Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss: 5 Amazing Herbs

Are you looking to boost your weight loss journey with the power of Traditional Chinese Medicine? If so, stick around because here are 5 Chinese herbs for weight loss, taken from traditional medical literature.

Here you will learn a bit about them, how to use them, what to look out for, and when they should not be consumed. Let’s get started.

In Chinese medicine, excessive weight manifested in an increased body fat percentage is seen as a buildup of Dampness/Phlegm caused by either a weak Digestive System i.e. Spleen Qi Deficiency, Stomach Qi Deficiency, and others; as well as by poor dietary habits like excessive sweets, greasy foods, lack of a proper meal timing and so forth. The Chinese Herbs for weight loss are aimed at restoring and strengthening the Spleen, Stomach, and the invigoration of the flow of Qi. Some of the most common and useful herbs are Ginseng, Coix Seeds, Tangerine Peel, and Chinese Yam.

Chinese Medicine’s View of Excessive Weight

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, being overweight and obese has its roots in two main causes:

• Poor Digestive Health: Maybe a Qi deficiency or stagnation is affecting one of the organs in digestion. Most often it is the Spleen the one who is affected. This causes Dampness which then translates to more body weight.
• Bad Dietary Habits: Overindulgence in eating is perhaps the most common cause of obesity. Failing to follow the body’s natural rhythm impairs its functioning and if sustained long enough it will make you gain weight.

The herbs for weight loss act to energize the Spleen and digestive organs, as well as dispel Dampness in the body.

Without further ado, here are the herbs:

Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss: Ginseng

Ginseng (Ren Shen) is one of the most commonly known Chinese herbs worldwide. It is a powerhouse of a plant and its actions are simply breathtaking. As you may know, Ginseng is used for tonifying Qi, energizing the Spleen and Stomach improving digestion. Well, if you thought nothing could be added you’re wrong because Ginseng also aids in weight loss. It generates fluids, quiets the spirit, and strengthens the resolve. Through its tonification of qi, it generates Blood and encourages blood flow.

It usually comes as extracts or tinctures you find in Chinese herbal pharmacies.

Precautions

Different preparations of Ginseng serve different purposes, you must consult your TCM doctor to check which one is ideal for you.

Should not be taken with coffee or other stimulants.

Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss: Chinese Yam/ Dioscorea rhizome

Chinese Yam has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune modulation effects. It also has been shown to moderate appetite, and have greatly beneficial metabolic functions like reducing obesity-induced insulin resistance as well as protecting against hyperlipidemia.

Here is a breakdown of what Chinese yam does:

• Appetite Suppression: Dioscorea extracts have been noted to help regulate appetite, potentially leading to reduced caloric intake. This effect can be beneficial for individuals aiming to lose weight.
• Metabolic Regulation: Research indicates that Dioscorea rhizome can influence metabolic processes. For instance, studies on Dioscorea batatas have shown that it can inhibit high-fat diet-induced weight gain in mice, suggesting that it may enhance metabolic health and promote fat loss.
• Fat Absorption Inhibition: Extracts from Dioscorea oppositifolia have demonstrated the ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase, an enzyme crucial for fat digestion. By reducing fat absorption, these extracts can lead to lower body fat accumulation.
• Anti-Adipogenesis: Some studies have highlighted the anti-adipogenesis effects of Dioscorea extracts, indicating that they may prevent the formation of new fat cells, further supporting weight management efforts.
• Enhancement of Lipid Profiles: Supplementation with Dioscorea has been associated with improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which are important for overall metabolic health.

This makes this herb a high-ROI investment in your diet.

According to TCM theory, the Chinese yam has these main functions:

• Tonifies and augments the Spleen and Stomach.  
• It also tonifies the Qi and the Yin.
• Does not obstruct digestion
• It has a compounding nurturing effect due to its energizing of the Metal element which then strengthens both Water and Earth.
• It has a harmonious meaning it can be consumed often without having side effects.

When consuming Chinese yam you must keep in mind that because this herb is both a food and a medicine, its effects are more long-term and slower to notice.

Preparations

Use it as a common ingredient in your meals.

Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss: Poria/China Root

Poria cocos, commonly known as Fu Ling or China Root, is a type of mushroom used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has gained attention for its potential benefits in weight loss. Its effects go from diuretic actions by inhibiting the absorption of electrolytes in the renal tubules to reducing blood pressure and blood glucose.

Here is what Western science says about Poria:

• Metabolism Regulation: Recent studies have shown that Poria cocos extract can improve glucolipid metabolism in obese mice. This includes reductions in body weight and fat content, as well as improvements in blood glucose and lipid profiles.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Poria cocos has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for weight loss. Chronic inflammation is often associated with obesity and metabolic disorders, and reducing inflammation can help improve overall metabolic health.
• Appetite Control: The extract may help regulate appetite and food intake, contributing to weight loss. By enhancing satiety, it may assist individuals in reducing their caloric intake.
• Diuretic Properties: Poria is known for its diuretic effects, which can help reduce water retention and bloating, potentially leading to a decrease in body weight.

According to Chinese Medicine, Poria has these effects:

• Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach: energizes digestion.
• Harmonizes the Middle Jiao/Middle Burner which is the part of the Triple Burner in charge of moderating and modulating the digestive functions.
• Gets rid of Dampness.
• Expels pathogenic heat.
• Clears the water passages

Preparations

Several layers of the mushroom are used and in different preparations with varying effects.

• The outer layer of the fungal node (Poria Cutis) is used to dispel Dampness and has more effect in edemas than in Spleen tonification.
• White and Red Poria are the portions that grow closer to the roots. Red Poria is more effective at treating scat urination whilst White Poria is more tonifying and enters the Qi.
• The root is used to calm the Shen.
• Dry fried: Briefly dry-frying or baking over low heat enhances its ability to tonify the Spleen.

Precautions

Do not use it when there is urinary dribbling, spermatorrhea, or in cases of Kidney Qi deficiency.

Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss: Tangerine Peel

In this case, we will be using the skin of the fruit. The skin of the tangerine is dried and then used for its weight-loss properties. The tangerine peel contains a flavonoid called nobiletin that may help suppress appetite and reduce food intake, contributing to weight loss. Leave it to dry overnight and then store it in a dry sealed container in a dark place. It should last a couple of months.

Here is a summary of the biomedical effects of Tangerine peel:

• Appetite Suppression: Tangerine peel contains a flavonoid called nobiletin that may help suppress appetite and reduce food intake, contributing to weight loss.
• Metabolic Regulation: Studies suggest that nobiletin can inhibit genes responsible for producing fat, potentially preventing obesity. Tangerine peel may also help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is important for maintaining a healthy weight.
• Antioxidant Properties: The peel is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to obesity.
• Digestive Health: Tangerine peel contains fiber and essential oils that may stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut function, aiding in weight management.

According to TCM theory, tangerine peel:

• Mobilizes and strengthens Qi.
• Harmonizes the Middle Jiao and the Stomach relieving stagnant Qi patterns and solving abdominal distension.
• Dries Dampness and transforms phlegm thus having weight loss properties.

Preparations

Dry it overnight, use the peels as the ingredients of a smoothie, make yourself a tangerine peel tea, or make it powder and add it to your meals. To make the tea, take a couple of pieces of peel and put them in a cup of boiling water for three minutes.

Make sure to choose organic, pesticide-free tangerines for this use.

Precautions

It should not be used in case of dry cough caused by fire nor it should be used constantly as its prolonged use harms the primal Qi.

Chinese Herbs for Weight Loss: Coix Seeds

Coix Seeds, also known as Job’s tears is a herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to strengthen the Spleen, dispelling Dampness from the flesh and sinews, as well as energizing the Lungs. Some investigations show its weight loss properties like:

• Metabolic Regulation: Coix seeds have been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism. Research indicates that coix seed extract can reduce body weight and fat content in animal models, particularly in those fed high-fat diets. This suggests that coix seeds may help regulate metabolic processes related to obesity.
• Gut Microbiota Modulation: Coix seeds can influence the composition of gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in metabolism and weight management. Studies have shown that coix seed consumption increases beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Akkermansia, which are associated with improved metabolic health and reduced obesity risk.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The anti-inflammatory properties of coix seeds may help reduce chronic inflammation, a common factor in obesity and metabolic disorders. By mitigating inflammation, coix seeds may support overall health and weight management.
• Appetite Suppression: Coix seeds are rich in dietary fiber, which can promote satiety and reduce overall food intake. This effect can be beneficial for individuals looking to manage their weight.

Preparations

• Dry Fried for harmonizing the Middle Jiao and boosting digestion.
• Raw or Cooked for energizing the Spleen and leaching out Dampness.
• The root for clearing heat and resolving dampness can also expel parasites.

Precautions

None noted according to the book Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.

So that’s it. You have now the knowledge of 5 very powerful herbs you can use to boost your weight loss journey. Make sure to also follow the general weight loss rules like getting enough exercise including a good amount of walking per day, eating whole foods and reducing hyper-processed foods and sweets, and getting enough sleep.

See ya in the next post!