12. Clinically Proven Weight Loss Secrets (Part 3): Weight Loss Tea and BodySlimming

11. Slimming Tea

Indications: Simple obesity.

Prescription ingredients: raw Polygonum multiflorum, hawthorn, abalone shell, Prunella vulgaris, Caragana sinica, radish seed, tea, etc.

Explanation: Simple obesity is a metabolic disease caused by disordered fat metabolism. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, the spleen is particularly crucial in the formation of this disease. This formula strengthens the spleen and regulates qi, eliminates dampness and promotes urination, aids digestion, and relieves constipation.

Typical Case: Mr. Wang, 51 years old, had been obese for over 10 years. Examination revealed symmetrical obesity, weighing 100 kg and measuring 172 cm in height. After consuming 0.5 kg of a slimming tea, a follow-up examination one month later showed a weight loss of 5 kg. After continuing the treatment for two more months, his weight decreased to 90 kg. His blood lipids and electrocardiogram showed no abnormalities after taking the medication.

Prescription source: Clinical observation of 47 cases of simple obesity treated with traditional Chinese medicine. Xie Duanwu, Jiangxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1985(4)35. Manufacturer: Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Factory.

12. Body can be light

Indications: Simple obesity.

The formula consists of: Pinellia ternata (processed), Citrus reticulata peel, Poria cocos, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Atractylodes lancea (fried), Atractylodes macrocephala (fried), Plantago asiatica, Alisma plantago-aquatica (fried), Benincasa hispida peel, Areca catechu peel, Citrus aurantium, Cyperus rotundus (processed), and Artemisia capillaris

Explanation: Simple obesity is a metabolic disease. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the spleen is key to its development. The spleen governs the middle jiao (spleen and stomach) and is the axis of the four qi (vital energy). When the spleen is deficient, the yang qi in the middle jiao is weak, and the transformation and transportation of nutrients are impaired. The qi from food and water cannot be transformed into essential substances, but instead accumulates as dampness and phlegm, leading to gradual obesity. This formula strengthens the spleen, regulates qi, eliminates dampness and promotes urination, aids digestion, and relieves constipation. It can regulate the body's water and salt metabolism, reduce the absorption and synthesis of sugars and lipids in the body, increase the decomposition and oxidation of lipids and sugars, and excrete them through urination and defecation.

Typical Case: Shen XX, 55 years old. For the past 15 years, he had been taking traditional Chinese medicine for hepatitis and chronic pyelonephritis, which gradually led to obesity. Examination revealed a white tongue coating and a deep, thready pulse. He was 1.54 meters tall and weighed 78.5 kilograms, indicating severe obesity. After taking 14 bottles of Ti Ke Qing (1000 pills per bottle), his weight dropped to 73.5 kilograms, and his symptoms disappeared.

Prescription source: Clinical observation of 47 cases of simple obesity treated with traditional Chinese medicine Xie Duanwu, Jiangxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1985(4)35. Manufacturer: Hubei Zhonglian Pharmaceutical Factory.

13. Fangfeng Tongsheng Powder

Indications: Edema-like obesity.

The formula consists of: Saposhnikovia divaricata, Ephedra sinica, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Mentha haplocalyx, Forsythia suspensa, Platycodon grandiflorus, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Angelica sinensis, Atractylodes macrocephala, Gardenia jasminoides, Rheum palmatum, Glauber's salt, Gypsum, Scutellaria baicalensis, Talcum, Glycyrrh

Explanation: This formula comes from Liu Hejian's "Xuanming Lunfang". It has the functions of relieving exterior symptoms, clearing interior heat, and inhibiting metabolism.

Typical Case: A male patient with watery obesity was observed using chest circumference, abdominal circumference, and weight as indicators. He took 5 grams daily for 6 months. In the second month, his chest circumference decreased from 120 cm to 97 cm, his abdominal circumference from 130 cm to 103 cm, and his weight from 72.5 kg to 71 kg. By the sixth month, his chest circumference was 93.5 cm, his abdominal circumference was 94 cm, and his weight was 69 kg.

Prescription source: Discussion on Chinese herbal prescriptions for treating obesity Liu Wencheng, Research on Chinese patent medicines, 1982(1)26-28.

14. Fangji Huangqi Decoction

Indications: Solid type of obesity.

The formula consists of: Stephania tetrandra, Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, prepared licorice root, ginger, and jujube.

Explanation: This formula originates from Zhang Zhongjing's *Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber*. It has the effects of invigorating qi and strengthening the spleen, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling. It can significantly reduce chest circumference, abdominal circumference, and weight.

Typical case: This formula, combined with Fangfeng Tongsheng San, was used to treat a patient with solid-type obesity. The patient was given 5 grams each of Fangji Huangqi Tang and Fangfeng Tongsheng San daily. After 6 months, the patient's weight decreased from 69 kg to 67 kg, and the waist circumference decreased from 100 cm to 85 cm. Total cholesterol decreased from 341 to 148, triglycerides decreased from 288 to 78, and non-esterified fatty acids increased from 0.25 to 0.75.

Prescription source: Discussion on Chinese herbal prescriptions for treating obesity · Liu Wencheng, Research on Chinese patent medicines, 1982(1), 26-28.

15. Lotus Leaf and Atractylodes Soup

Indications: Hyperlipidemia, Hypertensive Obesity.

The formula consists of: lotus leaf, Atractylodes lancea, Atractylodes macrocephala, Phellodendron chinense, Achyranthes bidentata, Coix lacryma-jobi, Astragalus membranaceus, Cinnamomum cassia, Chaenomeles speciosa, Poria cocos, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Crataegus pinnatifida, Plantago asiatica, Polygonum cuspidatum, Prun

Explanation: This soup can strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, replenish qi and promote yang, and has the effects of reducing obesity and lowering blood pressure. The overall purpose is to achieve the effect of eliminating phlegm accumulated in the body through diuresis.

For example, in an observation of 21 cases, the least weight loss was 0.8 kg and the most was 13 kg, and the patients also showed lipid-lowering and blood pressure-lowering effects.

Prescription source: Observation on the efficacy of lotus leaf decoction in treating 21 cases of obesity. Henan Medical Journal, 1980(3)27.

16. Lightweight No. 1

Indications: Simple obesity.

The formula consists of: Astragalus membranaceus, Stephania tetrandra, Angelica dahurica, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Polygonum multiflorum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Crataegus pinnatifida, Salvia miltiorrhiza, Artemisia capillaris, Buffalo horn, Epimedium, and Rheum palmatum.

Explanation: This formula has the effects of invigorating qi and strengthening the spleen, warming the kidneys and assisting yang, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and promoting diuresis and reducing swelling. For those who are obese due to deficiency of both spleen and kidney, internal obstruction of phlegm and dampness, and obstruction of blood vessels by blood stasis, it can regulate the body's metabolism and lower blood lipids.

For example, in a clinical observation of 50 cases, 48 ​​cases showed improvement in symptoms and weight loss, with an effectiveness rate of over 90%. The characteristics of this type of traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss are few side effects, relatively stable efficacy, and convenient administration. It has been proven that the effects of traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss are nothing more than four main aspects: resolving dampness and promoting diuresis, invigorating blood and removing blood stasis, strengthening the spleen and eliminating stagnation, and regulating qi and unblocking meridians. The "Light Body No. 1" formula integrates the mechanisms of these four aspects, hence its significant effectiveness.

Prescription source: Clinical efficacy analysis of 50 cases of simple obesity treated with Chinese medicine Qing Shen No. 1, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1980(10)40. Produced by the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Medical University.

17. Three-Flower Slimming Tea

Indications: Simple obesity.

The formula consists of: rose, jasmine, bitter orange, chuanxiong, and lotus leaf.

Dosage and administration: Take one packet daily, brewed with water at 80-100℃, 2-3 times daily, morning and evening. Alternatively, take one packet morning and evening for 3 consecutive months.

Explanation: Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "obesity causes internal heat," "obesity leads to dampness," "obesity leads to phlegm," and "obesity leads to qi deficiency." This formula contains rose, jasmine, and bitter orange blossoms, which have the functions of relieving chest tightness and promoting qi circulation, eliminating phlegm and fluid retention, promoting diuresis and reducing swelling, invigorating blood and nourishing the stomach, lowering lipids and refreshing the mind. This formula is sweet and neutral in nature, without the drawbacks of being too cold or too hot, which could harm the body's vital energy and stomach. It has a fragrant and palatable taste, and long-term use has no adverse effects.

For example, after 50 obese patients took the medication, 32 patients (64%) experienced significant weight loss, 4 patients (8%) experienced no significant weight loss, resulting in an overall effective rate of 72%; 14 patients (28%) experienced no effect (weight loss of less than 2 kg); among the effective cases, 1 patient lost 15 kg, 3 patients lost more than 10 kg, 8 patients lost more than 5 kg, 9 patients lost more than 4 kg, 7 patients lost more than 3.5 kg, and 4 patients lost more than 2.5 kg. The average weight loss was 4.94 kg.

Prescription source: Observation on the efficacy of Sanhua slimming tea in treating 50 cases of obesity, Gu Xuanwen, "Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine", 1981(6)23-25. Manufacturer: Shanghai Health Beverage Factory.

18. Modified Zhishi Xiaopi Pills

Indications: Hyperlipidemia-related obesity.

Prescription composition: 15g of Citrus aurantium, 10g of Magnolia officinalis, 15g of Codonopsis pilosula, 10g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 10g of Poria cocos, 10g of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, 10g of Sinapis alba, 15g of Raphanus sativus, 10g of Alisma plantago-aquatica, 30g of Crataegus pinnatifida, 30g of Polygonum multiflorum, and 15g of Rheum palmatum. For headache and dizziness, add 10g of Ligusticum chuanxiong and 10g of Chrysanthemum morifolium; for constipation, add 15g of Glauber's salt to be taken with water.

Dosage and administration: One dose per day, decocted into 200-300 ml each time, taken in 2-3 divided doses. One course of treatment is 3 months.

Explanation: This formula is a modified version of the Zhishi Xiaopi Pill from *Lan Shi Mi Cang*, which can invigorate qi, strengthen the spleen and kidneys, dispel dampness and phlegm, and promote diuresis and reduce swelling. Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis invigorate the spleen and qi, promoting digestion; Isatis indigotica and Raphanus sativus invigorate the spleen, dry dampness, and dispel phlegm. Citrus aurantium, Magnolia officinalis, and Rheum palmatum widen the intestines, regulate qi, dispel dampness, promote bowel movements, and eliminate fullness, allowing heat to descend from the large intestine. Poria cocos and Alisma plantago-aquatica drain damp-heat and promote diuresis and reduce swelling. Sinapis alba is pungent and warm, entering the lung meridian and promoting lung qi circulation; Polygonum multiflorum nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence. Studies have shown that Polygonum multiflorum, Crataegus pinnatifida, and Alisma plantago-aquatica have lipid-lowering effects. This formula combines tonification and purgation, with tonification within tonification, ensuring that tonification does not harm the body's vital energy, and tonification within tonification, ensuring that tonification does not stagnate qi.

Example: Three patients (2 males and 1 female), aged 50-57 years, had abdominal circumferences of 90-96 cm, elevated blood cholesterol (greater than 320 mg%), and triglycerides (greater than 140 mg%). After 2-4 months of medication, abdominal circumference decreased by 17-18.5 cm, blood cholesterol levels dropped from a minimum of 150 mg% to a maximum of 200 mg%, and triglycerides were all below 140 mg%.

Prescription source: Case study of 3 cases of Cushing's syndrome, Dong Ming, Henan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1985(5)33-34.

19. Rejuvenating Tea

Indications: Obesity in the elderly and those with weak constitutions.

Formula composition: Sophora japonica fruit.

Dosage and administration: Dissolve in boiling water and drink. Take 1-3 grams each time, 3-4 times a day.

Explanation: Sophora japonica fruit can cool the blood, stop bleeding, and expel pathogenic heat from the five internal organs. Long-term consumption benefits the kidneys and improves eyesight. Sophora japonica fruit contains various flavonoids such as rutin, senna, kaempferol, and genistein. Rutin can reduce capillary fragility and has hemostatic and antihypertensive effects. It also has certain anti-obesity and anti-aging effects for the elderly and those with weak constitutions. Therefore, it is popularly known as "Rejuvenating Tea" in North China.

Prescription source: A proven formula for a new tea preparation - Huantong Tea, Zhang Changcai, Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1982(11)42.

20. Modified Pingchen Decoction

Indications: Obesity due to spleen deficiency and dampness.

The prescription consists of: 75g areca nut, 15g magnolia bark, 7.5g rhubarb (processed with wine), 15g green tangerine peel, 15g atractylodes rhizome, 15g pinellia tuber, 15g poria cocos, 15g immature bitter orange peel, 10g white mustard seed, and 15g charred hawthorn fruit.

Dosage and administration: Take one dose daily, twice a day, morning and evening. The course of treatment is one month.

Explanation: According to the *Neijing* (Inner Canon of Medicine), the spleen governs the muscles and is responsible for secreting waste and distributing body fluids throughout the body's organs and muscles. If the vital energy (qi) is insufficient, it cannot properly distribute the essence of grains to nourish the entire body, leading to the accumulation of fat, phlegm, and dampness in the skin, thus causing obesity. This formula can dry dampness, resolve phlegm, promote digestion, and regulate qi, thus aiding in weight loss.

Typical case: Ms. Lü, female, adult. Weight 86 kg, white and greasy tongue coating, weak and thready pulse. Diagnosed as spleen deficiency with excessive phlegm. After taking Pingchen Decoction with modifications for 1 month, her weight decreased to 80 kg. After 3 months, her weight decreased to 71 kg.

Prescription source: Clinical experience in treating obesity, Liang Guoqing, Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1979(6)5.