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.