Herbs have been used for thousands of years, and herbs for weight loss are becoming more popular these days as people are looking for a more natural approach to getting healthy and losing weight. They can also be dangerous if not used correctly, so please, always consult your physician before taking them. There is a lot of information from many different sources about using natural herbs for weight loss. Here is a list of the ten most common natural herbs for weight loss and how they work.

10) Green Tea or Matcha Tea

The EGCG catechins found in green tea have been said to help decrease appetite and boost metabolism because of its cleansing effect on the system. Green tea is used in a dried leaf form and then steeped in hot water to make tea. Matcha tea is powdered green tea leaves and is said to have more concentration although more expensive. It is considered among the best belly fat burning herbs. You can find these herbs for weight loss just about everywhere, but one thing you need to know is a lot are copycat products and do not contain enough green tea to do any good. Just because it says contains green tea on the label does not mean it will benefit you. The best way to get enough green tea is by drinking one hundred percent green tea two to three times per day. Replacing coffee with this tea is very beneficial.


9) Red Hot Chili Pepper

There is recent research that states that the substance that makes chili pepper hot may also inhibit the growth of fat cells -- good news! Also, spicy chili pepper is said to heat up the body's temperature which speeds up the metabolism.

8) Citrus Aurantium

Used by the Chinese, it is a thermogenic which increases the body temperature and decreases the appetite. There are cautions with this herbal supplement. Do not take if you are being treated for any heart condition or blood pressure. They recommend taking this supplement alone for the first couple days to see how you react to it.

7) Panax Ginseng

Panax Ginseng is known for increasing energy and increasing stamina. It is one of the most well known natural herbs for weight loss.


6) Stevia

Stevia is an herb that is used in place of sugar as a sweetener. Stevia is not an artificial sweetener like aspartame or splenda which are chemical in nature, but it is a natural sweetener. Liquid Stevia is reported to taste best!

5) Garcinia Cambogia

 Helps to suppress the appetite by raising seretonin levels. It may also inhibit the conversion of sugars and starches into fat.

4) Seaweed

This is said to enhance the thyroid which will boost the metabolism. Before taking any thyroid enhancers, consult with your physician. This cannot be stressed enough. If you have a low thyroid your doctor can perform tests. Then you may decide for yourself whether to take synthetic thyroid or go with the natural herbs for weight loss.

3) Cinnamon

Real Cinnamon, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, not Cassia, is known to help lower blood sugar levels and also cleanse the system which helps to speed metabolism. Cinnamon Cassia is less expensive and is the most common form that is sold in most grocery stores although it is not real cinnamon. They may taste and smell similar but they are not the same in their benefits for weight loss - choose Cinnamomum Zeylanicum for weight loss.

2) Cha'de Bugre

Cha'de Bugre is getting increasing attention in the USA as a natural appetite suppressant. Additionally, it has been used for many years in South America to increase urine flow as an aid in reducing excess fluids. It is also known to help eliminate cellulite, and boost energy levels.

1) Yerba Mate

Yerba Mate is actually used as a tea to increase energy and to help suppress the appetite. It can be used in place of coffee because it does contain some caffeine but usually there is no jittery side effects with Yerba Mate as there is with coffee.
There are many more natural herbs for weight loss, but contained in this list are the most popular. Most are reasonably priced and readily available through your local health food store or through online sources. Never over do with herbs as they can be very powerful. These herbs are considered to be safe but always consult with the health care professional of your choice before incorporating them in your health and diet plan.