Since April of this year (that being the month we debuted on the web), I have been seated in front of this computer for more hours than I can count. My physical activity has been near nil since then. Cathe has a name for this, TCBS (Tele-Commuting Butt Syndrome). Can you relate? I sure can!

My lifestyle changed drastically last April. With less time allotted to gardening, swimming, and other activities, my body began to spread. EEEK! "Physician heal thyself." "Herbalist heal thyself."

NO WAY AROUND IT

The body must move! If we think there is a way to stay in shape without moving our bodies, we are just kidding ourselves. I know, I'm off the subject. You really wanted me to say that there are some magical herbs that will melt away the fat.

THE MAGICAL HERBS

OK! If you believe in magic, here you go ...

Astragalus, Milk Vetch, Huang Qi (Chinese) (Astragalus membranaceus) improves energy levels, increases endurance by raising immune resistance, and lowers blood pressure. It controls body fluids by reducing sweating, relieving fluid retention, and reducing thirstiness. It encourages the system to function correctly.

Bladderwrack, Kelp (Fucus vesiculosus) contains iodine (up to 0.1%) which may stimulate the thyroid gland. It appears to raise the metabolic rate by increasing hormone production by the thyroid gland. In one clinical trial (Italy 1976), patients taking bladderwrack lost much more weight than the control group. Do not take if pregnant or breast-feeding. If suffering from a thyroid illness, take only under professional supervision.

Ephedra, Ma Huang (Chinese) (Ephedra sinca), Desert Tea (Ephedra spp.) is strongly stimulant and diuretic, increases sweating, and can cause insomnia. It mimics the effect of adrenaline increasing alertness and promotes calm concentration. It also relieves asthma, hay fever, colds, and flu. Raises blood pressure, cools fevers, and alleviates rheumatism.

Jaborandi (Pilocarpus microphyllus or P. jaborandi) stimulates all the excretory glands of the body (bronchial, nasal, mammary, salivary, and sweat). It causes intense sweating and salivating and should not be taken without professional supervision. It is very dangerous in high doses. External use is safe. We use it in baths and body wraps.

Khat, Catha (Catha edulis) suppresses the appetite. Ephedrine-type alkaloids strongly stimulate the central nervous system. Khat produces an effect somewhat similar to that of coca leaves. Withdrawal can produce lethargy. In Africa, it is taken in old age, stimulating and improving mental function. In Germany, it is used to treat obesity. Khat may cause headaches, raised blood pressure, and general over-stimulation if used more than a few weeks at a time. Do not take during pregnancy.

St. John's Wort, Y Fendigedig (Welsh) (Hyperisum perforatum) is good for decreased vitality due to menopause. Its key actions are; antidepressant, antispasmodic, stimulates bile flow, astringent, sedative, relieves pain, antiviral. It is a tonic for the liver and gallbladder. It may cause sensitivity to sunlight, short-term drowsiness, and high blood pressure.

Super Dieter's Tea (brand name found in most grocery stores) is strongly diuretic flushing out impurities of the body through the intestinal tract. It also curbs the appetite.

MAKE SOME CHANGES

We did not become overweight overnight. And, there is no safe "quick weight loss." The herbs we mentioned above will not do the trick without other changes. Here are a few practical suggestions.

1. Install a full length mirror in a position where you can see your body often. The bathroom door would be a good location.
   

2. Touch your bones. Locate your pelvic bones and your ribs. Get a mental picture of how they will look when your skin will be able to gently follow their curve. Continue to explore!
   

3. Massage fatty areas and keep them warm. Wear a sweat belt or sweat bans around the waist, hips, thighs, and upper arms. (Herbal body wrapping is effective in this procedure.)
   

4. Move your body. Do something you enjoy doing. Exercise doesn't have to be a drudgery. Just move your body in whatever way you want. Children didn't need a kineticist to teach them how to play.
   

5. Eat pineapples and grapefruit, use fennel seed and fresh rosemary in your recipes, drink spring water, and don't skip breakfast. Start the morning off with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, sweetened with a touch of honey if desired.
   

6. Take herbal scrub baths. Fat and fluids need to be excreted from your body. One of the ways excretion occurs is through the pores of your skin so keep your skin clean and healthy.
   

7. Think thin. Research has shown that our minds set a level of fat that our bodies strive to maintain. It's called a "set point." Reset your "set point."
   

8. Be patient. Weight loss takes time. Relax and inhale some lavender essential oil.
   

9. Love yourself. You are beautiful!

BE REAL

Let's face it. Not everyone is destined to be a super model. Accept the body you live in and let the real you shine through.

Our goal is to bring collective knowledge together to provide accurate herbal information, giving references whenever possible, for the purpose of being informed when choosing self-help and alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. At no time should this publication be considered prescription or treatment, nor should any information published herein be misinterpreted as such. The publishers can not be held responsible for the mishandling of information by its readers.

Please do not take herbal information lightly.
Remember our motto is ... When in doubt, don't!
Until next Monday I remain,

Herbally yours, Abby

Lynda "Abby" Trahan
Abby's Herb Company
P.O. Box 213
Round Top, TX 78954

lynda@abbysherbshop.com
www.abbysherbshop.com

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