Natural Herbs and Weight Loss

Using herbs for weight loss is an all-natural solution that can help keep you slim and trim.

Ancient cultures used to use these natural remedies as a way to cure all types of ailments, and current science has confirmed certain herbs as being truly beneficial. There are many positives to these herbs that you can now use to help reach your weight loss goals.

Cascara Sagrada: This herb was used by the Native Americans to treat constipation, and it’s generally safe and well tolerated.

It has chemicals inside of it that help stimulate the bowels and intestines, making bowel movements much easier. It also has been approved for use by the FDA as an over the counter solution to constipation. Web MD adds that this herb:

“may help relieve constipation”

The Native Americans even referred to this as a “sacred bark”. It’s now been proven to be an effective solution that produces natural laxative effects.

Gymnema Sylvestre: This shrub is found in parts of Africa and India. In fact in Hindi, it’s known as a “destroyer of sugar”.

This is for good reason; it’s used to help provide support to diabetics, as well as those with metabolism disorders. Web MD confirmed this by stating

“Gymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar”

“may also decrease the amount of insulin in the body”

It’s also been tested for long-term use; some studies show it can be safe for more than 20 months of use.

The benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre are enormous, by helping control blood sugar it prevents metabolism disorders and feelings of fatigue after a meal.

Aloe Vera: This plant grows wild in tropical climates, and the ancient Egyptians referred to it as a plant of immortality.

It has a wide range of uses such as healing wounds, and orally it works effectively as a laxative. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health adds that aloe:

“contains strong laxative compounds”

This plant also has amino acids and vitamin C to support a healthy body. This ingredient is known as many different names such as cape aloe.

You can often find it as an ingredient to skincare products and shampoos, since it’s known to help prevent burns and dandruff.

Fennel Seed: The seeds of this are used in cooking as an aromatic and fragrant herb. It’s considered a sacred herb in Anglo Saxon tradition. In fact, the Greeks had a myth that claimed knowledge was gained from the fennel plant.

According to Nutrition and You.com, fennel seed:

“lowers serum LDL cholesterol levels”

“known to have antioxidant, digestive, carminative, and anti0flatulent properties”

There are also important trace minerals such as potassium, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

All these minerals are essential for the body to run many of its important functions, such as controlling metabolism and flushing out waste.

Buckthorn Root: Bark extract made from the rhamnus frangula tree. According to Live Strong, a chemical inside this ingredient is:

“anthraquinone that may have cancer fighting properties”

It’s also used to purify the blood and it works as a diuretic to help get rid of water weight. The laxative affects it produces causes a stimulation to the intestines. Web MD also mentions that this ingredient:

“seems to work about as well as cascara for relieving constipation”

This ingredient has been shown to produce many well-rounded benefits.

Senna: This flower is used both as a natural laxative and constipation treatment. It’s FDA approved as a nonprescription herb, and it’s often used to clear the bowels before people go into tests like colonoscopies.

Web MD mentions that:

“Senna is LIKELY SAFE for most adults and children”

It’s been used across the globe as tool in folk medicine and herbalism for quite some time, with proven and safe effects.

Banana: Though it may seem strange, bananas is actually an herb. The reason why it’s described as an herb, is because an herb is a plant that has a stem without woody tissue.

This common fruit is often found in most grocery stores, and it has 3 grams of fiber per 1 medium sized banana, with a total of 420 mg of potassium.

This potassium is beneficial for helping provide nutrients to the cells, and it removes waste as well. It’s also beneficial for helping reduce the likely of sodium issues, such as kidney damage and high blood pressure.

Even though bananas contain up to 15 grams of sugar for a medium sized banana, they still have a low GI rating, so they won’t spike blood sugar. Worlds Healthiest Foods mentions:

“supports overall digestive health”

“just as good at keeping energy levels steady as drinking an equivalent… processed sports beverage”

So you can add bananas as part of your workout plan to help you lose weight, while reducing the risks for unwanted cramps.