What is the strongest herb for weight loss?

15 powerful herbs for weight loss and their benefits

When food is tasteless, it can be difficult to stick to a diet. Fortunately, herbs and spices can add flavor while helping to reduce cravings for unhealthy foods. There are many herbs for weight loss that you can choose from. These herbs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, cholesterol-lowering, hormone-balancing and weight-loss properties. To help you lose weight organically, try these 15 wonderful herbs. Read on to learn more!

15 best herbs for weight loss

1. Cinnamon for weight loss

Cinnamon has been proven to help reduce weight and fight obesity(1). It boosts metabolism, regulates blood sugar levels, and plays an important role in lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels(2). Its beneficial properties make it an ideal condiment for diabetic patients (3).

How to use cinnamon for weight loss

You can take 1 ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder or 1 cinnamon bark soaked in water overnight. Drink cinnamon-infused water in the morning every day for four weeks to get the desired results.

Cinnamon tea recipe

Ingredients

• 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon powder
• 1 cup water

How to prepare

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Add the cinnamon powder and let the water boil for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Strain the cinnamon tea before drinking it.

Benefits

Cinnamon helps to suppress appetite, reduce bad cholesterol and speed up the metabolism. Warm water helps flush out all toxins and helps to cleanse the intestines better and prevent bloating.

You can add a few drops of lemon juice or a little honey to enhance the taste of cinnamon tea and motivate yourself to drink it more often.

2. Fenugreek for weight loss

Takingfenugreekseed extracthelpsreduce fat intake (4). The seeds also help reduce cholesterol levels, improve fat digestion, and increase insulin sensitivity (5), (6).

How to use fenugreek for weight loss

Take 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds a day with 1 cup of water. You can also crush fenugreek seeds, store them in a clean jar and use them in curries, dal soup or smoothies.

Fenugreek Seed Weight Loss Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
• 1 cup water

How to prepare

1. Soak 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in a cup of water overnight.
2. Consume the water as well as the seeds first thing on an empty stomach.

Benefits

It speeds up the metabolism, prevents obesity caused by stress and inflammation, flushes toxins out of the colon and reduces the risk of insulin resistance often found in women with PCOS.

3. garlic for weight loss

The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, helps treat cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and high blood sugar. It also has anti-tumor properties and helps strengthen the immune system (7). Scientific research confirms that garlic speeds up metabolism, helps reduce fat deposits and can help with weight loss (8).

How to use garlic for weight loss

For best results, you can eat one clove of garlic each day. You can also include garlic in your daily recipes to add flavor and aroma.

Recipe for weight loss with garlic

Ingredients

• 1 garlic clove
• 1 cup water
• Juice of ½ lime

How to prepare

1. Crush a clove of garlic with a mortar and pestle.
2. Add it to a cup of water.
3. Add the lime juice, mix well and drink in one sitting.

Benefits

Lime juice helps reduce the pungent smell and taste of garlic. Limes are also rich in vitamin C (9). Vitamin C may also help with weight loss, although more research is needed in this regard. Garlic helps lower cholesterol, improves heart health, has anti-cancer properties, and promotes weight loss by curbing hunger.

4. Hibiscus for weight loss

Hibiscus tea, an extract of vermillion hibiscus flowers, helps with weight loss. Several studies have shown that hibiscus extract helps reduce abdominal obesity, reduces the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver, fat accumulation, adipogenesis, and reduces the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and blood pressure (10), (11), (12), (13).

How to take hibiscus tea for weight loss

One cup of hibiscus tea contains approximately 1.5 grams of hibiscus tea. You can drink up to 2 cups of hibiscus tea a day.

Recipe for weight loss with hibiscus tea

Ingredients

How to prepare

1. Put dried hibiscus flowers in a teapot.
2. Boil two cups of water and pour into a teapot.
3. Allow to infuse for 5-6 minutes.
4. Strain a cup of hibiscus tea.
5. Add the honey and mix well.

Benefits

Hibiscus tea helps prevent stomach irritation, has diuretic properties, can help lower cholesterol, and improves bowel function (14). Honey is useful for throat infections and has antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and anticancer properties (15). However, further research is needed to confirm excessive consumption of hibiscus tea, which can be consumed throughout the day without any effect on blood pressure.

5. Green tea for weight loss

Green tea is rich in antioxidants called catechins. One of the catechins, epigallocatechin gallate, helps speed up metabolism. Green tea also contains some caffeine, which stimulates fat burning and improves muscle function (16). Green tea has been scientifically proven to suppress appetite, curb cravings, and stimulate hormones that help burn fat (17).

How to take green tea for weight loss

It is best to use green tea leaves to make a cup of tea. You can drink up to three cups of green tea a day. A cup of green tea can be drunk 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.

Recipe for weight loss with green tea

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon green tea leaves
• 1 cup water
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon

How to prepare

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Add the cinnamon powder and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and add the green tea leaves.
4. Allow them to infuse for 5-7 minutes.
5. Strain and stir well before drinking. Here are two other ways to make green tea.

Benefits

Green tea and cinnamon are powerful tools for weight loss. Green tea speeds up the metabolism and promotes the melting of fat. Cinnamon promotes weight loss by regulating blood sugar and insulin levels, lowering cholesterol and suppressing appetite.

6. Black pepper for weight loss

Black pepper is rich in piperine. It is piperine that gives black pepper its characteristic flavor and also helps inhibit fat cell formation (adipogenesis) (18). As a result, consumption of black pepper promotes weight loss. Pepper also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, gut-improving and antidepressant properties (19).

How to use black pepper for weight loss

You can either chew five grains of black pepper a day or add them to juice or meals.

Recipe for weight loss with black pepper

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon honey
• 1 cup warm water

How to prepare

1. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to a cup of warm water.
2. Mix well before use.

Benefits

Black pepper promotes weight loss by preventing the synthesis of fat cells, and honey promotes immunity and intestinal health. This black pepper and honey drink helps flush toxins out of the body.

7. Ginger for weight loss

Ginger helps accelerate metabolism, increases fat cell breakdown, inhibits fat absorption, and helps suppress excessive hunger (20). Ginger water also helps reduce body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting glucose levels, and insulin resistance index (21).

How to use ginger for weight loss

You can chew ½ inch of ginger root or add it to juice, smoothies or recipes. You can also make ginger water by boiling a cup of water with 1 inch of ginger root. Drink it after it has cooled.

Recipe for weight loss with ginger tea

Ingredients

• ½ inch of ginger
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 cup water

How to prepare

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the ginger root.
3. Add the chopped ginger root to the boiling water.
4. Allow it to simmer for two more minutes.
5. Turn off the heat and add honey.
6. Strain and stir well before use.

Benefits

Ginger helps improve gastrointestinal and liver health, flushes out toxins, prevents throat infections and helps melt away fat (22). Honey balances the strong taste of ginger, adds sweetness to the drink, and strengthens the immune system.

8. Turmeric for weight loss

Curcumin contains curcumin, which helps reduce bad cholesterol and inflammation, which helps with weight loss (23). Curcumin consumption by people with metabolic syndrome has been found to reduce BMI, body weight, waist circumference, and increase adiponectin levels (a peptide that stimulates fatty acid oxidation, insulin sensitivity, and increases calorie expenditure) (24).

How to use turmeric for weight loss

Chew ½ inch of turmeric root or ½ to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder a day.

Recipe for weight loss with turmeric

Ingredients

• ½ inch turmeric root
• 1 cup warm water
• ½ lime juice

How to prepare

1. Use a mortar and pestle to crush the turmeric root.
2. Add it to a cup of warm water.
3. Add the lime juice.
4. Mix well before use.

Benefits

It can promote weight loss and intestinal health. It also prevents microbial infections, helps heal wounds and reduces the intensity of pain.

9. Cardamom for weight loss

According to research, cardamom has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower total cholesterol in overweight and obese pre-diabetic women (25). It may also help improve fatty liver quality in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (26). You can use either green or black cardamom. However, unofficially, black cardamom is recommended for weight loss.

How to use cardamom for weight loss

You can take ½ teaspoon of black cardamom powder once a day.

Recipe for weight loss with cardamom

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon black cardamom powder
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon green tea leaves

How to prepare

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Add the cardamom powder and let simmer for another 2 minutes.
3. Turn off the heat and add the green tea leaves.
4. Allow them to infuse for 5 minutes.
5. Strain the tea and stir well before drinking.

Benefits

Green tea speeds up the metabolism and helps to eliminate toxins. Cardamom raises the internal temperature of the body and can help melt excess fat.

10. Cayenne pepper for weight loss

Cayenne pepper is one of the ingredients in Beyonce's famous Master Cleanse diet. It is rich in capsaicin, which stimulates the body to burn fat. Adding cayenne pepper to food in limited amounts can help reduce appetite by increasing satiety. It also increases fat metabolism and thermogenesis and inhibits fat cell formation (27).

How to use cayenne pepper for weight loss

Take ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper with a juice or smoothie twice a day.

Weight loss recipe with cayenne pepper

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 lime
• 1 cup water

How to prepare

1. Squeeze the juice of one lime into a glass.
2. Add a cup of water and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
3. Mix well before use.

Benefits

The pungency of the cayenne pepper is perfectly balanced by the sour taste of the lime. Both ingredients can promote weight loss by speeding up the metabolism and burning fat.

11. Cumin for weight loss

Cumin or jirah is another popular spice used in many cuisines around the world. Cumin seeds help improve digestion and have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antihistamine, hypoglycemic, anticancer and immune boosting properties (28). A study showed that cumin powder can help reduce BMI, waist circumference, serum triglyceride levels, bad cholesterol, and body fat percentage (29).

How to use cumin for weight loss

Take 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds soaked in water, or add ½ teaspoon of caraway seed powder to juices or meals.

Recipe for weight loss with cumin

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon of honey powder

How to prepare

1. Soak the cumin seeds in water overnight.
2. Heat the water until it is warm.
3. Strain the water and add honey.
4. Mix well before use.

Benefits

Cumin seeds are extremely beneficial for maintaining intestinal health. They also help you sleep better, reduce the risk of respiratory diseases, colds, anemia and skin diseases. Honey is antibacterial and helps to eliminate toxins.

12. Rosemary for weight loss

Rosemary has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties (30). It also helps lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels by increasing glycolysis in the liver (breakdown of glucose units stored in the liver) and oxidation of fats (31).

How to use rosemary for weight loss

You can take 400 mg of rosemary tablets three times a day. You can also use fresh or dried rosemary in food.

Recipe for weight loss with rosemary

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
• 1 cup water

How to prepare

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Turn off the heat and add the rosemary.
3. Allow to infuse for 5-7 minutes.
4. Strain and drink.

Benefits

Rosemary helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol. It also helps flush toxins out of the colon and prevents bloating.

13. Aloe vera for weight loss

Aloe vera is known for its laxative properties in Ayurveda. It also helps reduce inflammation and helps treat intestinal problems and type 2 diabetes (32). Aloe vera also helps reduce body weight, body fat mass, and insulin resistance in people with prediabetes (33).

How to use aloe vera for weight loss

You can take 1-2 teaspoons of aloe vera extract every day. Or you can scoop aloe vera gel from the leaf and mix it with your morning juice or smoothie.

Recipe for weight loss with aloe vera

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel
• 1 cup water

How to prepare

1. Crush the aloe vera gel with the back of a spoon.
2. Add water and mix well.

Benefits

Drinking this water every morning will keep your skin and hair healthy. It will also keep your digestive system healthy and may promote faster weight loss.

You can also add some crushed mint leaves and lemon juice to improve the taste of aloe vera water for effective weight loss.

14. Dandelion for weight loss

Dandelions are beautiful, and they're edible! A scientific review published in The Review of Diabetic Studies confirms that dandelions have anti-diabetic, anti-fatty, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, and antioxidant properties. It also increases insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion and improves digestion. Dandelion leaves may also help lower serum glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol levels (34).

How to use dandelion for weight loss

You can take 1-2 teaspoons of dandelion or 1 tablet of dandelion with a full glass of water.

Recipe for weight loss from dandelion

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon dandelion
• 1 cup water

How to prepare

1. Bring a cup of water to a boil.
2. Add the dandelion and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Strain and let cool for a few minutes before using.

Benefits

Dandelions are rich in fiber and can help prevent the absorption of fat molecules. Antioxidants help get rid of harmful oxygen radicals and flush out toxins.

15. Ginseng for weight loss

Ginseng has been used as a medicine by the Chinese for centuries. It helps reduce inflammation and stress, suppresses hunger, reduces glucose absorption and lipid metabolism, reduces insulin resistance and risk of liver damage, lowers LDL cholesterol and regulates blood sugar levels (35). Stress, unregulated blood sugar, and high cholesterol contribute to poor health and weight gain. A study of Korean women confirms that ginseng is an effective herbal remedy for weight loss (36).

How to use ginseng for weight loss

Take 5 gm of ginseng extract twice a day. After 2 weeks, you can reduce the amount to 2 gms. You can also add 15-25 drops of ginseng extract to tea or water twice a day.

Ginseng Tea for Weight Loss Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon ginseng extract
• 500 ml of water
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• A pinch of cinnamon powder

How to prepare

1. Boil water in a pot and let it cool for 5 minutes.
2. Add the ginseng extract and let it infuse for 5 minutes.
3. Strain the water and add the lime juice and cinnamon powder.
4. Mix well before use.

Benefits

Ginseng extract will help you relax, increase energy levels and metabolic rate, lower cholesterol and regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon also promotes weight loss by lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure. Lime is a treasure trove of vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system.

Here are 15 effective herbs for weight loss and their recipes. But before you use them, here are a few precautions to keep in mind.

Safety of herbs for weight loss

Herbs are great for weight loss and flavoring foods. However, DO NOT use too many of the above herbs. Also, be careful in case of allergic reactions. Be especially careful if you are already being treated for obesity, diabetes, gut or heart disease. If you have just given birth or are pregnant, do not introduce any new foods into your diet without consulting your doctor.

Infographic: 7 common kitchen spices that can accelerate weight loss

You can accelerate your fitness progress by using the right ingredients. To shed those stubborn pounds, your nutrition is just as important as your exercise. To help you out, we've gathered some common spices you can find in your pantry to speed up your metabolism and lose weight. Check out the infographic below to learn more!

When you think about weight loss and dieting, it's usually assumed that healthy eating options are usually tasteless. But fortunately, spices and herbs for weight loss programs can add much-needed flavor and dimension to your diet plans. In addition to taste, these herbs have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. Cinnamon, fenugreek, garlic, black pepper, hibiscus tea and green tea are a few such natural ingredients that can help make your weight loss plan more interesting and enticing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most powerful herb for weight loss?

Green tea, cinnamon and fenugreek are considered powerful weight-loss herbs because they have a positive effect on metabolism.

Is the lotus leaf useful for weight loss?

Yes, the lotus leaf can help reduce waist circumference and body fat levels (37).