Beneficial properties of mistletoe and linden for weight loss
In folk medicine, infusions of mistletoe and linden are among the most common types of herbal remedies actively used to treat various diseases and normalize body weight. Each of these plants has a wide range of valuable qualities for humans, but the greatest benefit for weight loss is their combination and synergistic interaction.
mistletoe
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant in the form of evergreen balls growing on the branches of various trees. Berries, young shoots and leaves, which contain many unique substances, are used for medicinal purposes. Thanks to this composition, they have a number of effects that have a beneficial effect on the weight loss process:
- improve protein metabolism;
- enhance cell regeneration;
- activate the synthesis of collagen, which rejuvenates the skin.
In herbal medicine, mistletoe is used as a hemostatic, analgesic, fever reducer and antidote. At the same time, the plant itself is quite poisonous, and in the Middle Ages, infusions and decoctions from it were widely used for easy and quick relief not from pain, fever or excess weight, but from an enemy or rival. But over time, representatives of alternative medicine, guided by the statement that large quantities are poison, small quantities are medicine, began to actively use mistletoe for healing. At the same time, the effectiveness of using this plant is not confirmed by any scientific research, but the results of phytotherapeutic practice are quite impressive.
In terms of weight loss benefits, proponents of this weight loss method claim its ability to provide a number of valuable benefits during a diet, including:
- accelerate satiety, reduce appetite;
- activate metabolic processes;
- increase the feeling of vigor, promoting increased physical activity;
- have a diuretic effect;
- reduce high cholesterol;
- eliminate anxiety and sleep disturbances.
This plant has a beneficial effect on the female body, including during menopause. But the main property of mistletoe is its ability to normalize the metabolic mechanism, which makes losing weight with this product faster and more comfortable.
Linden blossom
Linden flowers have a distinct aroma along with valuable medicinal and cosmetic properties. When used correctly in combination with a proper diet, decoctions and infusions from them provide guaranteed results in the fight against excess weight. Linden has the following effects:
- strengthens the immune system;
- restores blood circulation;
- calms the nervous system;
- tones brain activity;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- improves kidney function;
- relieves swelling;
- removes toxins.
The benefits of using linden infusions and decoctions for weight loss are due to the unique diuretic and diaphoretic properties of the flowers. The integrated use of linden blossom internally and externally allows you to achieve visible results after just a few weeks of such herbal medicine.
Synergistic effect
Considering the beneficial properties of mistletoe and linden for weight loss, as well as the ability to enhance each other’s effects, the most valuable for weight loss is their joint use against the backdrop of a properly selected diet. In a synergistic relationship, these plants provide the following results:
- decreased hunger, satiation in smaller portions;
- stimulation of digestion;
- acceleration of metabolism;
- removal of toxins, waste, excess fluid;
- elimination of edema;
- increased physical activity;
- improvement of emotional and mental state.
The herbal tandem allows you to efficiently and quickly remove all excess from the body, triggering its natural self-regulation, increasing performance and improving brain activity. This has a positive effect on the normalization of body weight, since most pathological processes that cause excess weight gain occur due to the accumulation of excess fluid and toxins in the tissues.
Important! Using mistletoe and linden for weight loss can speed up weight loss, but should not be the basis of your diet. Decoctions and infusions from this plant material are only a cleansing and tonic, and not a panacea. Relying solely on them will not improve your figure.
Taking the complex while following an appropriate diet gives visible results within 5–7 days. First, lightness appears in the body, mood improves, energy and endurance increase, then swelling disappears, the volume of problem areas decreases, and the skin becomes more elastic. However, you should not overuse infusions and decoctions based on mistletoe with linden when losing weight, since exceeding the dosage can cause serious damage to health.
Types of mistletoe
Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that penetrates its roots under the bark of the victim tree. The plant is perennial, evergreen, resembles a spherical bush with a diameter of up to 120 cm. It grows in the crown of another tree, from which it feeds.
There are approximately 70 species in nature. They differ in the tree species on which they settle:
- White - so named because of the white color of the berries. It grows on fruit trees, maples, poplars, and pines.
- Willow - prefers to “settle” on willows, in the upper parts of their branches.
- Red. It got its name thanks to its bright, purple berries. Found on birch, poplar, and maple trees.
In medicinal practice (folk and traditional), leaves and shoots of mistletoe are used. A substance is extracted from the berries to make glue against flies and insects - garden pests.
Mistletoe, which grows on birch trees, has blood purifying properties. Oak or pine will help with angina pectoris and diseases of the bronchopulmonary system.
Harm
The benefits of using mistletoe and linden for weight loss can only be obtained with the correct use of decoctions and infusions. Violating the recommendations regarding the rules of this method of weight loss can lead to some adverse reactions, including:
- excessive excretion of potassium with the development of hypokalemia;
- cardiac dysfunction;
- blurred vision;
- insomnia;
- problems with the gastrointestinal tract.
To avoid such symptoms, you should not try to speed up the process of getting rid of extra pounds by increasing the concentration or amount of the product used. In any case, before drinking an infusion or decoction of mistletoe with linden for weight loss, you should consult your doctor to rule out any contraindications.
When and how to drink herbs
If you have an incorrect, unhealthy diet, taking decoctions is useless. Moreover, it can cause damage to health. Nutritionists unanimously say that the basis for any method of losing weight is a properly selected diet.
Rules for using decoctions
Herb for weight loss and cleansing the body of toxins
Before drinking mistletoe for weight loss, you should familiarize yourself with the rules for taking herbal decoctions and teas:
- the dosage of phyto-raw materials should in no way be exceeded;
- It is not recommended to drink for more than 5 days in a row;
- yesterday's decoction cannot be used;
- a repeat course is carried out no earlier than a month's break.
Important! Drinking mistletoe for a long time will cause poisoning. The need for long-term use is carried out with the permission of a doctor and under his supervision. For more convenient and safe use of mistletoe, dietary supplements based on it are produced.
5
Allowed combinations
For 5 days, during which the decoction is taken, the following are completely removed from the diet:
- regular tea and coffee;
- dishes containing animal fat;
- any sweets.
There is no way to go hungry; you take steamed and boiled vegetables, porridge from any cereal, and salads in small portions. Boiled eggs, cottage cheese and cheese are allowed. You can only eat white sea fish. As a dessert, you can indulge in prunes, dried apricots, honey, and some nuts. It is useful to season drinks made from linden and mistletoe with spices: vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, ginger.
Important! All current diets using mistletoe and linden are designed for a course of 5 days.
Approximate scheme for taking decoctions
Taking herbal decoctions every day:
- Before meals, half an hour before, drink separately brewed herbs one at a time.
- Repeat the course of the first day.
- Linden and mistletoe are already brewed together.
- You can add a spoonful of honey to the daily dose of decoction.
- Herbal tea is diluted with lemon juice.
The entire course should be additionally consumed with a glass of linden tea just before bed. This will have a calming effect and improve sleep.
Mistletoe and linden, for those who want to lose weight, are considered only as aids. The main thing is special diets and physical activity. An integrated approach will help to effectively solve the problem of excess weight.
Diets
Since it is almost impossible to lose weight by taking only decoctions or infusions of mistletoe and linden, it is necessary to consume such drinks against the backdrop of a properly selected healthy diet. Nutritionists recommend several different diets that are optimal for this method of weight loss.
Useful
A special 5-day weight loss program is based on the use of mistletoe and linden infusions with a simultaneous transition to a healthy, balanced diet. If these recommendations are strictly followed, you can achieve unique results in just 5 days, however, such a diet can be maintained for a month, focusing on your well-being and your goals. After this, you need to take a break for 10–15 days and you can repeat the course until the desired body weight is achieved.
The regimen for taking the infusion during this period should be as follows:
- first and second days - 30 minutes before each meal, alternately take linden infusion and mistletoe infusion, 1 glass each, for example: in the morning - linden, before lunch - mistletoe, before lunch - linden again, etc.;
- from the third day the herbs must be brewed together;
- from the fourth day - add 2 tsp. honey for 2 liters of infusion;
- from the fifth - dilute it with the juice of one lemon.
Throughout the course, before going to bed, it is recommended to drink ½ glass of linden infusion to calm down and improve the quality of sleep.
Important! A course of taking an infusion of mistletoe and linden for weight loss should not be accompanied by fasting or overeating. During this period, it is necessary to follow the principles of a balanced, healthy diet, eating food in moderation and avoiding unhealthy foods.
When creating a menu, it is recommended to give preference to vegetables, fruits, low-fat varieties of fish and meat, dairy and fermented milk products, and cereals. You can eat sweets, but only in the first half of the day, then eat protein-rich foods. You should drink about 2.5 liters of healthy liquid per day, including linden-mistletoe infusions. An approximate menu for the week could be as follows:
Monday:
- breakfast – oatmeal with water, fresh orange juice;
- lunch - steamed fish, vegetable stew;
- dinner - 2 boiled eggs with lettuce;
- snacks - natural yogurt, 1 glass of berries.
Tuesday:
- breakfast - oatmeal porridge with nuts and honey;
- lunch - lean borscht, a piece of boiled veal;
- dinner - boiled beet salad with grated cheese;
- snacks - banana, cottage cheese casserole.
Wednesday:
- breakfast - boiled rice with prunes, green tea;
- lunch - baked potato, cucumber salad;
- dinner - steamed chicken cutlets, fresh tomatoes;
- snacks - pear, carrot juice.
Thursday:
- breakfast - 2 slices of cheese, a slice of whole grain bread, cucumber, tea;
- lunch - pumpkin puree, a piece of boiled veal;
- dinner - avocado salad with shrimp;
- snacks - cottage cheese with berries, green apple.
Friday:
- breakfast - buckwheat, chicory infusion;
- lunch - boiled or baked fish, fresh vegetables;
- dinner - cottage cheese and vegetable casserole;
- snacks - 2 peaches, kefir.
Saturday:
- breakfast - fruit salad with natural yogurt;
- lunch - buckwheat porridge with beans and tomatoes;
- dinner - boiled chicken breast, sliced vegetables;
- snacks - orange, boiled egg.
Sunday:
- breakfast - millet porridge with dried apricots or prunes;
- lunch - lean soup, a piece of boiled chicken;
- dinner - cabbage salad, 1 boiled egg;
- snacks - 25 g of nuts, banana.
By organizing your diet in such a healthy way and combining it with taking linden-mistletoe infusions, you can lose 4–5 kg in a week without much effort or harm to your health.
Nourishing
In this version of the diet, decoctions of linden and mistletoe are also taken, first separately, and then together, but according to the principle of alternating every other day. That is, on the first day only linden decoction is prepared and consumed, on the second - mistletoe, on the third - from a mixture of plants. Just as in the previous diet, on the fourth day honey is added to the drink, and from the fifth day - the juice of sauerkraut or one lemon. The duration of this weight loss option is also designed for 5 days, but can be extended up to 1 month.
During the entire diet, 2 basic conditions must be observed:
- 30 minutes before meals, drink a glass of linden and/or mistletoe decoction;
- immediately before each meal, eat an unlimited amount of salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, celery stalks and herbs, seasoned with natural yogurt, lemon juice and spices (without salt and oil).
When creating a menu, you can choose options for main meals and snacks from those suggested below.
Breakfast options:
- 150 g of porridge with milk or water.
- Whole grain bread with cheese and a slice of tomato, 1 egg, tea.
- A slice of black bread with a thin layer of butter, a banana.
- 150 g cottage cheese with berries and 1 tsp. honey
- 2 loaves of bread with marmalade, banana.
Lunch options:
- 100 g boiled veal, stewed cabbage.
- 4 jacket potatoes, 3 slices of cheese, 1 tomato.
- Buckwheat porridge, eggplant stew with onions and tomatoes.
- Broccoli casserole with cheese.
- 150 g boiled beans, 2 carrot cutlets.
Dinner options:
- 150 boiled breast, cabbage casserole.
- 150 g of seafood of your choice (mussels, shrimp) with lemon juice.
- 200 g grilled fish.
- 200 g lentils stewed with tomatoes.
- 1 egg, 1 tomato, 200 ml yogurt.
Snack options:
- Apple, banana.
- 2 whole grain breads, 200 ml yogurt.
- 70 g hard cheese, 1 tomato.
- 200 ml milk, 2 loaves of bread.
- 200 ml orange juice with crackers.
Despite the name of the diet, its diet is designed for only 1300 kcal. But it is observed quite comfortably, since it is based mainly on products containing plant fibers, which provide a long-lasting feeling of satiety. In addition, linden-mistletoe decoctions also help reduce hunger and appetite. As a result, in 5 days on such a fairly satisfying diet, the weight can reach 5 or more kilograms, depending on metabolism, the amount of excess weight and other individual characteristics of the body.
Vegetarian
To quickly lose weight, strict diets are most often used, often ending in breakdown and overeating, which results in even greater weight gain than before losing weight. A more effective alternative to this method of normalizing body weight may be a vegetarian diet in combination with taking linden and mistletoe tea. In this case, a fairly concentrated infusion of each plant is used in turn (every other day), which is taken only once a day - in the morning on an empty stomach 30 minutes before meals. The optimal duration of the diet, as in previous options, is 5 days, the maximum is 1 month.
Along with drinking linden and mistletoe infusions, a vegetarian menu is followed. In this case, the diet is based on the following principles:
- fractional meals - at least 5 times a day;
- no fasting or prolonged abstinence from food;
- predominant use of vegetables and minimal consumption of fruits and other carbohydrate-containing foods;
- increasing the volume of liquid drunk per day - at least 2 liters;
- reducing the consumption of salt, seasonings and spices that stimulate appetite.
A vegetarian diet, combined with the beneficial effect of mistletoe and linden infusion on weight loss and overall health, helps not only effectively lose extra pounds, but also improve your well-being. The diet includes the maximum amount of healthy products not only of plant but also of animal origin - in particular, eggs, low-fat dairy and fermented milk products. Therefore, the menu for the week is quite varied and can be compiled as follows.
Day 1:
- breakfast – 150 g of buckwheat porridge with 1 glass of milk or kefir;
- lunch - 2 apples;
- lunch - 200 ml of lean soup, 1 rye toast, 200 g of vegetable salad;
- afternoon snack - 2 eggs, 1 tomato;
- dinner - 200 g of grilled vegetable mixture, 150 g of boiled brown rice.
Day 2:
- breakfast - 2 egg omelet with milk or kefir, 1 whole grain bread with cheese and tomato slices;
- lunch – 1 grapefruit;
- lunch - 200 g of salad from celery stalks and apples with the addition of grated cheese and 1 tsp. olive oil;
- afternoon snack - 150 g egg-curd casserole;
- dinner - 2 baked potatoes, 150 g eggplant caviar, 2 whole grain toast.
Day 3:
- breakfast – 200 ml of viscous rice porridge with milk, chicory infusion;
- lunch - 150 ml natural yoghurt, 1 pear;
- lunch - 200 ml of tofu soup, 150 g of vegetable stew, 1 whole grain bun;
- afternoon snack - 1 orange, 100 g cottage cheese;
- dinner - 200 g of vegetables stewed with mushrooms and onions.
Day 4:
- breakfast - whole grain toast, 1 egg, 1 cucumber, 1 glass of kefir with chopped herbs;
- lunch - 150 g of sweet and sour fruit salad with natural yogurt dressing;
- lunch - 200 g of pepper stuffed with rice and vegetables, 200 ml of berry broth;
- afternoon snack - 150 g egg-curd casserole;
- dinner – 2 jacket potatoes, 150 g green beans, 2 tomatoes.
Day 5:
- breakfast – 100 g of oatmeal, pre-filled with a glass of kefir, 1 banana;
- lunch - omelet of 2 eggs and kefir, 1 cucumber;
- lunch – 200 ml lentil soup, 150 g cabbage salad with grated carrots, 2 kiwis;
- afternoon snack - 150 g of cottage cheese with berries;
- dinner – 250 g vegetable stew.
Day 6:
- breakfast - 100 g of cottage cheese with 1 tsp. honey, 150 ml yogurt with berries;
- lunch - 2 sweet and sour fruits of your choice or 200 ml of dried fruit decoction;
- lunch - 200 ml of lean borscht, 150 g of vinaigrette, 1 apple;
- afternoon snack – 2 scrambled eggs with tomato slices, 150 ml fermented baked milk;
- dinner – 150 g of cabbage stewed with mushrooms and onions, 2 slices of rye bread.
Day 7:
- breakfast – 150 g apple-curd casserole, 150 ml yogurt;
- lunch - 1 banana, 1 apple;
- lunch – 100 g pearl barley porridge, 150 g boiled cauliflower, 200 ml tomato juice;
- afternoon snack - 2 egg omelet, 200 ml kefir;
- dinner - 150 g of vegetable stew, 150 g of baked asparagus.
All portions must be weighed to ensure that the recommended amount of food is accurately followed. It is better to cook dishes in non-stick dishes, boil them in water or steam them.
Despite the fact that plant foods are predominantly carbohydrate, drinking linden-mistletoe infusion during such a diet can significantly reduce its effect on weight by accelerating metabolism and stimulating the gastrointestinal tract.
Baths
To increase the effectiveness of weight loss by removing toxins and excess fluid through the skin, it is recommended to take a bath with linden-mistletoe decoction or infusion. In addition, this will help strengthen the skin and prevent sagging after reducing body volume.
To carry out the procedure, prepare 5 liters of useful concentrate according to the same recipe as for internal use, add it to a bath filled with warm water and immerse in it for 15–20 minutes. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 2 times a week throughout the entire weight loss period.
Compresses
If you don’t have the time or opportunity to take baths, you can treat the skin no less effectively with hot compresses made from a decoction or infusion based on mistletoe and linden. To do this, you need to do such poultices daily, applying a dampened cloth to problem areas of the body for 15 minutes.
Hot compresses based on this raw material effectively relieve swelling, prevent the appearance of stretch marks and even help get rid of existing ones. In addition, quercetin and kaempferol contained in linden blossom disinfect the skin, relieve spasms and relax the surface layers of the dermis.
Ice rubs
Using mistletoe and linden, you can not only lose weight more effectively, but also maintain skin tightness, which noticeably suffers with weight loss. To restore its normal tone and elasticity, you should perform “stress rubs” daily with cubes of frozen concentrated infusion. In this case, you need to treat the skin in problem areas most carefully.
Recipes
If the diet, in addition to dietary restrictions, uses mistletoe and linden for weight loss, how to take infusions or decoctions is described in the general recommendations and rules of the dietary program. In addition, you need to know the recipes for the correct preparation of this herbal remedy. It is this approach that will allow you to get the optimal result without discomfort or harm to health.
Decoction
To prepare a decoction of mistletoe, linden or a mixture of both, you need:
- add 5 tbsp. l. vegetable raw materials in 2 liters of water;
- boil;
- reduce heat and simmer at a barely noticeable boil for 8–10 minutes;
- Immediately pour the resulting product into a thermos.
Take the decoction according to the diet rules during the day, pouring the volume required for one serving from a thermos.
Infusion
Steam mistletoe and linden for weight loss in slightly different proportions - 2 tbsp. l. dry product per 1 liter of boiling water. The principle of preparing the infusion does not differ from the classic recipe for brewing herbal teas - the raw material is poured with boiling water, covered with a lid and left to cool, then filtered and consumed in accordance with the dosage regimen recommended in the diet.
Concentrated infusion
A higher concentration infusion is intended to be taken once a day - on an empty stomach before breakfast. It is prepared at the rate of 2 tbsp. l. herbs or flowers for 1 cup of boiling water. After brewing, infusion and filtering, a portion for a single dose is obtained from the specified volume.
Pharmaceutical preparations based on mistletoe
"Visculen" . The drug is presented in liquid form. Prescribed to eliminate the symptoms of hypertension. Recommended dosage is 10-20 drops 3 times a day.
Alcohol tincture , with an alcohol content of 20%. Has a wide scope of application. Prescribed by the attending physician to eliminate the symptoms of various diseases. The drug is taken as a course (no more than three weeks in a row). The average dosage is 25 drops three times a day.
“Mistletoe and Japanese Sophora” (alcohol tincture). The drug can be used as a means to cleanse blood vessels. Dosage: 1 tsp. 2-3 times a day. The duration of the course can be up to 3 months.
Contraindications
Using decoctions and infusions of mistletoe and linden for weight loss is not suitable for everyone, since if you have certain health problems, these plants can significantly aggravate the situation. Contraindications to this method of weight loss are:
- malignant tumors;
- cardiovascular diseases;
- liver and kidney diseases;
- chronic headaches;
- high blood pressure;
- pregnancy;
- lactation.
Important! Decoctions or infusions based on mistletoe and linden cannot completely replace the usual teas or coffee. This is due to the presence in these plants of a certain amount of quite active and even toxic substances, which can accumulate in the body and cause negative consequences.
In any case, if, after drinking an infusion or decoction of mistletoe and linden for weight loss, severe dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting occur, you should immediately consult a doctor and report poisoning.
Reviews and results of losing weight
Olga, 32 years old, Tolyatti
When I decided to take my weight seriously, I thought that I should help my body cope with the problem with the help of traditional medicine recipes. I immediately became interested in information about how useful mistletoe and linden are for weight loss - reviews of the decoction and infusion of these plants almost unanimously spoke of their high effectiveness. I took an infusion based on mistletoe and linden along with a low-calorie but proper diet. As a result, in the first week I lost 5 kg, and in a month a total of 11 kg. But the most important thing is that this process did not cause severe discomfort, and after it was completed, the weight did not return for six months. The drinks themselves taste quite pleasant, especially the lime one. I didn’t really like the mistletoe infusion, but I only had to drink it for a few days, and then, in combination with linden flowers, it acquired a wonderful aroma and taste. So losing weight on these plants causes only positive emotions and at the same time has a beneficial effect on health and body weight.
Ekaterina, 27 years old, Bryansk
I drank an infusion of mistletoe and linden for weight loss alternately for a week. At the same time, I gave up sweets and other high-calorie foods and started running in the morning. In 7 days I was able to lose 4 kg. I think a lot of the credit for this goes to these healing drinks, since nutritional correction and morning jogging have never given such quick results before. Thanks to the linden-mistletoe infusion, my appetite decreased and swelling went away. Although I am sure that these decoctions do not affect the process of burning fat, they contribute to the normalization of the body’s functioning, due to which it begins to solve this problem on its own.
Lilia, 43 years old, Evpatoria
Losing weight with mistletoe and linden is much easier than usual, but for me personally this method caused some deterioration in my health. On the positive side, I would like to note that after drinking the infusion, the feeling of hunger and appetite are significantly reduced, so you can be satisfied with less food. Thanks to this, the stomach gradually decreases in volume and the need for food also becomes less every day. After a week of taking the drinks, my usual portions were reduced by almost half, and after 2 weeks I lost 6 kg. True, the process itself became quite a serious test for me. On about the third day of use, mild nausea appeared, and after a couple of days, dizziness and periodic headaches appeared. Therefore, I was unable to complete the course, but only lasted for half a month. But the result was still as expected.
Chemical composition of plants
Any part of the plant contains the same complex in equal quantities, called viscotoxin. This substance contains carbohydrates and amino acids.
Mistletoe and linden for weight loss
In addition, the following were found in parasitic grass:
- unsaturated fats;
- bioflanoids;
- terpinoids;
- flavonoids;
- histamines;
- choline, its derivatives;
- a number of alkaloids;
- alcohols;
- tannins;
- resinous substances;
- organic acid ursulic;
- oleanoic acid;
- vitamins PP, E, C.
The list continues with a number of useful minerals. It was found that the biochemical composition of parasitic plants may differ - it depends on the tree on which it grows. Regarding mistletoe, it is recommended to collect grass that has sprouted from willow, oak or pear.
Where is it sold?
You can collect the plant yourself and dry it according to the rules for further use. But the plant can also be purchased at the pharmacy. The ready-to-eat dry herb is processed, dried and prepared for brewing in the factory. Most often, white mistletoe is sold in pharmacies, packaged in 50 g packs.
Price range: from 25 to 60 rubles. The herb is sold both alone and in medicinal preparations, ready for brewing.
