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Exploring Chinese herbs for weight loss unveils a realm of natural solutions. This article examines the top 10 weight loss herbs from Traditional Chinese Medicine and their unique roles.
What Chinese Herbs Are Good for Weight Loss?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), various Chinese herbs for weight loss are used. Here are the best herbs recommended by Dr. Gene:
| Herb’s Name | Function |
| He Ye | Dispels dampness, supports spleen yang |
| Huang Qi | Tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen |
| Shan Zha | Reduces food stagnation |
| Zhi Ke | Reduces food stagnation |
| Zi Su Ye | Promotes movement of spleen and stomach qi |
| Huo Xiang | Dispels dampness |
| Chen Pi | Moves qi in stomach and spleen, dries dampness |
| Lai Fu Zi | Reduces food stagnation and phlegm |
| Chai Hu | Harmonizes liver and spleen |
| Yi Yi Ren | Strengthens spleen, resolves dampness |
FAQ
Which of the 10 Chinese herbs above are good for weight loss but yet, provide you energy?
Among the Chinese herbs for weight loss, Huang Qi is known for its energy-boosting properties. Therefore, it is the best Chinese herb for weight loss and energy.
Which of the 10 above is the best Chinese herbs for belly fat loss?
While overall weight loss is necessary to target belly fat, Shan Zha can help control blood sugar and lipids, which may be related to belly fat.
Which of the 10 Chinese herbs above is good for weight loss after menopause and why?
Sheng Ma, also known as black cohosh, isn’t in the top 10, but it’s a great Chinese herb for weight loss after menopause because it can help balance hormones.
Which of the 10 Chinese herbs above is best for fast weight loss?
Huo Xiang is recommended for rapid weight loss.
How to Incorporate Chinese Herbs into Your Weight Loss Plan?
Many of these Chinese herbs for weight loss can be incorporated into your diet. For example, Shan Zha can be made into a tea, Huang Qi can be added when making chicken broth, and Yi Yi Ren can be added to meals.
Are there any contraindications or particular health conditions for which some of these herbs should be avoided?
Most of these herbs are benign, but there are some TCM patterns that they may not be compatible with. For instance, there are better choices than Chai Hu if you have Yin or fluid deficiency. And, Lai Fu Zi should only be used if you have food stagnation or phlegm build-up.
What is the recommended dosage and frequency of use for each of these herbs for weight loss?
| Herb’s Name | Recommended Dosage |
| He Ye | 3-15g |
| Huang Qi | 9-30g |
| Shan Zha | 8-16g or 30-120g if used alone |
| Zhi Ke | 3-10g |
| Zi Su Ye | 3-10g |
| Huo Xiang | 3-10g |
| Chen Pi | 3-9g |
| Lai Fu Zi | 4.5-12g |
| Chai Hu | 3-12g |
| Yi Yi Ren | 9-30g |
These dosages are for dried whole herbs decocted in boiling water. They should be divided into 2 or 3 doses throughout the day. The more herbs you use in a day, the more you should reduce the dosage of each one.
Are there any special mixes of these herbs that work together to help weight loss?
Yes, some of these make good combinations. For example, Chai Hu can go well with Huang Qi and Zhi Ke, Shan Zha with Chen Pi, and Zhi Ke, Chen Pi with Zhi Ke, and Huo Xiang with Zi Su Ye.
Which of the 10 Chinese herbs above are commonly used as appetite suppressants?
Huo Xiang is commonly used as an appetite suppressant.
Which of the 10 Chinese herbs above are commonly used to improve metabolism?
For improving metabolism, Sheng Jiang or Jiang Huang are recommended.
How is using Chinese herbs for weight loss different from using regular weight loss supplements?
Using Chinese herbs targets how your body works from a TCM view, not just cutting calories.
How long should one use these herbs for weight loss, and are there any long-term effects of using these herbs?
These herbs for weight loss can be used as long as you need additional support. However, you should watch your symptoms, as pushing your energetics in a direction too much can be counterproductive.
Can these herbs be safely used alongside other TCM practices, such as acupuncture or cupping, for more effective weight loss?
Yes, these Chinese herbs for weight loss can be used alongside other TCM practices.
Can these herbs also aid with other health problems tied to weight loss, such as hormone issues, insulin resistance, or inflammation?
Yes, many of these herbs also have other benefits.
Lasty, always talk to a doctor before starting any new health plan, especially if it includes herbs.
