by: Joel Thuna

Herbs can be an integral part of an effective weight loss regime. They possess the ability to nutritionally support our organs and their processes, strengthen specific organs, and enhance bodily functions associated with weight loss - including nutrient absorption and waste evacuation.

Bladderwrack
As one of the Sea Vegetables, bladderwrack is a virtual multi-mineral by itself, particularly high in the trace mineral iodine. It acts as a gentle cleanser of the intestines, thereby allowing for better nutrient absorption.

For centuries, bladderwrack has been used effectively as a weight loss aid. By helping to support and tone the thyroid gland, bladderwrack has proven extremely successful in cases where obesity and excess weight can be attributed to thyroid trouble.

Buckthorn
Buckthorn is an essential aid to any weight loss program. It stimulates the flow of bile from the liver to the gall bladder, which helps with digestion and nutrient absorption. Buckthorn has a calming effect on the entire gastrointestinal system while acting as a tonic to all the organs in it.

Cascara sagrada
Also known as "sacred bark", cascara is noted for its gentle laxative properties. In small doses, cascara can be beneficial at promoting regularity and proper bowel function.

A tonic for the entire digestive system, cascara increases stomach, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas secretions, thereby aiding in digestion and nutrient absorption. It also has the ability to restore long term tone to the bowels for better overall functioning.

Dandelion
This pretty yet pesky weed is one of nature's greatest assets, and increasingly one of the most popular botanicals in the herbal industry. An excellent source for a diverse variety of vitamins and minerals, it contains more Vitamin A than carrots! Most often, however, dandelion is used as a gentle yet effective laxative and internal cleanser.

Dandelion aids liver and digestive functions including bile secretion, and constipation (from lack of bile). Considered to be an excellent diuretic, it also relieves chronic skin eruptions, acne aggravated by emotional stress and/or fatty foods, psoriasis, eczema, and rheumatic conditions.

Specifically for dieters, dandelion assists by providing significant nutrition while also acting as a gentle cleanser and digestive stimulant. In this way dandelion helps you absorb more of the nutrition from the food you eat.

Fennel
This lovely timeless herb has been used by weight conscious individuals since ancient Rome. A licorice flavoured seed, fennel is renowned for its effects on the digestive system. Common as a cooking spice, it is particularly good when used with fish. After meals, it is often enjoyed by many cultures to prevent gas and upset stomach.
Fennel can stimulate movement of food through the stomach and intestine, while also enhancing circulation and relieving stomach upset.

Garcinia
Garcinia cambogia is a small fruit used in India to preserve and flavour food and assist digestion. It contains HCA (hydroxycitric acid), a natural fruit acid that inhibits the creation of fat cells. This compound also prevents the inhibition of fat breakdown in the liver, providing considerable potential for weight loss. HCA reduces the production of stored fat from carbohydrates by inhibiting adenosine, the enzyme essential for fat production.

HCA may also help to suppress appetite. Studies show that daily supplementation of HCA can significantly reduce food intake. HCA has also been demonstrated to improve endurance and energy during exercise by promoting glucose manufacture.
See the Lose-It with Garcinia cambogia article.

Ginger
Ayurvedic medicine calls ginger the "Universal Medicine". It is a mild and warming circulation stimulant, a digestive aid and an excellent diaphoretic. Traditional Chinese Medicine values ginger for relief of indigestion and gas while research has shown ginger is a superb treatment for motion sickness, nausea, morning sickness and many other intestinal problems.

Arguably the most important digestive aid known to man, ginger is the product of choice when you are feeling nauseous or have an upset stomach. It is even taken to relieve diarrhea, and stop bleeding.

Ginger's properties are ideally suited to assist dieters. It is a calming and soothing tonic for the stomach and intestines, helps promote circulation, and is a mild metabolic enhancer. Easily integrated into one's diet, ginger can be used as a beverage (in tea) as a spice (in food) and as a condiment.

Turkish Rhubarb
This relative of common rhubarb is an excellent tonic herb for the dieter.
Turkish Rhubarb helps purge the blood of toxins and acts to tone and cleanse the liver by promoting bile flow. It increases the flow of saliva and gastric juices which aids in digestion and nutrient absorption. When used in combination with other herbs, Turkish rhubarb works to strengthen and tone the entire gastrointestinal tract, enabling this system to work more efficiently.

Pure-Li Natural's Lose-It Plus is a precise blend of these herbs designed to help dieters reach their goals. It is non-habit forming and helps the body use its energy more efficiently. Lose-It Plus is a balanced product using tonic herbs and cleansers, digestive aids, and appetite suppressants. It is a safe yet simple addition to your weight loss program.