6 Herbal Solutions: Lose Weight Naturally

Deb Mastrianna

The global weight management market reached 503.8 billion dollars in 2022 and is expected to reach 722.8 billion by 2028; and North America currently dominates that market. While there is a barrage of products flooding the market, the best resources are science-backed herbs that, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, can aid your weight loss goals naturally. Here are five herbs and a very special formula that offer an array of properties to help the weight loss process and provide healing properties for your overall wellbeing. 

Irish Moss (Chondrus crispus)  can be used for weight loss, as it is very effective in eliminating fat and cholesterol buildup.  This powerful seaweed has been known to thin the blood, removing blood clots, and regulating blood sugar in individuals with diabetes.  High in vitamins and minerals, it has also been found useful in easing common cold symptoms, diarrhea, ulcers and has a soothing effect on the entire intestinal tract. It may be helpful for thyroid problems and has been used externally, for skin.

Irish Moss is considered an anticoagulant, and as such, should not be used by those who take prescription blood thinners (Coumadin, etc.). Irish Moss should also be avoided by those suffering from Crohn’s disease.

Sassafras Root Bark (Sassafras officinale) has been used as a general tonic, as it is helpful in restoring and nourishing the body’s overall good health.  It is an excellent herb to use for appetite-control programs, as It helps the pituitary gland release protein and adjust your body’s hormonal balance.

Used for centuries as a tonic to cleanse the liver and blood, Sassafras helps to alleviate internally caused skin ailments, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as gout, arthritis, rheumatism and liver ailments. It is believed to help the rid the body of toxins and pollutants through efficient removal of waste.

The antiseptic properties and diuretic action can help to clear the urinary tract of various infections, such as cystitis. And because it is known to stimulate perspiration and sweating, it not only cools the body and lowers fever, but also helps to expel toxic wastes through the skin. This cleansing action also works to purify the blood and rid the body of pollutants.

It has been known to help gastrointestinal complaints like intestinal gas pain and distension. And is considered an antiseptic that fights off and neutralizes pathogenic bacteria and prevents infection. It is helpful in treating stomach cramps, flatulence, colic, ulcers and other gastric upsets.

Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf, aka Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) contains several compounds, such as glycosides and anthraquinones. The bioactive constituent of Gymnema is gymnemic acid, a sweetness inhibitor. This herb can reduce your appetite for sugar and help reduce blood sugar levels and is probably the reason it is a good weight management compound.  Structurally, gymnemic acids are similar to glucose and behave in the intestine in a similar way. When these acids lock into intestinal receptors, they effectively lock out glucose. 

The effect is twofold, first it helps to balance blood sugar, and secondly, it promotes lean body mass by lessening the amount of sugar that gets stored as fat. Gymnema can reduce fat deposits in the abdomen, waist, and hips. Sports players who struggle to avoid excess carbohydrates find Gymnema liquid herbal extract helpful. Gymnema Sylvestre may also offer hope for people suffering from binge eating disorders associated with obesity. 

It is interesting to note that Gymnema extracts are without side effects and exerts its blood sugar-lowering effects only in cases of diabetes. Gymnema extract, when given to healthy volunteers, does not produce any blood sugar lowering or hypoglycemic effects.

Gymnema helps reduce triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in people with diabetes. This is important, since high cholesterol, heart disease, obesity and Type-2 diabetes tend to occur in unison. A study of the herbal extract of Gymnema reports that its use may lead to a reduction in body mass index and weight.

Gymnema benefits are not permanent, the herbal tincture must be taken consistently over long periods of time to reap significant improvement. The suppression of sugar cravings may occur in the first week of supplementation or even immediately. The balancing of blood sugar and blood cholesterol generally takes place in 3 to 4 weeks.

Gymnema Sylvestre may be the answer if sugar cravings are holding you back from losing weight.

People with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2) should use Gymnema only under the supervision of a physician. It is important to note that Gymnema should never be used in place of insulin. Gymnema can enhance the blood glucose lowering effects of insulin and hypoglycemic drugs and, thus, blood glucose levels. Therefore, blood glucose levels must always be monitored closely by a healthcare provider.

Cayenne Pepper is a common chili pepper that can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight. The pepper’s main compound, capsaicin, can boost your metabolism by up to 8%, causing your internal temperature to rise, and naturally burn calories to cool down your body and curb your appetite.  This process helps you feel full longer.

Cayenne Pepper , also known as bird pepper, red chili pepper, and Guinea spice is full of vitamin C and carotenoids, is one of the most efficient herbs to enhance the protocol for hypoglycemia and a slow metabolism. When used in herbal combinations, Cayenne pepper acts as a catalyst and can enhance the power of all other herbs. A rich antioxidant source containing vitamin C, A, B-complex, Cayenne possesses very high levels of essential minerals.  Though it has been traditionally used for stomach aches, cramping, gas, varicose veins, and allergies, he herb has also been widely used to normalize blood sugar levels in diabetes as well. 

Cayenne pepper extract has also been shown to help reduce excess cholesterol, blood sugar levels, LDL cholesterol levels.

Have you ever reached for a glass of Ginger ale for an upset stomach?  If so, you are on the right track! Ginger is a time-honored remedy for upset stomach, indigestion, motion sickness, diarrhea, and cramps. This food additive has also been used to help reduce fevers, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and help remove toxins from the body.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinate) composes many essential nutrients and vitamins such as vitamin B-6, pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) that are required for optimum health. Furthermore, the herb also contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cells and body fluids that help to control heart rate and blood pressure.

Because the compounds in Ginger contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation this herb has a potent effect on weight loss

It has been shown to significantly decrease body weight, fasting glucose, and insulin resistance while increasing HDL-cholesterol levels.

Curb Appetite & Trim Weight|Compound Formula

Taken consistently, this unique formula will help to decrease your food intake and naturally trim weight.  The ingredients include Hoodia, Kelp, Bladderwrack, Cleavers Herb, Alfalfa leaf, Dandelion Root, Licorice Root, Cinnamon Bark, White Willow Bark, and Chickweed.  Here is a brief description of each and their attributes:

Kelp-Atlantic (Ascophyllum nodosom) is beneficial for thyroid and mineral deficiencies and aids both the pituitary and the adrenal glands. Kelp promotes glandular health and is rich in nutrients.  It can regulate your metabolism; help digest food and sustain the nervous system and brain.

Alfalfa Leaf (Medicago sativa) possesses all the known vitamins and minerals with higher amounts of calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, E, K and all the essential amino acids. It is high in protein and generates energy and endurance and helps alkalize and detoxify the body.

Kelp can strengthen the blood and liver, easing general digestive problems and promoting bowel movement regularity and healthy hydration. This resource supports the pituitary gland, detoxifies the urinary tract and has a strong alkaline effect on the body.

Kelp is not recommended for use by persons taking blood thinning agents.

Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosis) has about 30 trace and major minerals including iodine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, silicon, iron, phosphorus, selenium, manganese, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, G, K and S.

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Bladderwrack elps to reduce obesity by stimulating the thyroid gland.  This seaweed has been used in scrofula, cancer, diabetes, goiter and any glandular afflictions. It is

also good for the kidneys, gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, heartburn, hypothyroidism and indigestion.

Bladderwrack should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. It can also aggravate acne in some people. 

Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum cassia) is specific to your stomach and bowels.  It is warming to the body, and has been used to treat chronic diarrhea, cramps, heart, abdominal pains, coughing,

wheezing and lower back pains. It has been especially useful for stomach problems; colic, flatulence, indigestion, dysentery, nausea, vomiting and spasms, diabetes and yeast infections.

Cleavers Leaf (Galium aparine) has been used as a diuretic to treat urinary infections and to remove urinary stones and gravel.  It has been beneficial for scalding, suppressed or painful urine. A stimulant for the lymphatic system, Cleavers Leaf helps relieve swollen lymph glands. It is considered to be a blood purifier and cleansing to the liver. It has been useful in treating diseases such as eczema, gall stones, gonorrhea, fevers, scarlet fever, high blood pressure, psoriasis, and arthritis.

Cleavers Leaf does interact with loop diuretics, spironolactone, thiazide diuretics and triamterene so always check with your primary care giver before using if you use any of these pharmaceuticals.

Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale) has been used in the treatment of gall bladder and urinary disorders. It is a valuable blood purifier.  It has been used for pregnancy and postpartum support, as a blood purifier it has been used for liver and kidney disorders as well. Dandelion root contains nutritive salts that build up the blood. It has a mild laxative effect by increasing bile production and stimulating its flow to the gallbladder, where it also causes contractions and the release of bile. It has been used for gallstones, jaundice, cirrhosis, dyspepsia with constipation, edema associated with high blood pressure and heart weakness, chronic joint and skin complaints, gout, eczema and acne.

The plant has an anti-bacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Pneumococcal, Meningococcal, Bacillus dysenteries, B. typhi, C. diphtheriae, Proteus etc.

It has also been used for eczema (when combined with Chickweed), skin diseases, scurvy, jaundice, gall bladder, mental fatigue, leg cramps, bowels, bladder, diabetes, asthma, aging, acne, spleen, low blood pressure, liver problems, psoriasis, low

endurance, anemia, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, rheumatism, stomach health and warts. 

Do not use Dandelion root if you have gallstones or obstruction of bile ducts.

The root interacts with Ciproflacin, Loop diuretics, Spironolactone, Thiazide diuretics, Triamterene.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a favorite in Chinese herbal medicine. It has general effects on the whole body.  Its stimulating action helps to counteract stress, supplies energy to the body, making it especially useful for those recovering from illness. Licorice works with the lungs, stomach, intestines, spleen, liver and adrenals. It is taken internally in the treatment of Addison's disease, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, peptic ulcer, arthritis, allergic complaints and following steroidal therapy.

Licorice Root contains substances similar to the adrenal cortical hormones and has an estrogenic effect; therefore, it is an important herb for treating adrenal insufficiency, other glandular problems and female disorders. Its demulcent qualities are useful with inflammation of the intestines and with ulcers.

Other uses include adrenal exhaustion, age spots, arteriosclerosis, as a blood cleanser, detoxifier, purifier, adjusts blood salts, balances blood sugar, cancer, circulation, colds, constipation, coughs, Cushing disease and dropsy,

Licorice Root has been used for drug withdrawal, emphysema, endurance, energy, female complaints, fevers, flu, heart strengthener, hoarseness, hypoglycemia, to increase effectiveness of adrenal hormone glucocorticoids in liver, impotency, liver protector, all lung problems, to heal and protect mucus membranes, nausea, to induce ovulation, Parkinson’s disease, pituitary, expels phlegm, natural steroids, sore throat, general tonic, ulcers, vitality, hepatitis, chronic fatigue and Crohn’s

disease.

Licorice Root does interact with Digoxin, loop diuretics, Thiazide diuretics and supports those taking Aspirin, Etodolac, Ibuprofen, Interferon, Isoniazid, Nabumetone, Naproxen and topical corticosteroids.

Do not use Licorice Root if you have cirrhosis of the liver. Large and frequent doses may worsen hypertension.

White Willow Bark (Salix alba) is a valuable pain killer because it contains the glucoside salicin, from which aspirin was derived, but White Willow will not cause the loss of blood through the stomach walls like aspirin.  White Willow is a good tonic and astringent making it valuable for the treatment of worms, chronic diarrhea and dysentery. It has been used for eczema, fevers, headaches, sciatica, inflammation of the joints, nervousness, rheumatism and ulcerations. Has also been used to treat lower back pain, osteoarthritis, bursitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

White Willow interacts with Bismuth Subsalicylate, Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Etodolac, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, Live Influenza Vaccine, Intranasal, Nabumetone, Nadolol, Naproxen, Non steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, zaprozin, Piroxicam, Repaglinide, Salsalate, Sulindac, Ticlopidine and Zafirlakast.

People with ulcers or gastritis should avoid taking this herb. 

Chickweed Leaf (Stellaria media) has been an excellent remedy for pulmonary complaints, including bronchitis and pleurisy. It has been used with internal and external inflammations of the skin and any kind of itching skin condition. It soothes and heals anything it comes in contact with.

It has been used for bleeding of the bowels and lungs, adolescent acne, impotence, E.D., diabetes, constipation, cleansing, circulation, bowels, psoriasis, obesity and the lungs.

Chickweed Leaf should not be used medicinally by pregnant women. 

Hoodia gordonii 20:1 Pure Concentrate looks like a cactus, but it is actually a succulent plant from the Kalahari Desert in South Africa. Bushmen from the area have been using hoodia for centuries to help ward off hunger during long trips in the desert. Hoodia gordonii is entirely natural, not a drug. Only the gordonii variation of hoodia has appetite suppressant abilities. Hoodia tricks the brain into thinking you have eaten, and makes you feel full.

Hoodia may work right away or may take several weeks. Key results of hoodia reported include a reduced interest in food, delay in the time after eating before hunger sets in again, feeling full more quickly, and a general feeling of well-being. Hoodia gordonii is not a stimulant and has no known side effects.

Give your body a healthy benefit that doubles as an aid in losing weight. Combining these herbs with a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you achieve the results you are looking for.