Weight loss is one of the most difficult things you will ever do because it requires that you completely revamp your entire lifestyle. However, this is not to say it is out of your reach because thousands of people start their weight loss journey every month. It is a fact that 85 percent of people will not meet their goals when they work toward losing weight. Because of this, it is important to explore all of your options.
There are different herbs that may help you to shed the pounds and reclaim your health. It is important that you know which ones are actually effective so you do not waste time experimenting.
Most Effective Herbs for Weight Loss
Once you make a choice to lose weight and improve your health, you likely think about natural ways to make your journey a little bit easier. This is where herbs come in because there are many herbs that have effects that can do things like stimulate your metabolism and help to reduce your appetite. When you combine an effective weight loss herb with regular exercise and a healthy diet, your chances of success become much higher.
1. Gurmar Leaves
This herb has a long history of use in treating obesity in Ayurvedic medicine. It works as a diuretic to flush out excess water and toxins and it also removes toxins with its astringent effects. Gurmar leaves work as a digestive stimulant and are able to temporarily block your ability to taste sweets, helping you to combat your sweet tooth.
2. Ginseng
Most people are familiar with ginseng because it is one of the most commonly used herbs throughout the world. While this herb is most popular for its memory-enhancing effects, it can also be beneficial when you are trying to lose weight. Ginseng acts as a stimulant and a thermogenic, both of which lend themselves to boosting your metabolism and giving you the energy you need to exercise.
3. Oregano
Oregano is an antioxidant powerhouse and it is also an effective weight loss herb. It helps to keep your digestive system healthy and working as it should, it increases serotonin levels and it helps to flush excess waste out of the body. All of these come together to promote weight loss and prevent issues like bloating and constipation. The increased serotonin levels will improve your mood, which reduces the risk of emotional eating. Increasing serotonin may also be beneficial in reducing your appetite overall.
4. Sage
Sage is a very popular herb for cooking because it works in so many different dishes. Sage is effective in lowering blood sugar levels, decreasing blood pressure and reducing anxiety. Since all of these issues can lead to weight gain, sage not only promotes weight loss, but it promotes good overall health too. It has stress-busting effects that will help to keep your cortisol levels normal as well. High cortisol levels lead to weight gain – mostly around the abdominal area – so it is important to keep this hormone in check to be at a healthy weight.
5. Spearmint
There is research that shows that spearmint is effective in helping to reduce body fat. It does this by releasing the excess amounts of the hormone estrogen that the body stores. When your body is storing this hormone, your body holds on to more fat and you gain weight. Balancing your estrogen levels with an herb like spearmint can help to regulate your body so that it does not hold onto extra fat.
6. Guggul
Guggul is an herb that many people are not familiar with because of how old it is. However, there are modern studies that support the claims that this herb is beneficial in improving the health of your thyroid and ensuring that your metabolism is functioning at an optimal rate. It is able to do this without any stimulant effects, so this is ideal for those who need a metabolism boost, but are not able to tolerate stimulants.
7. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is becoming more popular in recent years for its cleansing effects. It is particularly useful for cleansing and detoxifying the liver so that this organ can function at an optimal level. When your liver is not burdened with excessive toxins, it can focus on keeping your metabolism revved up so that you can burn calories and lose weight.
8. Dandelion Root
Most people see dandelion as a pesky weed that muddles their lawn, but it is actually a very effective cleanser, helping to flush toxins and excess waste from your body. It helps to promote weight loss because it eliminates toxins, regulates the blood sugar, reduces inflammation and alkalizes the body. All parts of this weed are edible and produce these beneficial effects.
9. Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a very popular simulating herb and many people replace their morning coffee with it. The stimulant effect will give you energy and it also increases your metabolism. It is full of different antioxidants, minerals, vitamins and amino acids, so in addition to promoting weight loss, it also helps you to get the essential nutrients your body needs each day.
10. Coleus Forskohlii
This herb is very popular in Ayurvedic medicine and its use goes back to ancient times. The forskolin component is effective in promoting weight loss by boosting your metabolism and stimulating thyroid function. Men benefit most from this herb because it also increases testosterone which is beneficial for men trying to lose weight.
11. Peppermint
Peppermint is very popular for alleviating nausea and other minor digestive complaints, but it can also support weight loss. It helps to regulate your digestive system and flush out excess waste and water. It can also reduce your stress levels to prevent emotional eating and it helps to suppress your appetite.
Now that you know about multiple herbs that promote weight loss, talk to your doctor. This will ensure that you are using the herb correctly, that it is safe for you and that you are getting the proper dose. The proper dosage and administration are critical to ensure you reap the full benefits of the herbs.