Similarly, an animal study showed that ginseng combatted obesity by altering fat formation and delaying intestinal fat absorption Summary Ginseng, which is often used in traditional Chinese medicine, may stimulate weight loss, delay fat absorption and modify fat formation.

One week study in 33 people found that participants who took Caralluma Fimbriata had significantly greater decreases in belly fat and body weight, compared to those on a placebo Another small study showed that consuming 1 gram of Caralluma Fimbriata daily for two months led to reductions in weight and hunger levels , compared to a control group Summary Caralluma Fimbriata is an herb commonly used in diet pills that may help decrease appetite to stimulate weight loss.

Turmeric is a spice revered for its flavor, vibrant color and potent medicinal properties. Most of its health benefits are attributed to the presence of curcumin, a chemical that has been studied extensively for its effects on everything from inflammation to weight loss.

Similarly, an animal study found that supplementing mice with curcumin for 12 weeks reduced body weight and body fat by blocking the synthesis of fat However, keep in mind that these studies use a concentrated amount of curcumin, far greater than the amount present in a typical dose of turmeric.

Summary Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, which has been shown to aid weight loss and fat loss in human and animal studies. Black pepper is a common household spice derived from the dried fruit of Piper nigrum , a flowering vine native to India.

It contains a powerful compound called piperine, which supplies both its pungent flavor and potential weight-lowering effects. One study found that supplementing with piperine helped reduce body weight in rats on a high-fat diet, even with no changes in food intake A test-tube study also showed that piperine effectively inhibited fat cell formation Further studies are needed to determine how piperine and black pepper may influence weight loss in humans.

Summary Black pepper contains piperine, which has been shown to help decrease body weight and inhibit fat cell formation in test-tube and animal studies.

Human research is lacking. Gymnema sylvestre is an herb that is often used as a natural remedy to help reduce blood sugar levels. However, some research shows that it may also benefit those looking to lose weight. It contains a compound called gymnemic acid, which can help reduce the perceived sweetness of foods to ward off sugar cravings In fact, one study concluded that taking Gymnema sylvestre reduced both appetite and food intake, compared to a control group A three-week animal study also found that eating this herb helped maintain body weight in rats on a high-fat diet Summary Gymnema sylvestre is an herb often used to lower blood sugar.

Human and animal studies show that it may also aid weight loss by reducing appetite and food intake. Cinnamon is an aromatic spice made from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum genus.

Some studies have even found that cinnamon could increase weight loss. Studies show that a specific compound found in cinnamon can mimic the effects of insulin, helping transport sugar from the bloodstream to your cells to be used as fuel 24 , Cinnamon may also decrease levels of certain digestive enzymes to slow the breakdown of carbohydrates While these effects could potentially decrease appetite and lead to weight loss, more research is needed to study the effects of cinnamon directly on weight.

Summary Cinnamon is a spice that can decrease blood sugar, which could lead to reduced appetite and hunger. One study found that consuming green coffee reduced body mass index BMI and belly fat in 20 participants, even with no changes in calorie intake Another review of three studies concluded that green coffee bean extract may decrease body weight by 5.

However, researchers noted that the quality and size of available studies was somewhat limited Therefore, more high-quality studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of green coffee bean on weight loss. Summary Green coffee bean extract is made from unroasted coffee beans.

Some research suggests that it could help reduce body weight and belly fat. Cumin is a spice made from the dried and ground seeds of Cuminum cyminum , a flowering plant of the parsley family. One small, three-month study found that women who consumed yogurt with 3 grams of cumin twice daily lost more weight and body fat than a control group Similarly, an eight-week study reported that adults who took a cumin supplement three times a day lost 2.

Summary Cumin is a common spice that has been shown to effectively decrease body weight and body fat. One animal study found that cardamom powder helped reduce belly fat in rats on a high-fat, high-carb diet Similarly, another animal study showed that black cardamom in particular was effective in reducing both belly fat and total body fat in rats on a high-fat diet Official websites use.

gov A. gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. You may see ads for supplements that claim to help you lose weight.

But many of these claims are not true. Some of these supplements can even have serious side effects. Note for women: Pregnant or nursing women should never take diet medicines of any kind.

This includes prescription, herbal, and other over-the-counter remedies. Over-the-counter refers to medicines, herbs, or supplements you can buy without a prescription. There are many over-the-counter diet products, including herbal remedies. Many of these products do not work.

Some can even be dangerous. Before using an over-the-counter or herbal diet remedy, talk with your health care provider. Nearly all over-the-counter supplements with claims of weight-loss properties contain some combination of these ingredients:. In addition, some products contain ingredients that are found in prescription drugs, such as blood pressure medicines, seizure drugs, antidepressants, and diuretics water pills.

Some ingredients in over-the-counter diet products may not be safe. The Food and Drug Administration FDA warns people not to use some of them. Do not use products that contain these ingredients:. Weight loss - herbal remedies and supplements; Obesity - herbal remedies; Overweight - herbal remedies.

Barrea L, Altieri B, Polese B, et al. Herbs are the leaves of plants [1] that can be eaten raw, cooked, or dried or taken in tea or supplement form. Herbs are used all over the world for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Traditional Chinese medicine , [2] or TCM, has relied on herbs to treat various health conditions, including obesity, for thousands of years. Herbs have flavorful, pungent smells and tastes, so many people use them for cooking. However, many people use herbs for weight loss. But how do you know which herbs are good for weight loss?

This article will outline 16 of the best herbs that can promote weight loss and provide other health benefits. We also provide examples of how to use them in your everyday meals.

Herbs have powerful medicinal properties and health benefits, one of which is the ability to assist in weight loss. The best herbs for weight loss are:. There are several herbs that have been studied specifically for their effect on body weight that can be successfully included in a weight loss diet plan.

Although many of these studies have been conducted on mice or other animals, scientists are optimistic that similar outcomes can be achieved in humans. Consuming turmeric, either in supplement or food form, provides antioxidants, which lowers inflammation. In patients with metabolic syndrome , [5] turmeric reduces waist circumference, body mass index, BMI, and body weight.

Curcumin, through interactions with the gut microbiome, may also boost metabolism [6] by increasing energy expenditure.

Cayenne pepper has been shown to benefit weight loss in numerous ways. Studies show that capsaicin, the active component in chili peppers, can increase satiety , [7] boost metabolism, improve gut microbiome diversity, and activate brown adipose tissue , [8] which helps fat-burning and decreases overall body fat percentage.

These functions, individually and collectively, can help counteract obesity. Ginger is a herb commonly used to treat gastrointestinal [9] disorders and to soothe gut discomfort. Taking herbs like ginger can support your digestive health, decrease systemic inflammation, and may help you lose upper belly fat.

However, ginger is effective for weight loss beyond its ability to help you lose belly fat. A meta-analysis of 14 studies concluded that ginger supplementation reduced overall body weight [10] in most of the participants. These studies further showed that ginger reduced waist-to-hip ratio and hip ratio, and increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels, otherwise known as good cholesterol.

Ginger had no negative effects on BMI. Ginger is used widely in TCM. However, many Western practitioners use it as well. At first glance, cinnamon may be associated with weight gain because it is a spice that is often used in desserts.

While desserts may not be great for weight loss, cinnamon itself is. Data from 12 trials was reviewed to see the effects of cinnamon [11] on weight loss, and results showed that cinnamon significantly reduced body weight, waist circumference, and fat mass.

Based on these findings, experts say cinnamon can be used to treat obesity and to help reduce belly fat. Fenugreek is a medicinal plant used worldwide to treat diabetes and to control appetite. In studies conducted on rats that were fed a high-fat diet, fenugreek extract was able to block fat accumulation.

Green coffee bean extract may potentially lower [14] BMI and reduce abdominal fat. The reduction in body weight may be attributed to two main components: caffeine and chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid can slow down blood sugar absorption in the small intestines, while caffeine increases metabolic rate and burns calories.

Between the caffeine and chlorogenic acid, green coffee bean extract is one of the best herbs for energy and body weight loss. Ginseng is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine or TCM and has been studied for its effects on obesity.

Although human studies are limited, studies on mice show that ginseng helps inhibit fat cell [15] development. Ginseng may also decrease food intake by suppressing hunger. The human studies on ginseng and obesity are sparse, with mixed findings. However, one study found that administering ginger to middle-aged females affected weight loss [16] and gut microbiota composition.

Garlic is a pungent herb used commonly for its anti-inflammatory [17] properties and immune-boosting effects. However, garlic may also have an impact on weight loss. One review of several studies showed inconsistent results, but overall, garlic successfully reduced waist circumference.

As with some other herbs, scientific studies on human weight loss are limited. However, one study on mice found that allicin , [19] a compound in garlic, has several obesity-fighting functions.

These functions include decreasing fat tissue, maintaining steady glucose levels, and improving insulin resistance. Piperine, an alkaloid in black pepper, works to combat obesity by improving gut barrier function [20] and inhibiting fatty acid absorption in the intestines.

Furthermore, piperine may be able to close tight junctures or tiny openings in the walls of the intestines. Piperine can also reduce insulin resistance [21] which can help with weight loss. Cumin is a pungent herb often used in Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.

Consuming cumin [23] is as effective at improving weight and BMI as taking a popular weight loss medication. Cumin may have additional benefits on insulin metabolism. Dandelion root is another medicinal herb used in TCM. Among its benefits, dandelion may help regulate fat and sugar metabolism , [24] two important mechanisms in weight management.

By regulating fat and sugar metabolism, dandelion can help prevent diabetes, diabetes-related complications, and ailments associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Dandelion can also be dried and steeped, making it one of several herbs for weight loss you can drink as a tea. Cardamom is a tangy, sweet herb that can be used in baked goods, oatmeal, and smoothies.

Studies on obese rats indicate that cardamom can rebalance cholesterol levels, prevent oxidative stress , [25] and improve glucose intolerance—even when eating an unhealthy high-carbohydrate-high-fat diet.

Together, these functions have the potential to prevent obesity. A pilot study demonstrated that Caralluma fimbriata helped participants lose almost twice as many centimeters in their waist circumference [26] as those in the placebo group. Along with diet and lifestyle modifications, Caralluma fimbriata can play a role in reducing obesity.

Gymnema sylvestre is another herb worth considering for weight loss. Some compounds in the plant help prevent triglycerides [27] from accumulating in muscle tissue.

In mice studies, Gymnema sylvestre was able to initiate significant weight loss effects [28] for mice that were fed a high-fat diet.

Not only did their weight reduce, but their cholesterol levels improved. Fennel is a commonly used herb in Chinese herbal medicine for various medicinal purposes, including weight loss.

It might be noted that fenugreek seed extract can be used in place of [31] fennel to reduce appetite and calorie intake. Bofutsushosan is not a culinary herb. Rather, it is one of many medicinal herbs for weight loss that can help improve [32] BMI. Furthermore, bofutsushosan may positively affect obesity-induced hypertension , [33] even more so than pharmaceutical remedies.

Not all herbs cause weight loss via the same mechanisms. Different herbs have different active compounds and molecular structures that can interact in various ways throughout the body.

Furthermore, using herbs for extreme weight loss is not advisable — most herbs can support weight loss in modest ways. Some herbs like Caralluma fimbriata can reduce waist size, while others like green coffee bean extract help stabilize blood sugar.

Ginger and cinnamon can help to rid you of excess fat, cayenne increases satiety, and fenugreek helps prevent fat from accumulating. Many herbs perform more than one task that, together, have anti-obesity effects.

Furthermore, many herbs share similar properties and can deliver similar results. While many studies on herbs and weight loss are conducted on animals, many healthcare practitioners [34] from around the world use herbs for weight loss with their patients.

However, herbs should not be relied on for extreme weight loss. Attempting to use herbs to lose weight very fast can have serious health implications. There are many ways to consume herbs, such as via food, tea, and supplements.

Each method can impact the body differently. This is especially true for herbal supplements, which are typically prescribed in therapeutic doses. The safest way to use herbs for weight loss is to ingest them as seasonings in your meals.

Sprinkle pepper into your stir fry, top your oatmeal with cinnamon, or add a dash of turmeric to your soup. Fresh herbs are always preferable, but dried or powdered herbs work well, too. Consider all the possibilities of how to incorporate more herbs into your diet.

Alternatively, chaste tree berry Vitex agnus-castus and white peony Paeonia lactiflora can support healthy estrogen and progesterone metabolism by supporting ovarian production of progesterone.

Both tribulus Tribulus terrestris and ashwagandha are androgen modulators and can help maintain muscle mass, support bone density, and aid in stress hormone recovery in women. Finally, inflammation can be a major barrier to losing weight.

Inflammation can become uncontrolled in conditions of overweight and obesity, making it very difficult to lose weight. In response, the pancreas releases more insulin, which triggers even more inflammation.

Inflammation also suppresses leptin, the appetite-regulating hormone that signals the brain to stop eating but reducing inflammation can help re-sensitize the brain to leptin. For inflammation-related weight loss resistance, turmeric Curcuma longa is a great option.

Other anti-inflammatory herbs include Indian frankincense Boswellia serrata , saffron Crocus sativus , nettle leaf Urtica dioica , and rosemary. Many of these botanicals have been classified as regulators of oxidative stress, possessing both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Combining medicinal herbs with anti-inflammatory dietary interventions can provide a compound effect for addressing both weight loss and inflammation.

Weight loss resistance can be very frustrating but supporting the body and its biochemistry can help create a manageable, sustainable weight loss plan.

Healthy dietary modifications combined with medicinal herbs that target insulin resistance, thyroid hormone, sex hormones, and inflammation can have synergistic effects on weight loss and overall health. This is a premium article created for our Healthcare Practitioner readers.

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Don't Have an Account yet? You can Sign Up here. Sign Up. Already have an Account? Login Here. Search Advanced Search Options. Refine your search: Key Topics Digestive Health. Medicinal Herbs. Wholistic Veterinary Care. Spotlight Topics Children's Health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Plant-based Magnesium.

Media Type Article. PDF Resources. Skill Videos. Page Navigation Herbs for Weight Loss Resistance Insulin Resistance Thyroid Hormone Sex Hormones Inflammation References.

Receive clinically driven nutrition insights you can trust. Herbs for Weight Loss Resistance Finding a way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight in a sustainable way can improve multiple long-term health parameters, and weight loss is a journey with which many people are familiar.

Insulin Resistance Insulin is a hormone that sends a growth signal to the body, ultimately resulting in the storage of glucose; when insulin is secreted in excess, glucose will be stored as fat. Thyroid Hormone Thyroid hormone plays a significant role in metabolism and can be targeted to overcome weight loss resistance.

Sex Hormones Because sex hormones contribute to weight loss resistance, they are also a possible target for intervention, especially in women where estrogen and progesterone have significant effects. Inflammation Finally, inflammation can be a major barrier to losing weight.

References Kanetkar, P. Gymnema sylvestre: A Memoir. J Clin Biochem Nutr, 41 2 Ghorbani, A. Best herbs for managing diabetes: A review of clinical studies. Braz J Pharm Sci, 49 3 Ranasinghe, P.

Diabetic Med , 29 12 Xu, X. Therapeutic effect of berberine on metabolic diseases: Both pharmacological data and clinical evidence. Biomed Pharmacother, Majeed, M. Lesser Investigated Natural Ingredients for the Management of Obesity. Nutrients, Laurberg, P.

They come in various forms including pills, powders or liquids. Common herbal supplements used for weight loss include green tea, garcinia cambogia, white kidney bean and African mango.

The authors write that between and , dietary supplements for weight loss were listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods without evaluation of efficacy. These substances can be sold and marketed to the public with sponsors those who import, export or manufacture goods only required to hold, but not necessarily produce, evidence substantiating their claims.

The authors note that only 20 percent of new listings are audited annually to ensure they meet this requirement. The review excluded studies where the herbal medicine did not include the whole plant, was comprised of plant oils or combined with other dietary supplements such as fibres and proteins.

This analysis will be reported in a future paper. Declaration: Selected authors declare potential conflicts of interest including published works, paid presentations and research grants for clinical trials. Refer to the paper for details. Separate to the present study, Dr Fuller has received research grants for clinical trials funded by SFI Research , manufacturers of herbal products.

Insufficient evidence backing herbal medicines for weight loss. Review of global research on herbal medicines for weight loss. Researchers from the University of Sydney have conducted the first global review of herbal medicines for weight loss in 19 years, finding insufficient evidence to recommend any current treatments.