Natural Herbs That Boost Metabolism

Metabolism is the rate at which you burn energy and store fuel for your body. While aging slows your metabolism down a bit, over time your activity slows as well. Injuries, disease and busy work and home schedules can keep you from burning calories the way you used to. But there are spices and herbs that help rev up your metabolism. Read on to learn more, and of course always consult your doctor before beginning any course of treatment.

Tea for You

• Switch from coffee to chai tea, as it contains black tea and spices that can safely and naturally boost your metabolism. Look for chai blends that contain cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, cloves, anise, fennel seed and nutmeg. In addition, green tea helps in fat metabolism.

Spice It Up

• Don't shy away from cayenne or black peppers, mustard or curry if you can stand the heat, because these spices bring the rewards of thermogenesis, or heat-generating effects, that will rev up your metabolism.

Helpful Thyroid Herb

• Kelp contains iodine, which is great for your thyroid gland---the key organ in maintaining a healthy metabolism. It can be taken dried in pill or capsule form or used as a salt substitute.

Helpful Heart Herb

• Hawthorn has a positive effect on the heart, as it aids in the transport of oxygen, which is necessary for keeping metabolism on an even keel. Some herbalists note that it lowers cholesterol, too. You can make tea from the flowers, leaves or crushed berries.

Helpful Appetite Herb

• Alfalfa is not just for horses, as this powerhouse plant contains components that stimulate digestion and enough vitamins and minerals to be considered an essential in your medicine cabinet. The leaves make a pleasant-tasting tea, which makes it even easier to incorporate into your diet.