Which Herbs Will Boost Metabolism

Controlling how quickly and efficiently food is converted into energy, the body's metabolism is primarily regulated by the thyroid gland. Specific herbs may be helpful in increasing activity of the thyroid gland and boosting an individual's metabolism.

Thyroid and Metabolism

• From an allopathic perspective, the under-activity of the thyroid gland is generally to blame for a slow metabolism. This common condition often playing a role in obesity is called hypothyroidism.

  From a holistic perspective, regulating the flow of energy between bodily organs promotes proper digestion and allows the body's metabolism to be regulated. Through cleansing the blood and lymph nodes and cleansing the organs of excessive mucous and toxins, proper thyroid function is achieved.

  Factors which may cause a thyroid to become underactive include poor nutrition, stress, excessive sugar consumption (often causing yeast overgrowth) and daily caffeine consumption. A weakened thyroid often causes unwanted weight gain, fatigue, sleepiness, depression and headaches.

Norwegian Kelp

• Drawing its nutrients only from the sun and water, Norwegian sea kelp contains almost every mineral needed for human existence. Specifically, high iodine levels found in Norwegian kelp have been shown to promote proper thyroid function, while providing energy and helping to burn food so it is not stored in the body as fat.

Yellow Dock

• Yellow dock is an herb which has practical applications in boosting metabolism function, due to its high content of valuable minerals which affect thyroid health. Yellow dock is said to relieve digestive stagnation. Through promoting proper liver function and cleansing the kidneys and lymph nodes, yellow dock herb promotes harmony between organs of the body.

Goldenseal

• Due to its cleansing action on the digestive system and mucous membranes, goldenseal may be taken to promote healthy metabolism. Goldenseal has traditionally been used to treat low thyroid function, as it is believed to help tone the stomach, spleen and pancreas, thereby helping to regulate digestion, assimilation and blood sugar levels. However, do not take goldenseal if pregnant or allergic to ragweed.

Additional Recommendations

• Applying a natural progesterone cream which can be purchased at most health food stores may increase thyroid function; thereby increasing metabolism rate. The herbs genetian and mugwort have also been named as effective.

  A simple thyroid test should be conducted by a physician when an underactive thyroid is suspected. According to Phyllis Balch of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," depression, menopause and sugar intolerance can cause many of the same symptoms as an underactive thyroid condition.

  Balch recommends adding these metabolism-boosting foods to your diet: whole grains, raw seeds, parsley, potatoes, fish and chicken. Avoiding all processed and refined foods which contain white flour and sugar is also highly recommended.