Chi geng teng

(gymnema sylvestre)

Gymnema sylvestre is a "neutral" herb that is widely used in TCM to help dispel pathogenic heat and wind, relieve pain and detoxify. But in Indian medicine it is more widely used as a "sugar killer" that can help decrease desire for sugar as well as the absorption of it.

It can help people with an irresistible desire for desserts to lose weight.

The special elements in gymnema sylvestre can block the channel between taste buds and sweetness while leaving the buds for bitterness and sourness alone. People who drink gymnema sylvestre will find any dessert tasteless for at least an hour, which helps decrease their desire for it. Moreover, modern research also shows that the tea can also help restrict intestines absorbing glucose by about 35 percent. Excess glucose usually isn't dispelled, but turns into fat. Drinking gymnema sylvestra tea can help prevent this happening by both decreasing eating and glucose absorption. It is better to drink before eating sweet things. Chewing leaves will function even better.

Jue ming zi

(Semen Cassiae)

Semen Cassiae is a "cold" herb that helps dispel pathogenic heat and dampness, improve eyesight, move the bowels and promote urination. Drinking it often can help normalize metabolism and thus aid weight loss.

It is especially recommended for people with constipation problems in damp and hot areas.

Drinking Semen Cassiae tea can often have results similar to a laxative, which can help decrease nutrition absorption. But Semen Cassiae usually functions more mildly. In addition, pathogenic heat and dampness in southern regions of China usually disrupt the metabolism of the body. That sometimes results in fatness, as the body cannot dispel excess nutrition and stores it as fat. Therefore, dispelling heat and dampness is equally as important as decreasing nutrition absorption in this case.

Pour boiling water in a mug or tea pot with about 30 grams of Semen Cassiae and drink it often.

It can be repeatedly poured throughout the day.

Oolong

Oolong tea is a "warm" half-fermented tea with rich microelements such as iron and calcium, as well as effective elements that help promote dispelling fat. Drinking oolong tea often can help prevent the body absorbing much sugar and fat from foods and promote fat burning.

It is also a good choice for those who gained weight from eating too much fatty foods.

Drinking a cup of oolong tea before and after a meal can help promote resolving and dispelling fat before it is absorbed by the body.

It is suggested that you drink oolong when eating very greasy foods, as it can both help make you feel full quickly and help dissolve the fat.

Others that can help

Alisma orientale

Function: helps promote urination. But too much may cause kidney problems.

Tuckahoe

Function: beneficial to the spleen and helps promote urination. It can also help decrease blood sugar, reinforce energy and improve immunity. It can be drunk often.

(Shanghai Daily August 18, 2009)