Reducing Your Appetite With Herbs

Although herbs have been used for over 4000 years in China, modern medicine has just recently started explore the benefits of herbs. This natural alternative can both nourish and heal the body by giving it nutrients that may not be available in the regular diet. One benefit that has been known for centuries is the weight loss remedy. A variety of herbs are safe and effective in curbing the appetite to control weight loss.

Although most think of herbs in leaf form, they can include bark, berries, roots, seeds, stems, gums, and flowers. These can then be put into tablets, capsules, bark pieces, powders, extracts, creams, lotions, oils, liquids and salves. Although herbs are not regulated by the FDA, the label will still provide safety and dosage information. One should make sure the label states "standardized." Since you want to buy the freshest herbs, look for freeze-dried herbs rather than air-dried or loose, bulk herbs.

Using herbs for suppressing appetite is best if you are already eating healthfully and exercising. If you want to lose a great deal of weight quickly, herbs are not the best choice. As always, one should be careful with any diet/weight loss program, but especially since some herbs do have side effects. Following is a list of starting points to help you choose an herb that can help you with your appetite.

Brazilian Cocoa

Simulating the central nervous system and increasing the metabolic rate, this herb is very similar to caffeine. Brazilian Cocoa mimics caffeine in that it is a mild diuretic and if taken in excess it will cause restlessness, trembling, nervousness and anxiety.

Cayenne

That hot dish can help you stay hot. Cayenne stimulates capsaicin, which increases saliva and digestion. This in turn speeds up the metabolism to a safe level.

Green Tea

Best in liquid form, green tea stimulates the body just like caffeine. However, it has other benefits of vitamin C and cancer fighting antioxidants, as well. You can control the strength of the tea by steeping it for a shorter or longer period of time. It is available in capsule form, but is more effective in the liquid form.

Evening Primrose

This herb can reduce cholesterol and help control weight by correcting incorrect fat processing.

Seaweed

A natural thyroid stimulant, seaweed also contains trace minerals needed by the body. It can be found at health food stores in capsule or tablet form.

Psyllium

If these seeds are taken with water before eating, it helps to control the appetite by making the stomach feel full; therefore, reducing the calories and fat consumed.

Queen's Flower

Helping not only weight lost but diabetes, this herb has been noted as being the most effective plant.

Several preparation methods can be used to ingest the herbs. Infusion is making a tea of the herb by pouring boiling water over the leaves, flowers or whole herb and letting it steep. After straining, one can add honey to flavor the infusion for consumption. Decoction involves simmering the tougher parts of the herb (bark, root, twig or stem) for thirty minutes and consuming the liquid. Juice can be made from the small pieces and is best for extracting vitamins that are sensitive to heat, but it must be consumed immediately to prevent degradation of the vitamin content. Tinctures are made by soaking the herb in alcohol or water mixture and pressing to retrieve the tincture. This is often considered the best way to consume a well-preserved herb.

Common Herbs And Some Specific Uses

Tinnitus

Hands down, Ginkgo is the best treatment for Tinnitus. The best way to take it as an extract which you will probably only find in a health food store. When shopping look for 50:1 on the label. 40mgs per day is recommended to treat Tinnitus.

Tonsillitis

Echinacea and Goldenseal are a good bet to treat Tonsillitis. Combine the two as a tea and gargle as well as ingest.

Toothache

Clove Oil is a good treatment for toothache. Another is a compress of Ginger and Red Pepper. Mix the powdered spices in enough water to form a paste. Use a small cotton ball to dip in the paste then apply the cotton directly to the tooth without letting it touch the gum. If it is too hot, rinse your mouth and try a different remedy.

Ulcers

You may find this recipe too tasty to be called a treatment!

Bananas, Pineapple, Blueberries, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Ginger, Honey. Cut up the bananas and pineapple and place in a serving bowl. Add blueberries and season generously with the Cinnamon, Cloves and Ginger and sweeten with the Honey. Or, use above ingredients to create a anti-ulcer drink.