disclosed is a composition and method for facilitating weight loss in individuals . the composition is a physiologically effective amount of the herbal substance bauhinia in a suitable carrier . the carrier can be water , alcohol , mixtures thereof , capsules , powders , tinctures , liposomes , chewing gum , lozenges , candies , food , skin creams , or lotions . the method is to administer a physiologically effective amount of the herbal substance to an individual seeking to lose weight . the preferred herbal substance is obtained from the leaves of a bauhinia forficata tree .