Hello beautiful people! As our winter layers come off, we may notice that some "winterizing" has no buttons or zippers for removal. Body acceptance is a wonderful thing, but too much extra weight is linked to health risks. Unfortunately, weight lost through increased exercise and dieting is not permanent. Slow and steady wins this race. A healthy weight is still the goal, but it is had by being healthy. Chinese herbal formulas customize the weight loss journey by addressing the root cause. Choosing the formula that best matches the cause assures good results. Let’s step into the herb pharmacy!
Overeating
A body can become overweight from overeating
Overeating is eating more than the stomach can process. The stomach is approximately the size of the cupped hands. It should be filled to 80% of that volume. Chewing food well and eating slowly gives the stomach a chance to feel full before it is too full. If overeating is the problem Astra Diet tea and Astra Diet 18 are good choices.
Astra Diet Tea
This formula contains herbs that regulate stomach functions and the appetite. This helps to obtain maximum nutrition from a limited diet. For best effect take Astra Diet Tea with Astra 18 Diet.
Contraindications: Avoid taking before bedtime because of energizing and diuretic effects.
Astra 18 Diet
Astra 18 Diet (Modified Fang Feng Tong Sheng San) is an additional formula for overeating. A body can become overweight from weak digestion causing internal phlegm and damp. Astra 18 Diet addresses abdominal bloating, edema, phlegm, congestion, fatigue, and loose or erratic stools. It is based on the traditional formulas of siler and platycodon combination used in a successful Japanese weight loss study. (1)
As a bonus, it also treats arthritis accompanied by extensive swelling, redness, and numbness.
Shen Ling Bai Zhu Pian
Here at AcuAtlanta, we have very good results with this formula. The herbal actions literally reduce the size of fat cells by draining out the damp. The formula focuses on tonifying the Spleen. A hearty Spleen optimizes digestion and keeps damp from accumulating. Indications for this formula are diarrhea or loose stool, fatigue, shortness of breath, weak digestion and loose skin or soft muscles. The tongue is pale and thin. (2) If most of the indications match and work involves a lot of sitting or general lifestyle is sedentary, Shen Ling Bai Zhu Pian is the right formula.
Edema
A body can become overweight due to edema
Fang Ji Huang Qi
Dating from the year 220 AD, Fang Ji Huang Qi was first recorded in Essentials From the Golden Cabinet. As a weight loss helper, Fang Ji Huang Qi addresses swollen tissues by regulating the fluid metabolism of the body. This is the right formula for weight loss where there is edema or swelling in the knees or intestines. Other indications are being easily tired or tired all the time, aversion to wind and absence of thirst. The tongue is pale and sometimes puffy with a thin white coat. (2)
Constipation
A body can become overweight from constipation
Constipation contributes to weight gain, not only by causing a backlog in the bowels but also by creating malabsorption. This leads to the need to eat more and slows digestion. As a result, the absorption of Vitamin B12 is slowed. B12 is essential for converting calories to energy. When calories are not converted they are stored as fat.
Lotus Leaf Tablets
Lotus Leaf Tablets uses modern Chinese research on the herbal treatment of lipid conditions associated with being overweight. The five herbs in Lotus Leaf Tablets are among the most frequently used and widely researched. Together they address the dampness which causes weight gain and treats chronic constipation. Indications for use are overweight, constipation and abdominal distention. Lotus Leaf also supports normal cholesterol.
Da Chai Hu Tang
The overweight condition for Da Chai Hu Tang is one of the excesses as opposed to digestive weakness. This classic formula is just right for constipation when liver function is stagnant. The symptoms are constipation with a distended and hard abdomen. Other indications are nausea, irritability, headache and feelings of heat or chills and heat. The tongue is red with a yellow coating. (2)
Dr. Kang Diet
Dr. Kang’s treatment principle is to clean the intestines from a heavy and fat diet. It is for those with digestive weakness which has caused constipation. Indications for use are feeling heavy, a tendency to move slowly, fatigue, easy sweating, short of breath, and poor memory. The tongue for this formula is swollen with a white coating.
Dr. Kang Diet has only four herbs in it. Two are for constipation: Da Huang and Lu Hui. These address acute and chronic constipation and clean the intestines (3). The third herb in the formula is Jiogulan, also known as Gynostemma pentaphyllum, traditionally used to restore balance to all five of the body systems. Research shows it lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure, and strengthens immunity (4). The fourth component of the formula is Sha Ji - Hippophae rhamnoides Fruit Sea Buckthorn. Recent studies find this herb to protect the cells and modulate the immune system. It is anti-tumor and anti-microbial and aids in tissue repair. (5)
Lifestyle
Moderation is the key.
Eat moderately
Moderation is a major factor in healthy weight loss. Be moderate in what you eat; consume enough to support your energy. Read our tips for optimizing digestion.
Move around
Exercise should be moderate. Too much exercise can be damaging and cause a rise in cortisol. The constant release of cortisol reduces the ability to burn fat and increases the rate of fat storage. Most belly fat is the result of chronic high cortisol (6). Moderate daily exercise lowers cortisol, as does meditation and petting an animal or being creative. For instance, forty-five minutes of creating art lower the cortisol in most people (7).
Get some sleep
Being sleep deprived causes cortisol to spike (8).
Try Acupuncture
Acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for weight loss helps control the appetite and balances hormones. Get some.
Use herbs wisely Serving size is according to instructions on the label or as per your practitioner. In some cases, herbal formulas can be taken in conjunction with other medications. It is critical that interactions be researched before embarking on a course of treatment. There are plenty of resources. Before taking any of these formulas to consult with a knowledgeable practitioner. Chinese herbalism is based on treating the pattern of symptoms, not a western medical diagnosis. If you have questions or special considerations, please work with your practitioner.
Disclaimer These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Serving size is according to instructions on the label or as per your practitioner. Be well and enjoy.
