We can all use a little help when it comes to losing weight. many health experts recognise herbs have the power to help boost metabolising curb, Appetite and help burn fats

Most of us at some time in our life have tried to shed a few kilos. Success has depended largely on following two common-sense rules - reduce food intake and increase the energy expended.More commonly recognised now is the effective role herbs play in helping toreduce weight.

Ginseng (Siberian) Called the root of immortality Ginseng is the most famous of the herbal fatigue fighters. The Chinese have been using it for more than 5000 years and revere it as a preventative and cure-all. It helps digestion, arthritis, anaemia and insomnia as well as improve physical stamina, counteracts the damaged caused by physical and emotional stress and prevents the depletion of stress - fighting hormones in the adrenal glands. It is also considered an Aphrodisiac.

Kola (Cola Cotviedon) In Chinese medicine this herb is considered to be a "fountain of youth" because it increases longevity. It is known for its energising effects and has been used for a long time as a tonic. It is also a good nerve stimulant and diuretic.

Fig (Ficus) A natural laxative which increases metabolism.

Brindleberry is an age old ingredient used for reducing appetite by giving your brain the message you're full. It also allows excess sugars in the body to be used as accessible energy rather than be stored as fat.

Fennel is an appetite suppressant and a metabolic stimulator. The ancient Egyptians used the sweet tasting fennel seeds as a flavouring herb. It also soothes the stomach and improves digestion and has a diuretic effect, it also stabilises the nervous system.

Cayenne (Capsicum Frutescens) Is useful for increasing the metabolic rate of the body by raising the intestinal temperature. It also aids digestion and increases the power of other herbs.

Brewer’s Yeast. A natural hormone source of chromium which enhances the efficiency of insulin & plays an indirect role in metabolising fat & turning off hunger signals in the brain's appetite control centre. Chromium aids in building the body's most efficient fat-burning tissue, lean muscle, which burns fat even while the body is at rest.

Stellaria Media (chickweed) Acts as an appetite suppressant and assists in dissolving the plaque out of the blood vessels and fatty substances in the system. It can be added fresh to salads or cooked like Spinach - the flavour is similar. Also good for rheumatism.

Plantain (Plantago Major) Acts as a good fat burner. It neutralises stomach acids and normalises stomach secretions. It also has an ability to eliminate a wide - range of micro-organisms and stimulates the healing process.

Betonica Officinalis (Wood Betony) Works well in cleansing impurities in the blood and opens congested areas of the liver and spleen. It is also known for its tonic effects.

Bladderwrack Raises body temperature. More calories are burned when body temperature is raised.

Chromium
One of the 16 essential trace minerals your body needs to keep healthy and fit. It helps insulin metabolise fat, turns protein into muscle & converts sugar into energy.

Iodine
Promotes normal function of the Thyroid Gland which plays a crucialde role in firing up & maintaining normal metabolism in all body cells.

Magnesiun Oxide
An antacid possessing laxative properties. It helps keep the metabolism steady & aids in bone growth and muscle function.

Pantothenic Acid
Assists brain & nerve functions, helps the immune system by building antibodies, controls cholesterol and fat in the body & aids in the release of energy from foods.

Zinc Amino Chelate
An anti oxidant, essential to most body functions. Promotes brain function & cell growth, aids wound healing & maintains our normal taste & smell.

Vitamin B complex
Loss of vitamins & minerals occur when dieting. The B-Complex Family consists of: Thiamine B1, - Its main task is to break down carbohydrates from food & convert them into glucose, a sugar needed to run the brain & the nervous system. Riboflavin B2 helps the body release energy from protein, carbohydrate & fat. Niacinamide B3 - works with B1 & B2 in metabolism & is essential for providing energy for cell growth. Pyridoxine B6 - plays a critical role in metabolism of nucleic acids & fat. Cobalamin B12 - contains essential mineral elements & aids the functioning of the nervous system & metabolising protein & fat.'