Herbal Remedies

Herbs used in the treatment of weight loss are utilized in many different ways. Dietary supplements and thermogenesis or “fat-burning herbs” are stimulants that reduce appetite and speed metabolism. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body generates heat or energy, by increasing the metabolic rate above normal. This rise in metabolic rate is referred to as the thermogenic effect, thermogenic response, or specific dynamic action (SDA). Thermogenesis is activated by a few different mechanisms, including supplements, nutrition, exercise, and exposure to cold. The herbs below are to help in systemic problems, which can slow down the process of weight loss.

Bladderwrack is also a natural source of iodine, it has been found to promote a healthy thyroid and stimulate blood circulation, and is used to treat obesity, goiter, and kidney dysfunction.

Cayenne Pepper assists in digestion. It also eases muscle pain, relieves cluster headaches, reduces arthritis pain, lowers cholesterol, fights shingles pain, prevents heart disease, and treats diabetic foot pain.

Corn silk is very beneficial in treating urinary tract infections and helps to pass urinary stones. It is a soothing diuretic for kidney and bladder problems.

Dandelion Root is a mild herb laxative, especially effective in cases of chronic and age-related constipation and water retention.

Kelp is a significant source of iodine. Studies show that iodine stimulates the thyroid, boosting the body’s metabolism rate, allowing the body to burn calories more quickly.

Marshmallow Root is a natural herb that is effectively used to assist in stimulating and cleansing the kidneys and bladder.

Peppermint has a relaxing effect on the digestive system muscles, combats flatulence, and stimulates bile and digestive juice flow.

Spirulina, a type of algae, is a rich source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. In one double blind study of sixteen overweight individuals, ingestion of 2.8 grams of spirulina three times per day for four weeks resulted in a small, but statistically significant weight loss.

Herbal Combinations and Formulas

Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers full ~ approximately 1 tablespoon or 40 drops, under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.

Blood Purifier – Pau D’ Arco, Red Clover, Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Cascara Sagada & Buckthorn.

Ginseng Energy: American, Korean, Siberian & Tienchi Ginseng.

Immunity: Astragalus, Pau D’Arco, Suma, Dandelion root, Oatstraw, Kelp.

Male Power: Korean Ginseng, Tienchi Ginseng, American Ginseng, Siberian Ginseng, Mura Puama, Nettle, Astragalus, Saw Palmetto

Women’s Balance: Chaste Tree, Dong Quai, Red Raspberry, Dandelion, Blessed Thistle, Gota Kola, Kelp & Licorice.

Triphala is a traditional Ayurvedic Indian herbal compound used for constipation and poor bowel tone and is designed to support the body’s natural cleansing process. It is one of Ayurveda’s most important herbal formulas for thousands of years. Triphala is a balanced blend of three Indian Herbal Fruits: Harada (haritaki), Amla (amalaki) and Behada (bibhitaki). Each balanced to vatta, pitta and kapha respectively.

Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy can help by controlling your appetite. We often eat, out of habit or boredom or as a social gesture, yet we may not be hungry at the time. People who do try to stop an addictive behavior, such as smoking or binge eating, often find themselves overeating.

One reason is habit. They are used to doing something with their hands and mouth, so they eat. Or they could be battling the misery of nicotine withdrawal with the nurturing pleasure of food. Regardless of the excuse, this lack of control often leads to many health problems.

Helpful, are essential oils such as Bergamot, Fennel and Patchouli because, together, they can help suppress appetite.

Aroma-Remedy Blends combine the most effective essential oils together in the correct blend to assist in appetite control, weight loss, and craving control.

Utilize these blends of essential oils 3 times a day, morning, afternoon and night:

Angel’s Mist Appetite Suppressing Inhalant Remedy Blend

Angel’s Mist Appetite Suppressing Stomach Rub Remedy Blend

 Hydrotherapy

The mysterious and amazing healing power of water has been utilized for centuries. Water cleanses, refreshes and restores all life. We are always drawn to water. Be it a soothing fountain or majestic waterfall. Water is a carrier. It flows. It moves along the line of least resistance to find its way to the ocean where comes and goes in the ebb and flow of tides and waves. The appeal is inexplicable! We crave water, maybe because our bodies are made up of a large percent of it. Maybe because we instinctively know how it can heal us.

Hydrotherapy is the use of water in any form, in the treatment of dis-ease.

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and hydrating of the system. It is also filling and a good substitute for soda or sugar-laden drinks. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, drinking water helps you burn fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake, will cause fat deposits to increase. Without water, the kidneys cannot effectively filter out the waste products and other chemicals which build up in the bloodstream and interfere with the liver’s ability to metabolize fat. As a result, you become more likely to store fat and less likely to burn it.

Ironically, drinking more water is the BEST remedy for water retention. When your body is low in water, you retain pockets of salt and water under the skin, as a defense mechanism. For your body does not know when it will get its next drink. This stored water and salt under the skin will create a puffiness and looks like fat. Drink plenty of distilled water or low sodium water and avoid high- sodium foods.

Steam treatments and hot baths have a cleansing effect on acne and oily skin. Instructions for a warm bath: Fill your bathtub with water slightly warmer than body temperature, around 97 degrees to 101 degrees F (You can check the temperature of the water with a regular thermometer.) As the tub fills with water add 2 spoons of Angel’s Mist Deep Soak Sea Salts to the bath water for a soothing, skin cleansing soak.

Submerging as much of your body as possible, stay in the bath for at least 20 minutes, adding water as needed to maintain the temperature of the bath. Shower or bathe, morning and evening. When we sleep, our body accumulates toxins and dead skin cells, so when we wake in the morning, we are a virtual petri dish of the night’s processes the body goes through.  In the evening, our body has gone through the day sweating, secreting, exercising, stressing and shedding.  Our body’s skin surface becomes overloaded .  Simply cleansing the skin with soap and water can deter the build-up of these acne causing antigens.

Nutritional Advise

1. Grapefruit: In a 2004 study at the Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, California, researchers investigated the effect of grapefruit on weight loss and found that eating half a grapefruit before a meal can help us lose weight. The researchers studied the effect of grapefruit capsules, grapefruit juice and real grapefruit. All three seemed to help, but eating the real grapefruit got the best results. Grapefruits also contains cancer-fighting compounds like liminoids and lycopene, and red grapefruit has been shown to help lower triglycerides. Half a grapefruit has only 39 calories. This makes it a great breakfast food, a super snack between meals or make it a dessert!

2 Sardines: Sardines are high in protein, which helps stabilize blood sugar, making you feel full and helps stimulate metabolism. They’re a great source of omega-3s, which not only strengthen the cardiovascular system but also are helpful in boosting mood. Sardines are also free of contaminants, such as mercury and heavy metals.

3. Pumpkin: is considered one of the greatest weight-loss foods ever. Canned pumpkin is absolutely loaded with fiber and has only 40 calories. Dozens of studies show that high fiber intake is associated with a many health benefits, including weight management. Pumpkin is also among the easiest food in the world to prepare. You can sweeten it with your favorite low or 0-calorie sweetener, sprinkle it with blood-sugar-lowering cinnamon and nutmeg for good measure, throw in some healthy almonds and make it one of the best tasting weight-loss treats around. It’s filling and delicious. Makes a great dessert, snack or side dish.

4. High-protein diets are associated with weight loss for a variety of reasons: Protein stimulates metabolism, helps you feel full longer and helps decrease the desire to overeat. Protein is important because it allows the brain to synthesis the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which help keep your mind attentive and alert. Excessive protein levels make the organs of digestion work much harder to process this food and robs your energy stores. Find the balance for YOU. Listen to your body! It will tell you what makes you feel good and what does not. Especially in the long term. Consume lean sources of protein such as skinless white meat poultry or fish, with fibrous water rich vegetables such as string beans, tomatoes, cucumbers.  Consider these great protein foods such as lean beef, lean pork, chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, and sardines.  Protein shakes or meal replacement bars work well as one of your small meals. Be aware of the carbohydrates in most bars and shakes for they can be extremely high. Medium to low amounts of carbs 2-14 grams a bar is sufficient.

5. Carbohydrates provide glucose for energy. Excessive carbohydrates can increase blood sugar levels to dangerous levels, which then makes your body shut down to protect itself. Again, find the balance that is right for YOU. Listen to your body! It will tell you what makes you feel good and what does not.

6. If you have issues with excess heat, (sweating, red face, red skin, inflammation) look at eating foods that have a cooling nature. If you have excess cold (cold fingers, toes, hands, feet, cold abdomen, especially below the navel), look at eating foods that have a warming nature. Neutral foods help to regulate our system.

7. Green Tea is a natural weight-loss stimulant and is a great slimming solution Green tea is rich in antioxidants, promotes heart health, assists digestion and regulates blood sugar and body temperature. It raises the metabolic rate and speeds up fat oxidation, and therefore helps people lose weight. Drink it daily to boost your metabolism. Some research has shown that five cups a day is the magic number for fat loss. As an added benefit, the theanine in green tea is also a great natural de-stressor.

8. Apples and Pears are both great foods for boosting metabolism and weight loss. Apples contain naturally-occurring chemical compounds known as phytochemicals, polyphenols, or flavonoids, some of which have been proven to have antioxidant activity that inhibits, or scavenges, the activity of free radicals in the body. Cell damage from free radicals can be a factor in certain cancers, heart disease, strokes, and other conditions. The major antioxidant components in apples are polyphenols contained mainly in the skin known as quercetin glycoside, phloretin glycoside, chlorogenic acid, and epicatechin. Water rich fresh fruits such as pears, will dilute the calories in your foods, so you can eat more and not overdue the calories. This high fiber fruits is nutritious and keeps the digestive system on track as well as helps to steady the insulin levels, which is going to prevent fat storage. Overweight women who ate the equivalent of three small apples or pears a day lost more weight on a low-calorie diet than women who didn?t add fruit to their diet, according to researchers from the State University of Rio de Janeiro. Fruit eaters also ate fewer calories overall.

9. Soups are super! According to a Penn State University study, soup is a super appetite suppressant because it?s made up of a hunger-satisfying combination of liquids and solids. In the study, women chose one of three 270-calorie snacks before lunch. Women who had chicken and rice soup as a snack consumed an average of 100 fewer calories than those in the study who opted for a chicken and rice casserole or the casserole and a glass of water.

10. Low-Fat Yogurt has shown to boost weight loss efforts, according to a study in the April 2006 issue of Obesity Research. People on a reduced-calorie diet who included three to four servings of dairy foods lost significantly more weight than those who ate a low-dairy diet containing the same number of calories. Low-fat yogurt is a rich source of weight-loss-friendly calcium, providing about 450 mg (about half the recommended daily allowance for women ages 19-50) per 8-ounce serving, as well as 12 grams of protein. It includes calcium, protein and a ton of other nutrients as well as good bacteria for you digestive tract.

11. Eating adequate amounts of fiber is believed to be important for individuals wishing to lose weight. Fiber contains bulk and tends to produce a sense of fullness, which allows people to consume fewer calories. However, research on the effect of fiber intake on weight loss is conflicting. Some studies have shown that supplementation with a source of fiber accelerated weight loss in individuals who were following a low-calorie diet. In another study, supplementation with a bulking agent called glucomannan (1.5 grams before breakfast and dinner) promoted weight loss in overweight individuals who were not following a special diet. However, other researchers found that increasing fiber intake had no effect on body weight, even though it resulted in a reduction in food intake. Different types of dietary fiber are available from a variety of sources, and the amount recommended depends on the kind being used. Individuals wishing to use a fiber supplement should consult with a nutritionist.

12. Juice Therapy is an excellent way to get your fruits and vegetable fresh and in their natural form. Blending fruits and/or vegetables into a great juice creation or smoothie can be an excellent snack or meal replacement. Consider Andrew’s great juice and smoothie recipes!

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners.

Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine, which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

Ayurveda

The principle medical system of India is known as Ayurveda and is over 5,000 years old. This “Science of Life” is considered the art of living in harmony with nature. Developed from the ancient text of The Vedas, Ayurveda views the human body as a “homunculus” of our cosmic Universe, regulated by the balance between three primordial humours, call Dosha.

Your dosha are your Ayurveda mind and body type. There are three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We each have all three of the doshas in our physiology, just in different proportions, so your dosha is unique and personal; it is like your fingerprint.

An imbalance in Vata results in the accumulation of toxins and improper digestion.

An imbalance of Pitta affects the blood and liver, increasing for inflammation.

An imbalance of Kapha, is caused by having a slow metabolism.

Digestive Health

Geared toward the health and well-being of each individual dosha. Maintains healthy digestive acid levels and a healthy stomach lining while supporting a comfortable post-meal experience.  Consider Vata Digestion,  Pitta Digestion or Kapha Digestion formulas.

Neem

Neem has traditionally been used to purify the blood, cleanse the liver and support the immune system. It is also commonly used to support healthy skin and to maintain healthy blood glucose levels. This very famous and popular herb is found whole, in powder, pills and oil.

Triphala

This combination of three fruits is one of the best bowel formulas in the world! Assists natural internal cleansing, Gently maintains regularity, nourishes and rejuvenates the tissues, supports healthy digestion and absorption and is a natural antioxidant.

Kapha Diet
Inherently, excess kapha is involved in being overweight, but it can also cause attachment, greed, resistance to change, lethargy, excessive sleep, heaviness in the mind and body, congestion, depression, a sluggish metabolism, and water retention (among other things). Eating a kapha-pacifying diet helps to clear excess kapha from the system and can affect change in all of these areas -supporting the body in achieving a more balanced weight while improving overall health.

Emotional Aspect:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or “excess emotions” that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self are exceptional tools on your healing journey.  Here are some suggestions:

One of the biggest culprits in weight control issues is how we look at ourselves. Our distortion of our body image is one of the most destructive behaviors we can harbor and must be conquered in order to win over this self abuse! Consider these great tips:

The Honor Myself Check List

Self Esteem: The Learning Process

Stress and Weight Loss

Weight gain is often caused by “emotional eating” due to stress, anxiety or social habits. There is often a “hole” in our character, personality or mentality that we tend to “fill-up” with food. We need to look for something else to fill that void. A passion or hobby can bring us “back to our center“. For whatever reason we have low self esteem, a lack of security or the need to please others instead of taking care of ourselves, we need to take back our power and do for ourselves.

Make an Emotional Food Diary

1. For two weeks, make notations whenever you have a mood swing, emotional upheaval or change in energy (such as hyperactivity or lethargy).

2. Note the date and time of the event.

3. Note what actions you take to bring yourself back to balance. Do you sit down and do yoga, stretch, meditate. Do you binge eat, have a drink or do other actions revolving around food?

4. If you react with food, what do you eat? Find comfort in?

5. Note the volume of food you consume at that time. Don’t lie. Write the truth in your journal.

6. The Emotional Food Dairy is NOT a judgement tool. It is a way for you to go back to it, AFTER a week is done and look at habits you may not even realize you are doing in response to change.

7. After committing to two weeks of journaling, take a look at the overall process. Was it somehow helpful to you? In retrospect, did you gain valuable information from it?

8. If so, consider writing in it for another week.

9. You can use this diary to write down “positive progress” as well. Did you make any changes after your first two weeks?

10. Your Emotional Food Diary can just be the tool you need to take you to a new plateau of understanding your emotional connection to food and how you can actually take control and do something about it!

Yoga Therapy

Yoga poses can be good alternatives to “traditional” health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through it’s healing process.

Stress Control:

The Yogic breath exercise can be done without instruction, without danger, and with a good chance that your discomfort and stressful feelings will be reduced. Relaxation Breath is the most powerful tool for stress management.

Sit up, with your back straight in any position.  Place your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise. Exhale completely through your mouth.

Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. Try to do this breathing exercise at least twice a day. You can repeat the whole sequence as often as you wish, but don’t do it more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. This exercise is fairly intense and has a profound effect on the nervous system.

Deep Diaphragm Breath

Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That’s it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breath, deep.

Also consider Breath Exercises, Child’s Pose, Cat, Head to Knee, Knee to Chest, Laying Down Twist, Standing and Seated Forward Bends, Standing Back Bends..

Crystal Reference

Calcarea Carb – indicated for obesity in childhood (derived from calcium)
When the obesity starts early in life, Calcarea Carb is one of the best homeopathic medicine for obesity. It is a great homeopathic remedy for children who grow fat and are pot bellied. Even the head is large sized. There is excessive sweating on the head. This sweating is more pronounced while sleeping. The pillow gets wet when the child sleeps. The child is usually anaemic even when he seems to be quite obese. There is a desire for eating some indigestible things like chalk, earth, lime and paper. The child is fond of eggs, salt and sweet things. The child is quite sensitive to cold and cannot tolerate cold air or low temperatures. The head remains icy cold. The digestive system is sluggish and the child is often constipated. (Take orally in homeopathic form)

Graphites – indicated for obesity during menopause (derived from graphite)
When a lady tends to gain weight around menopause, Graphites is one of the best homeopathic medicines for obesity. Even during the young age, the females have delayed menses. The patient may have lot of skin eruptions. The defining feature of this homeopathic remedy is that the skin eruptions ooze thick sticky discharge. The patient usually suffers from constipation. There is an increased sensitiveness to cold.  (Take orally in homeopathic form)

Ferrum Met – indicated for obesity with anemia (derived from iron)
When the patient has anemia despite being fat, Ferrum Met is one of the best homeopathic medicines for obesity. The skin is pale and so are the mucous membranes. There may be flushing of the face despite being anemic. The hands and feet remain cold. The muscles are flabby and relaxed. The patient is so weak that walking or talking can be difficult. There may be palpitation of the heart that is worse by any and every movement.  (Take orally in homeopathic form)

Amethyst or amethyst powder is a mineral consisting chiefly of silicon dioxide. Amethyst assists in healing addictions of food and all other substance for centuries. Minerals in amethyst provide purification and detoxification functions. (Never take orally ~ Use the stone topically)

Obsidian reduces cravings and shielding us from negativity.  (Never take orally ~ Use the stone topically)

Tourmaline facilitates weight loss by getting your energy flowing. (Never take orally ~ Use the stone topically)

As a healing tool, crystals have been used for meditation, stress relief, massage and energy work. Crystals offer an additional way to balance energy, amplify both energy and thought, bring clarity in thinking, and harmony and alignment with our own energy systems.

The Complete Chakra Kit  stimulates the seven main energy sources which govern all the major organs and psychologically alters and clears the body’s energy in order to allow healing to take place. A great stress relieving meditation tool!

Peacefulmind Remedy Bags are our fantastic prescription remedies for a multi-layered approach to treating specific disorders. These very special bags are a plan of care for treating problems such as arthritis, anxiety, stress or pain – just to name a few.  These bags features 3 of the crystals for treating a disorder, a sample herbal remedy, a meditation, an essential oil blend and acu-point self-massage techniques. Also with great tips and remedies for recovery. Choose from over 80 disorders.