The Best Herbs for Bloating and Weight Loss

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If you’re like me and most women, after having children, that nice flat tummy you once had just isn’t so flat anymore. I have always been athletic and involved in some sport or aerobics-even while pregnant, but despite all the crunches and sit-ups my midsection just won’t flatten out. I don’t remember ever feeling bloated before children, but now I can definitely feel and see it! But is that just part of life as we age? Do I just have to live with it? NO! There are solutions-healthy, good for you solutions.

First let’s talk about some of the causes of bloating. One of the problems that often go undiagnosed and can cause bloating or looking bloated is diastasis recti. This is a separation of the muscles that circles your waist and act as a natural corset. Many women suffer from this after having children (and yes, after 3 kiddos, I have it), but even some men and women who have never given birth have this. The good news is that it can be healed with no surgery. I am currently working on mine through a Diastasis Boot Camp by Olivia Cagle, and have almost completely healed mine! And yes, my belly that once looked bloated (even when I wasn’t) is getting flatter.

But there are other reasons which cause tighter waistbands and not so flat tummies. Most of the time our problems do arise from bloating. The foods we eat can result in bloating and cleaning up our diets can help flatten our tummy tremendously. Constipation can also cause bloating, and cleaning up our diets will also improve our regularity which will help with bloating. But taking certain herbs can help speed up the process. They help our bodies get rid of the excess water, help with regularity, and they can ward off hunger cravings which help in losing weight altogether.

So which herbs bust bloating, flatten tummies, and curb craving?

Nettle– Oh how I love this herb. Also known as stinging nettle, this herb is high in iron and Vitamin C, helps rid the body of mucus, and will increase milk supply in nursing mothers. It really nourishes the body.

Alfalfa-mostly recognized as an add on to salads this herb is packed with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and beta carotene. It also contains 8 amino acids. It works as a natural diuretic and is a good laxative. *If you have lupus or other auto immune disorders, it’s best to avoid alfalfa.

Fennel Seed-a great digestive aid, fennel helps relieve gas-another cause of bloating.

Milk thistle-know as the “liver herb”, it helps repair and rebuild the liver which breaks down fats and detox the body.

Dandelion Root-high in minerals, it helps with anemia, reduces blood pressure, and acts as a digestive aid and diuretic. It also contains potassium which regulates water balance (which causes bloating) and normalizes heart rhythms.

Ginger Root-calms and warms the stomach to promote digestion.

Cayenne-a catalyst when combined with other herbs; stimulates the production of gastric juices, improves metabolism and relieves gas. It has more Vitamin C than an orange.

Burdock Root-a great blood purifier and diuretic.

Siberian Ginseng (also known as Eleuthero)-relieves physical and mental stress, normalizes blood pressure, reduces cholesterol and increases stamina.

Garlic-digestive aid, relieves gas and expels parasites (umm, yes that would cause bloating.)

All of these herbs can be taken individually or they can be purchased together and taken as a powerhouse tincture (which is how I prefer to take them). The synergistic action of them together is amazing. I can take them and not worry about craving foods or over eating because my body has been nourished and is not craving nutrients. And the next day I can see visible results. But one of the best benefits is that I know I am nourishing my body!

Want to hear more about what happens in our body that causes it to hold water and bloat? Want to hear more about how these herbs stop bloating and nourish your body? Or just want to see my tincture and how I take these? Check out the periscope I did on bloating.

Happy Bloat Busting and Herbing It Up!

Brigett