Do Chinese Herbs Work for Weight Loss?
Chinese herbs for weight loss are used by some people to help shed pounds. These herbs are part of traditional Chinese medicine, they improve digestion and help the body get rid of excess water and toxins. Some common herbs that help with weight loss include lotus leaf, cassia seeds, and hawthorn, among others.
Such herbs are used to boost metabolism, the body’s way of burning calories, and to help with healthy digestion. While there is some evidence suggesting that these herbs help in weight loss, more research is ongoing to help us fully understand their potential. It’s important for anyone considering using Chinese herbs for weight loss to talk to a healthcare provider first to ensure it’s a safe option for them.
The Best Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss
Chinese herbs for weight loss have become popular due to their use in traditional Chinese medicine, where they are valued for helping with balance and wellness. People often use these herbs hoping for a natural solution to aid in weight loss. While these herbs are reputed to help reduce weight, it’s important to understand that they work best when used as part of a broader lifestyle approach.
This includes maintaining a balanced diet and regular physical activity. Incorporating Chinese herbs should ideally be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can provide advice tailored to individual health needs. This ensures not only safety but also enhances the potential effectiveness of the herbs in supporting your weight loss goals.
1. Ginseng Root (Xi Yang Shen)
Ginseng Root, known as Xi Yang Shen in traditional Chinese medicine, is one of the herbs for weight loss that’s gained attention for its potential health benefits. This root is believed to boost energy and help manage blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss. It is often consumed in the form of tea or as a supplement. People use it to enhance stamina and reduce fatigue, which can be useful for increasing physical activity – one of the key components of weight loss strategies. Ginseng is also thought to have a thermogenic effect, which means it’s one of the herbs that burn fat.
2. Adenophora Root (Nan Sha Shen)
Adenophora Root, or Nan Sha Shen, is one of the natural herbs for weight loss in traditional Chinese medicine. This herb is valued for its soothing properties, particularly for the lungs and stomach, which can indirectly support weight loss efforts by helping overall well-being and digestive health.
Adenophora Root is typically used in teas or as an extract in various supplements. Its mild, cooling effect is believed to help nourish the body’s yin, which can eliminate unnecessary hunger and aid in maintaining a balanced appetite. As with any weight loss approach, it’s recommended to use this herb as part of a holistic health plan, including diet and exercise.
3. He Ye (Lotus Leaf)
He Ye, or lotus leaf, is considered one of the best Chinese herbs for weight loss. It’s widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote digestion and metabolism. The lotus leaf breaks down fat and prevents its accumulation in the body, making it a popular choice for those looking to lose weight naturally.
Typically, lotus leaf is consumed as tea. People steep the dried leaves in hot water to make a soothing drink that can help reduce bloating and support weight management. As always, it’s advisable to use lotus leaf in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
4. Ginger Root (Sheng Jiang)
Ginger Root, or Sheng Jiang, is one of the well-known herbs that help with weight loss. It’s a common ingredient in both culinary and medicinal applications across many cultures. Ginger is known for its ability to help digestion and increase metabolic rates, which can lead to more effective fat burning.
People typically use ginger by adding it fresh or dried to their food, or by drinking it as a tea. Its natural spicy flavor not only adds zest to meals but also stimulates thermogenesis, which helps the body burn more calories. Including ginger in a regular diet can support overall weight loss efforts when paired with healthy eating and exercise.
5. Black Atractylodes Root (Cang Zhu)
Black Atractylodes Root, known as Cang Zhu, is one of the natural weight loss herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine. This herb is reputed to have strong drying properties and is commonly used to improve digestive health by reducing water retention and increasing the body’s metabolism.
The improved digestive efficiency can help in the breakdown of fats and reduction of bloating, contributing to weight loss. Cang Zhu is usually taken in powdered form or as part of a herbal mix in teas. It’s especially effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
6. Chinese Red Date (Jujube)
Chinese Red Date, or Jujube, is often included in Chinese weight loss tea formulations for its health benefits. Rich in fiber and low in calories, Jujube helps promote a feeling of fullness and reduces overall calorie intake, which can help with weight loss. This sweet fruit is also known for its ability to relieve stress, which can prevent stress-induced overeating.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Jujube is dried and added to teas along with other herbs that synergistically work to help metabolism and improve digestion. Regular consumption of this tea might help in managing weight, especially when combined with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
7. Mulberry Fruit (Sang Shen Zi)
Mulberry Fruit, known as Sang Shen Zi, is valued among natural weight loss remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. This fruit is rich in antioxidants and fiber, which help in promoting weight loss. Fiber helps by increasing satiety and reducing appetite, leading to lower overall calorie intake, while antioxidants support metabolism and may help reduce inflammation linked to obesity. Mulberry Fruit is often consumed dried or made into teas and smoothies. Its sweet flavor makes it an enjoyable addition to a weight loss diet.
8. Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong)
Eucommia Bark, or Du Zhong, is a traditional Chinese natural herb for weight loss that is believed to have several health benefits. Firstly, it enhances kidney and liver functions, which are important for efficient metabolism and detoxification. Eucommia Bark is typically used in the form of tea or as a supplement. It is said to help strengthen the body, increase stamina, and support connective tissue health, which can help people who add exercise into their weight loss routine.
9. Fennel Seed (Xiao Hui Xiang)
Fennel Seed, known as Xiao Hui Xiang in traditional Chinese medicine, is well-known among natural remedies for weight loss. This herb is popular for its ability to aid digestion and reduce bloating, both of which can help with weight management. Fennel seeds contain essential oils that help stimulate the metabolism and suppress the appetite, making it easier to control caloric intake. They are commonly brewed into tea or chewed after meals to promote a healthy digestive system.
Read Also: What does Aromatherapy do to Help You Feel Better?
10. Green Tea (Lu Cha)
Green Tea, or Lu Cha, is one of the cornerstones of herbal medicine for weight loss. This popular beverage is rich in antioxidants called catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is thought to boost metabolism and fat burning. Regular consumption of green tea has been linked to several health benefits, including increased energy expenditure and a natural reduction in body fat. Typically, it is consumed as a brewed tea, making it a refreshing, low-calorie drink that can support weight loss.
How to Incorporate Chinese Herbs Into Your Weight Loss Plan
Marina Doktorman, L.Ac., at Pulse Acupuncture offers guidance on using Chinese herbs to lose weight, helping to add these into your overall weight loss plan. Based in Brooklyn, NY, and Clifton, NJ, Marina provides highly personalized natural weight loss remedies that focus on improving health and well-being. She combines her knowledge of the best herbs for weight loss and acupuncture to create a well-rounded approach.
Here are some ways Marina can help you incorporate Chinese herbs into your weight loss efforts:
- Personal Consultation. Discuss your health goals and get a customized plan that includes Chinese herbs and acupuncture.
- Herbal Remedies. Use specific weight loss herbs suited to your body’s needs.
- Acupuncture Sessions. Complement the herbal treatments with acupuncture in Brooklyn, NY to help your weight loss efforts.
- Ongoing Support and Adjustments. Receive continuous guidance and adjustments to the plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
By following this approach, you can effectively use Chinese herbs as part of a holistic medicine for weight loss.
