1 Ginseng
Many people cite ginseng as one of the top herbs that help you lose weight. There are mainly two different forms sold here in the U.S. being Siberian, and Chinese ginseng. Both types have been linked to weight loss because of two main reasons. First, they contain caffeine, a natural stimulant and metabolism booster. Secondly, they act as a thermogenic aid, which means they give you extra energy and burn fat inside your body. Many people also note appetite reduction and enhanced mental clarity with using ginseng. You can buy it as a tea or supplement.
Who knew a weed could actually be so great for you? Dandelion is one of the most cleansing herbs on the planet, and yes, we think of it as a weed most of the time, but it’s one powerful little herb! Every part of the dandelion flower and herb is edible and full of nutrients, especially liver cleansing ones. Dandelions can help normalize blood sugar, alkalize the body, clear toxins and assist with inflammation. All of these are key for losing weight.. You can buy it in a tea form, take a supplement, or buy the actual greens at places like Whole Foods in the produce department.
Another cleansing herb is milk thistle. Much like dandelion, it cleanses the liver, which is important for weight loss. Our liver can either be burdened with toxins, or it can be our fat burning powerhouse. It is all determined by how well your liver stays cleansed. Milk thistle has been shown to clear the liver of toxins so it can focus on metabolism and burning fat and glucose for fuel, not storing them as fat. You can buy it as a tea, and a supplement wherever health products are sold.
Peppermint actually helps reduce weight through mainly water and toxic waste. It is wonderful for aiding digestion and regulating you. It also reduces bloat. I love peppermint tea, and drink it daily for a happy belly all day long. Mint has also been shown to reduce the appetite and reduce stress levels, even just with the scent alone. You can use essential oils, take a supplement, buy fresh mint leaves, or buy a tea.
Did you know spearmint has been proven to decrease body fat? It has been shown to release excess estrogen in the body that leads to weight gain, and enhance fat burning types of testosterone. Many people report feeling more hormonally balanced when using spearmint. If you think your hormones could be the reason you’re not losing weight fast enough, try spearmint tea. It’s very refreshing! You can also take a supplement if you wish, and no, spearmint gum doesn’t really count - sorry!
Sage is one of my favorite herbs to use in cooking, mainly just because I love the taste. However, sage is also known as a great weight loss aid for a reason you might not have considered yet. Sage significantly reduces blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and anxiety. Sprinkling just a bit on any entree will calm you down and even help you eat less. Calories are stored more as fat when we eat when we’re stressed due to excess cortisol, the hormone that is secreted when we’re stressed. Eating more calming foods like the herb sage can help to combat that.
Oregano has more antioxidants in one tablespoon than a cup of blueberries! It’s also great for helping you lose weight. Oregano does a few things in the body. First, it fights harmful viruses and bacteria in the digestive tract, which can become weight from waste over time. Oregano also aids in digestion, helping to decrease bloat and constipation. Lastly, the scent of oregano has been shown to increase the happy hormone, serotonin, in the body. This is key to losing weight so you don’t eat when you’re depressed and stressed. I personally love smelling oregano and it reminds me of pizza! By the way, eating pizza with oregano isn’t a weight loss method, so don’t blame me if that doesn’t work! Sprinkle a little on your salads, veggies, lean proteins, etc. You can even sprinkle it on omelets if you wish. You can take a supplement or oregano oil and get the same benefits as well.