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Before talking about the best herbs for weight loss, it’s really important to understand that herbs do not melt fat.
They are not a quick fix or a magic pill that eliminates the need for exercise and a healthy diet.
In fact, it’s almost impossible to lose weight without regular exercise and calorie control. Herbs help by supporting and complementing healthy weight loss efforts.
Some herbs have thermogenic properties and help weight loss by boosting metabolism. Others have mild diuretic properties and reduce water weight, while a few help by reducing food cravings.
The first few herbs in the list below are ones we commonly use to flavor our foods. Later in the list, you’ll find herbs that are not as commonly used every day but they are just as effective for losing weight.
15 Herbs That Help With Weight Loss
1. Fenugreek
A common household spice, fenugreek plays a role in suppressing appetite, reducing food intake, and boosting metabolism. All three actions work together to support weight loss.
How to use fenugreek for weight loss
The best way to use fenugreek for losing weight is by soaking 1 teaspoon of the seeds in 1 cup of water overnight. Consume the water along with the seeds first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
You will need to get used to the taste. In the beginning, start with a quarter or half teaspoon and increase it to 1 teaspoon gradually.
Alternatively, you can buy fenugreek tea or take fenugreek seed powder capsules to help with weight loss.
2. Cayenne Pepper
Categorized as both a herb and a spice, cayenne pepper is a type of chili pepper that gives many dishes their classic spicy flavor.
Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin, a compound that’s well known for its fat burning properties.
A study conducted by Purdue University suggested that cayenne pepper boosts metabolism, which causes the body to burn more calories.
Other studies show that capsaicin also helps suppress hunger cravings and reduce calorie intake. This is because capsaicin lowers levels of ghrelin, a hormone that is responsible for stimulating hunger.
How to use cayenne pepper for weight loss
Adding cayenne pepper to your dishes can help burn fat.
Alternately, if you can handle the spiciness, stir in ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and the juice of 1 lime in a glass of warm water and drink up. The acidic taste of lime balances the spiciness of cayenne pepper perfectly. Both ingredients also work together to aid weight loss by boosting metabolism and burning body fat.
3. Ginger
Ginger is a rhizome of the flowering ginger plant, Zingier officinale. It is categorized as an herb, spice, or even vegetable as it is the root of the plant.
The active ingredient in ginger is gingerols, which helps weight loss through multiple mechanisms. It inhibits fat absorption, facilitates the breakdown of fat cells, boosts mentalism, and curbs excessive hunger.
Ginger is particularly effective for reducing belly fat. This is because it acts as a cortisol suppressant. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that helps to regulate energy and mobilization in the body. Chronic stress causes a spike in cortisol levels, which contributes to belly fat. Consuming ginger regularly keeps cortisol levels down and prevents the accumulation of belly fat.
How To Use Ginger For Weight Loss
The best way to use ginger for losing weight is by drinking ginger tea. Crush ½ inch ginger root and let it steep in 1 cup boiling water for two minutes. Turn off the flame, stir in ¼ teaspoon honey, and sip on your homemade ginger tea.
Ginger tea is an excellent digestive aid too. Drink a cup half an hour after your meals for better digestion.
You can also take ginger supplements or get ginger tea for weight loss.
4. Ginseng
Ginseng is among the most popular and widely used herbs for weight loss. It helps weight loss by boosting the rate of metabolism and hindering fat formation and intestinal fat absorption.
How to use ginseng for weight loss
The best way to use ginseng for weight loss is by making ginseng tea using an extract.
Add about ½ teaspoon of ginseng extract to 500 ml hot water. Let it steep for five minutes. Flavor the ginseng tea with 1 tablespoon lime juice and a pinch of cinnamon powder. Stir well before drinking.
5. Ashwagandha
Often referred to as Indian ginseng, Ashwagandha is an ancient and important Ayurvedic herb, well-known for its many beneficial properties from reducing fatigue to alleviating joint pain.
Through the years, Ayurveda practitioners have highly recommended Ashwagandha as one of the best herbs for weight loss.
How to use ashwagandha for weight loss
Ashwagandha is available in various forms. You can find Ashwagandha gummies, supplements, capsules, powder, and extract. The way you’ll use Ashwagandha for weight loss will depend on which form of the herb you buy.
If you buy the powder form of Ashwagandha for weight loss, add a teaspoon of the powder to a glass of milk or an herbal shake. Add a little honey to sweeten the drink only if you need to.
This ashwagandha supplement has received over 53,330 reviews, which is proof of how effective it is.
6. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is an excellent herb for losing weight. It helps to suppress hunger pangs, accelerate metabolism, and keep you full for a longer time. It also prevents bloating.
Cinnamon also helps to metabolize sugar better, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
How to use cinnamon for weight loss
Drinking cinnamon-infused water or cinnamon tea water first thing in the morning after you wake up is the best way to use cinnamon for losing weight
To make cinnamon-infused water, soak a 1” bark or 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon in water overnight. Drink it up first thing in the morning.
To make cinnamon tea, add 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder to 1 cup boiling water. Cover and steep for 2 -3 minutes. Drink up.
You can also add cinnamon to herbal tea or sprinkle it on fresh fruit, cereal, or oatmeal to accelerate weight loss.
Cinnamon capsules may be a better option if you don’t like the taste of the spice.
7. Dandelion
The delicate dandelion packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits and weight loss support.
Several studies have shown that dandelion has potent antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory properties. Rich in fiber, dandelion hinders the absorption of fat molecules. It also enhances digestion and fat metabolism and facilitates the elimination of fatty acids.
The antioxidant and diuretic properties of dandelion work together to destroy harmful oxygen radicals and flush out toxins.
How to use dandelion for weight loss
here are several ways to use dandelion for losing weight. When fresh dandelions are available in spring, chop up dandelion greens and add them to soups and salads.
Dandelion Tea or Dandelion capusules are excellent alternatives when fresh herb isn’t available.
8. Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema Sylvestre, an herb that grows wild in India and Africa, is rich in gymnemic acid, a compound that tastes just like glucose. Consuming this herb satisfies taste bud receptors, which keeps sugar cravings at bay and helps with weight loss.
This is one of several studies that showed that taking Gymnema sylvestre suppressed appetite and reduced food intake, boosting weight loss.
How To Use Gymnema Sylvestre for Weight Loss
Gymnema Sylvestre is available as weight loss supplements. Read and follow the instructions carefully. The correct dosage depends on the strength of the supplement and will be included in the instructions for use.
9. Green Coffee Bean Extract
Derived from unroasted coffee beans, green coffee bean extract is rich in chlorogenic acid, which gives the extract its potent weight loss effects.
Interestingly, green coffee bean extract is a common ingredient in many weight-loss supplements.
Several studies have been done to determine the effect of green coffee bean extract on weight loss. This study found that green coffee reduced belly fat and body mass index (BMI) in participants, even without changing their calorie intake.
10. Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea is extracted from the showy, vermillion-colored petals of the hibiscus flower.
Several studies have proven the effectiveness of hibiscus extract in suppressing ghrelin, which is the hunger hormone. Hibiscus extract also reduces belly fat and hinders fat accumulation, which makes it especially useful for losing fat around the waist.
How To Use Hibiscus Tea For Weight Loss
You can make hibiscus tea by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water but you must make sure you get the dried flowers from a reputed source.
An easier way is to buy hibiscus tea bags, which you simply steep in warm water and drink. Limit your consumption of hibiscus tea to twice a day. Excessive consumption may increase your risk of high blood pressure.
11. Black Pepper
An herb-spice derived from the dried fruit of a flowering vine called Piper nigrum, black pepper boosts weight loss by inhibiting fat cell synthesis and flushing toxins out from the body.
Black pepper’s weight loss properties stem from its piperine content. Piperine is also what gives black pepper its characteristic spicy flavor.
This study indicated that piperine effectively inhibited the formation of fat cells.
More research needs to be done to determine how black pepper and piperine influence weight loss, but preliminary studies suggest that they work and are safe to consume.
How to use black pepper for weight loss
Stir ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and ¼ teaspoon raw honey in 1 cup warm water. Stir well. Drink first thing in the morning or ½ an hour after a meal.
12. Cumin
Widely used in several cuisines around the world, cumin has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-microbial, and immunity-boosting properties. Cumin is also excellent for maintaining good gut health.
This study found that consuming cumin regularly may help to reduce waist circumference, body-fat percentage, and BMI.
How To Use Cumin For Weight Loss
The best way to use cumin for weight loss is by drinking cumin water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
Soak 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in water overnight. In the morning, heat the water till it is lukewarm and drink the cumin water before your first cup of coffee.
If you find the taste too overpowering, reduce the number of cumin seeds or stir in ½ teaspoon honey before drinking.
13. Guggul
Guggul, an herbal medicine derived from the sticky gum of various myrrh trees, is widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to lower cholesterol, relieve joint pain and accelerate weight loss.
According to Dr. John Douillard, Ph.D., director of the LifeSpa School of Ayurveda, Guggul helps the body metabolize fat and also increases thyroid hormone levels by boosting thyroid function. Both of these help with losing weight.
How To Use Guggul for Weight Loss
Gugul is available as a weight loss supplement. The recommended dose depends on the brand and the strength of the supplement.
8. Oregano
This classic Italian herb is rich in carvacrol, a powerful compound that has been found to help weight loss by regulating fat synthesis in the body according to this study.
The research on this is still limited but preliminary studies show that oregano does offer some weight loss benefits by altering fat synthesis in the body.
How to use oregano for weight loss
The easiest way to use oregano for weight loss is by using the fresh or dry herb for flavoring your dishes.
If you don’t use oregano in your cooking, oregano tea or capsules can help support weight loss.
14. Psyllium
Also regular intake of fiber helps to keep blood sugar levels stable, which eliminates crazy cravings for unhealthy foods and erratic eating.
It’s important to drink plenty of water when taking psyllium to prevent severe constipation and other stomach distress. Do not take this herb if you are asthmatic or pregnant.
How to use psyllium for weight loss
Mix ½ teaspoon psyllium powder in 1 cup of water. Drinking a cup before lunch and again before dinner helps to reduce the amount you eat. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water in between.
15. Caralluma Fimbriata
Caralluma Fimbriata is an ingredient found in many weight loss supplements. Studies show that this herb increases levels of serotonin. This is a neurotransmitter that has a direct effect on appetite.
In one study, one group of participants was given Caralluma Fimbriata and another group was given a placebo. The participants who took the herb lost considerably more belly fat and body weight as compared to participants who were on the placebo.
How to use Caralluma Fimbriata to lose weight
Caralluma Fimbriata is available as weight loss supplements, with dosage and instructions mentioned in detail for each brand.
Important things to know about using herbs for losing weight
Things to remember when using herbs for losing weight
Herbs can be wonderful additions to a healthy lifestyle. But, keep in mind that they are not magical fixes for weight loss.
Permanent, healthy and effective weight loss can only be achieved through a calorie-appropriate diet and regular exercise.
There are a number of different herbal remedies for weight loss and each of them works in a different and unique way. Some promote weight loss by creating a feeling of fullness, whereas others may work by suppressing appetite or increasing the level of serotonin.
It is advisable to consult with your doctor or a health care professional before using any herbal remedies for weight loss.
Have you tried any of these herbs for weight loss? Was it effective for you? Let us know in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to serve as medical advice. Please consult your doctor before using any natural medication or if you experience any unusual symptoms. See Full Disclaimer here.
