i read in a book about asian medicine that for problems with excess water weight there are several herbs that are helpful. the first thing you do is look at your tongue to determine whether or not you have symptoms of excess heat or symptoms of excess cold. if you notice that your tongue is red and cracked with a possible yellow coating you have heat symptoms and should take the cooling herbs fennel or dandelion as teas or in capsules throughout the day, up to 12 capsules of dandelion can be taken as well as taking fennel tea throughout the day. if you notice that your tongue is pale and swollen with a possible white or watery coating you have cold symptoms and should take the heating herb clove as a powder in tea or capsules. i noticed i had cold symptoms so i have been taking the clove tea, 2 pots a day with four capsules a pot. the book said that you would know that clove was the right herb if the instant you drank a cup of the tea you felt wonderfully energized and could breathe better,thats what happened to me, if you felt too hot clove is not the right herb for you and you should take cooling herbs. i've been drinking the tea for about 5 days now and have already lost 3 pounds. hope this helps