidney function and work to cleanse the liver.
And the best way I have found to consume the benefits of these herbs…tea.
Benefits of Drinking a Slimming Herbal Tea
While drinking an herbal tea concocted using the above herbs…one can expect to experience the following benefits:
– Slimmer waistline
– Mood stabilization
– Better sleep
–Increased libido
– Regular bowel movements
– Decrease in water retention
–Clearermore balancedskin complexion
The Recipe
Slimming Herbal Tea
*Measurements in partsare by volume not weight.
- 2 parts Nettle leaf
- 2 parts Eleuthero root
- 1 part Senna leaf
- 1 part Dandelion leaf
- 1 part Marshmallow root
- 1 part Slippery elm bark
- 1 part papaya leaf
- ½ part Sweet Cinnamon Bark
- ½ part Orange peel
- ½ part Ginger root
- ¼ part Fennel seeds
Method
- Measure the parts of each of the herbs listed and mix in a large bowl until well combined.
- Grab your tea accessories, tea infusers, and/or tea pots…and brew a cup! (Note: I get all of my loose leaf tea-making supplies online from Starwest Botanicals. Their selection of tea accessories can’t be beat!)
- This herbal tea blend will keep stored in a cool, dark place for approximately 6 months. (Note: I like to store all of my teas in glass jars with tight-fitting lids.)
- Everyday Ibrew approximately 16-20 fluid ounces of this tea andcarry it with me, drinking it throughout the day. I find it mild enoughfor daily use andI couldn’t be happier with the results I’m seeing!
Where Can I Get This Stuff?
–Starwest Botanicals…they have everything you’ll need by way of Bulk Herbs and Natural Products for Healthy, Natural Living! It’s your one-stop-shop!
–Mountain Rose Herbs also carries many of these ingredients if you’d like to price check.
WHY HERBS FOR HEALTH + NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS?
+Because they work gently and effectively.
+Because you can grow many yourselves, right outside your front door or even in your kitchen.
+Because it’s our birthright to use the gifts of nature with respect and wisdom.
+Because up until relatively recently, at least in the western world, herbs were an integral part of taking care of ourselves.
Health doesn’t come from plastic bottles. Vitality grows naturally from the way you live your life. Deep down, people already know this.
If you want to learn more about herbs as medicine and as food, and if you’re just too busy to enroll in an in-person program, join the Herbal Academy of New England for a comprehensive and convenient online herbal course you can complete anywhere and anytime!
Learn what your great ancestors knew about the natural world and begin to build your own apothecary.
Start classes anytime! Click this link to learn more and register.
Note: Naturally the resultswill bedifferent for everyone. This is by no means a cure-all. I’m just happy to share with you my experience with these plants and/or oils. Please use conventional wisdom and consult with your medical professional prior to using this or any other herbal remedy.And as we know all too well the FDA doesn’t like any type of claim…therefore, take it for what it is, and remember, this information ispurely educational in its purpose.
