7 Herbs That Boost Your Weight Loss Efforts ...

1. Hibiscus

Not only is it a pretty plant in your garden, Hibiscus is one of those herbs that boost weight loss. It's brimming with nutrients, minerals and flavonoids that help to lower the absorption of fats and carbohydrates in our bodies, making it very beneficial in the fight against flab. Drink 2 to 4 cups of hibiscus tea per day, or take hibiscus supplement for even better results.

2. Dandelion

Instead of pouncing on this poor herb and pulling it out like an unwanted weed in your lawn, embrace its tender leaves, because it’s a friend to anyone looking to lose weight. It has a wealth of laxative and diuretic properties, increasing the frequency and volume of urination. This reduces body weight by getting rid of excess fluid. Dandelion tea helps to remove toxins from our bodies and melts fats.

3. Sage

If the thought of sage and onion stuffing in Sunday's roast chicken is making your mouth water, try to concentrate purely on the word "sage". This little herb is not just a stimulant, but has also antioxidant and diuretic properties that are useful in weight loss regimes. It helps to boost your metabolism and burns off calories. And if you drink sage herb tea twice daily, you'll discover it's also good to reduce inflammation, promoting sound sleep and reducing anxiety. Who needs roast chicken with stuffing, when you can have all that?

4. Korean Ginseng

Also known as Panax ginseng or Asian ginseng, this is another one of those herbs that boost weight loss. This little plant supercharges your energy levels and helps your body to speed up its metabolic activities. Include it either in water and a little milk to make tea, which will help you shed a few extra pounds or use it in your daily cooking.

5. Oregano

No wonder Italians are so healthy and long-living, according to worldwide statistics! Their diet is generously peppered with oregano, which is good for patients of high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. It can help with digestion and reduce bloating, fight depression and stress, and act as a defense against weight gain. Don't use this as an excuse to have extra helpings of meatballs with pasta and oregano-infused tomato sauce though!

6. Peppermint

What's not to like about this herb? It makes your breath smell better, helps with digestion, unclogs your nostrils when you've got a cold and reduces fats from your belly and love handle areas. It helps to curb your appetite, soothes nerves with its lovely scent and tastes great as hot tea or a cold drink in summer.

7. Ginger

It's delicious chopped up fresh in Indian, Chinese and Thai food and is widely used in medicines. Ginger is another one of those herbs that boost weight loss, especially when taken in its raw form. Ginger helps with cutting down snacking and tackling compulsive eating of high-calorie foods. Use its juice to flavor things or its dried, chopped up form to make tea or simply eat healthy and delicious stir fries, noodle soups or other Asian dishes flavored with fresh ginger to shed pounds.

Did you ever think of using herbs to boost your weight loss efforts?