A slimmer figure is every girl's dream, especially in summer when they want to wear skimpy clothes. But losing weight is a tough task, and most people will quit the process because they can't stick to a diet or the physical exercise involved becomes too much for them.

TCM suggests that some herbal teas may help ease the process due to their health-giving medical functions such as benefit spleen and promote urination.

Though eating too much is a direct cause of overweight for most people, a poor digestive and metabolism system also plays an important role.

TCM holds that the spleen is responsible for sending nutrients from the stomach to all the organs, and also for expelling excess fluid. If the spleen doesn't function well, excess fluid will collect and turn into fat. Fat collects not only on muscles, destroying a nice figure, but also on organs and in the blood, which can cause health problems.

Pathogenic dampness and stagnant water is usually what bothers the spleen according to TCM. Therefore, foods that help the spleen while promoting urination will help prevent fat gathering and promote dispelling it through metabolism. Tea is one of the best choices. Most teas can help promote urination while some teas can even help prevent sugar and fat absorption, such as famous Pu'er and Oolong teas.

Here are some popular teas that could help you shed those extra pounds

Lotus leaf

Lotus leaf tea can serve as a "cold" tea that helps dispel pathogenic heat, promote urination, benefit the spleen and stomach, and stop bleeding. It has long been recommended as a slimming drug in China.

Lotus flowers, leaves and seeds can all help promote urination and move the bowels, thus helping lose weight and dispelling excess fat as recorded in many herbal classics including "Bencao Gangmu" ("Compendium of Materia Medica") by herbalist Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

It is especially recommended for those who gain weight from eating too much fatty and greasy foods.

The first-poured strong tea usually has the best function, with its effects decreasing sharply if it is poured a second time. You don't have to cook the tea; just pour boiling water in a mug with a tea bag and cover for about five to six minutes. It is suggested you drink three to four cups of lotus leaf tea six times a day, each time using one fresh lotus leaf tea bag. It is better to drink on an empty stomach. And you don't have to go on a diet, as most people will naturally find themselves less attracted by greasy foods after drinking it for a while. Drinking four cups of lotus leaf tea a day can also help relieve constipation, which will help lose weight more efficiently.