8 Ayurvedic Herbs That Will Help You Lose Weight (And Know How to Use Them)

In the pursuit of sustainable weight loss, the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda offers a treasure trove of natural remedies. Drawing on centuries of knowledge, Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to health that considers not only what we eat, but how we eat, our lifestyle, and the unique constitution of our bodies. Among the many tools Ayurveda offers for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, certain herbs stand out for their powerful weight loss properties.

Triphala is a blend of three fruits — amla (Indian gooseberry), haritaki (chebulic myrobalan) and bibhitaki (beleric myrobalan) — and is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine. To reap the benefits of triphala, soak one teaspoon of triphala powder in lukewarm water overnight and drink it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Adding a bit of honey or lemon juice will enhance the flavor and effectiveness.

Extracted from the resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, native to India, guggul has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries for its numerous health benefits, including weight loss. Guggul contains a compound called guggulsterones that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones. This boosts metabolism and aids in the breakdown of fat, aiding in weight loss. To reap the benefits of guggul, take 500-1000 mg of guggul extract twice a day with warm water, preferably before meals. Guggul supplements are also available in convenient capsule form.

Trikatu, meaning “three hot spices,” is a blend of three warming spices: black pepper, long pepper, and ginger. This powerful combination stimulates digestion, boosts metabolism, and helps burn fat. To reap the benefits of Trikatu, sprinkle the spice blend over your meals, steep half a teaspoon of Trikatu powder in hot water to make a tea, or take it in capsule form before meals.

Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is revered in Ayurveda for its numerous health benefits, including weight management. Tulsi helps regulate blood sugar, reduce stress, and balance cortisol levels, all of which play an important role in weight gain and obesity. To incorporate tulsi into your daily routine, brew a tea from fresh tulsi leaves or add tulsi powder to smoothies and meals. Alternatively, tulsi supplements are available in convenient capsules.

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that is highly valued for its numerous health benefits, including its potential to help with weight management. Turmeric’s active ingredient, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may support weight loss by reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and promoting fat metabolism. Turmeric can be used in cooking or as a supplement to help with weight loss.

Fenugreek seeds are often used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion, regulate blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. Fenugreek seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which increases satiety, suppresses appetite and promotes fat excretion. Fenugreek seeds can be soaked overnight and taken on an empty stomach or added to meals, soups and teas to support weight loss.

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is an adaptogenic herb revered in Ayurveda for its ability to fight stress, increase energy levels, and support overall health. Stress management is essential for weight loss, as chronic stress can cause imbalances in hormones such as cortisol, which can lead to weight gain. Ashwagandha supplements can be taken orally to reduce stress and support weight loss efforts.

Cinnamon is a warming spice often used in Ayurvedic cooking for its aromatic and medicinal properties. Cinnamon can regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, promoting weight loss and suppressing sugar cravings. Cinnamon can be added to foods and beverages or taken as a supplement to promote weight loss and overall metabolic health.

​Studies show that taking too much of this vitamin can lead to heart disease​