Herbal Weight Loss Course-Lesson 7: Herbs for Energy
Thursday, June 30th 2011 @ 12:55 AM (not yet rated)
When you’re trying to lose weight, sometimes the energy is lacking and it’s really tempting to reach for a high carbohydrate surgery snack.
That’s why taking herbs to provide that energy will keep you going and keep temptation at bay.
One of the first herbs to think about taking for energy and endurance is ginseng.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng is an adaptogen, meaning it adapts to the body to help it endure stress and to boost the immune system. The herb combats fatigue by supporting the adrenal glands as well as enhancing athletic performance and improving mental function. As the herb has been proven to enhance athletic performance, it will allow those losing weight to continue exercising at a high level to burn even more calories. In Asia ginseng is considered a herb for the elderly but it should not be given to children or women who are pregnant or breast feeding.
Contraindications: Ginseng should not be taken by people with high blood pressure or those with asthma, cardiac arrhythmia or fever. The herb has anti-clotting action so it should be avoided by people taking anticoagulants or stopped two weeks before scheduled surgery. It should also be used with caution by those with fibrocystic breasts, insomnia or hay fever.
Yerba Mate or Mate
This tea that comes from a shrubby bush is the national drink of Paraguay and is drunk as a coffee substitute. It contains caffeine and is fairly high in Vitamin C, antioxidants and also contains manganese, magnesium and potassium. One of Mate’s benefits is the potential it has for reducing obesity as it is reputed to increase the transit time of food through the digestive tract. South Americans also consider mate an appetite suppressant and a diuretic and also consider it a digestive aid.
Contraindications: Mate may cause allergic reactions or unexpected side effects. It should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women and children under 2.
Schizandra or Schisandra
This bushy herb that produces small bright red berries is native to China. It is an adaptogen to strengthen the whole body and counteract fatigue, improve overall health and general well being. It is not as potent as ginseng though it has less side effects than ginseng.
Schizandra helps protect the body against infection, increases stamina and improves the health of the adrenal glands. These are all areas that can get stressed during weight loss. The herb also energizes RNA and DNA molecules to rebuild cells and produce energy comparable to that of a young athlete. The herb is highly prized by Chinese women to enhance sexuality and as a tonic for youth.
Contraindications: Schizandra has few safety concerns though it may cause heartburn, stomach upset, loss of appetite, rashes and hives. It should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women as well as children under 2.
Maca or Peruvian Ginseng
Maca is a hardy herb that grows high in the Andes mountains. The Incas grew Maca for 2,000 years as a vegetable, cooking the tuberous root in water to make a sweet, aromatic porridge known as mazamorra. Maca is believed to boost energy as well as improve mood, have a laxative effect, boost immunity, improve memory and fertility, enhance sex and treat menstrual and menopausal complaints.
For these reasons it is called Peruvian ginseng but it is unrelated to ginseng. Maca’s reputation for boosting sexual desire is the result of a study done by Peruvian researchers, who relate it improved sexual desire after eight weeks but it was not considered sufficient enough to be known as an aphrodisiac.
Contradindications: Pregnant and nursing women should avoid maca as well as children under 2.
