Obesity and weight gain are matter of concern for a large number of people. Hormone imbalances, lack of sleep, unhealthy diet, certain medications, stress, and genetics play a major role in weight gain and also impact a person’s ability to lose weight.
Certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and hypothyroidism can lead to significant weight gain. It might also be very difficult to lose weight for a person suffering with these medical conditions.
Being overweight or obese puts you at higher risk of developing several health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart diseases, Type-2 diabetes, stroke, high cholesterol, osteoarthritis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
Consuming healthy diet, being physically active throughout the day and adding certain common kitchen herbs in your daily diet can help you reach your weight goals very easily. These herbs not only burn excess calories but also help in reducing fat derived from the food you are consuming.
Here are some herbs that help in boosting your metabolism and eventually losing weight:
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of the most effective herbs to lose weight. It helps in making you feel full by increasing the thermic effects of the food. This feeling of satiety would therefore help you in limiting your food intake and further overeating. It is advised to include ginger in your daily diet either cooked or raw.
Ingredients:
- One-inch piece ginger (grated)
- One teaspoon honey
How to use it:
- Boil grated ginger in a cup of water for about five to seven minutes.
- Strain the tea and add one teaspoon of honey to it.
- Sip the tea while it is still warm.
- Drink this tea two to three times a day for weight loss.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is very effective in reducing belly fat. It contains catechins and other antioxidants that help in boosting metabolism and aiding natural weight loss. It is advised to consume green tea for losing weight and staying youthful naturally.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon green tea leaves
How to use it:
- Boil green tea leaves in a cup of water for around 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture and sip the tea while it is still warm.
- Consume three to four cups of green tea throughout the day.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric has been long used in Southern Asian countries as a common kitchen spice. It contains several antioxidants which help in natural weight loss. Its chemical constituent is known as curcumin, which helps in increasing the flow of bile which in turn is crucial for fat breakdown. It has several anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing inflammation associated with metabolic disorders and obesity. Turmeric also improves insulin resistance.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon turmeric powder
- Juice of one lemon
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- One teaspoon honey
- One glass milk
How to use it:
Method-1:
- Mix one teaspoon turmeric powder, juice of one lemon, one teaspoon honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper into a cup of warm water.
- Consume this detox drink once each day.
Method-2:
- Add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of warm milk and mix thoroughly.
- Consume this milk half an hour before sleeping.
- Repeat this process daily for weight loss and sleeping better.
4. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a rich source of flavonoids, nutrients and various other minerals. These significantly reduce the absorption of excess fats and carbohydrates by the body. Hibiscus when consumed in form of tea helps in weight management. Its diuretic nature helps in burning body fat faster.
Ingredients:
- Two tablespoons dried petals of hibiscus flower
- One teaspoon honey
- One teaspoon lemon juice
How to use it:
- Add two tablespoons of dried hibiscus petals in almost two cups of water.
- Boil the mixture for around 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add one teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey.
- Drink while it is still warm.
- Repeat this process twice or thrice a day.
5. Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is also known as Asian ginseng or Korean ginseng. It helps in boosting metabolism and increasing energy levels that aid in losing weight. Panax ginseng also helps in improving insulin sensitivity and reduces stress.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of chopped ginseng root
- One teaspoon honey
- One teaspoon lemon juice
How to use it:
- Add one teaspoon of chopped ginger root in boiling water.
- Boil the mixture for around 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and add one teaspoon each of honey and lemon juice.
- Drink this tea while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea twice daily.
6. Dandelion
Dandelion is yet another useful herb for obese or overweight people who need to shed excess pounds. It contains several phytochemicals that provide it laxative and diuretic properties. Dandelion increases the frequency and volume of urination, thereby getting rid of water weight. It also helps in removing toxins, reducing inflammation, suppressing appetite, and normalizing blood sugar.
Ingredients:
- Two teaspoons of dried dandelion root
- One teaspoon honey
How to use it:
- Add two teaspoons of dried dandelion root into boiling water and let it boil for one minute.
- Let it steep for around 10 minutes.
- Strain this tea and add one teaspoon honey to it.
- Drink while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea before each meal.
7. Oregano
Used commonly as a pizza seasoning, oregano also helps in losing weight. Its active constituent known as carvacrol helps in dissolving accumulated fat. Oregano reduces bloating and also regulates digestion. Apart these benefits, oregano also reduces stress and anxiety which in turn can lead to overeating and weight gain.
Ingredients:
- Three tablespoons of oregano leaves
How to use it:
- Add three tablespoons of oregano leaves in a cup of water and boil the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and consume it while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea around two to three times a day for natural weight loss.
8. Sage
Sage has diuretic, stimulant and anti-oxidant properties. It boosts metabolism thereby helping in burning more calories. Sage is also effective in reducing stress, and inflammation, and makes a person sleep better. People with diabetes can also consume sage for several benefits. However, a breastfeeding or pregnant woman must consult doctor before consuming this tea.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon of dried sage leaves
- One teaspoon lemon juice
- How to use it:
- Boil one teaspoon of dried sage leaves into a cup of water.
- Strain the tea and add one teaspoon lemon juice to it.
- Sip it while it is still warm enough (or it can also be consumed cold).
- Consume this tea two to three times a day.
9. Peppermint
Peppermint is an appetite suppressant which helps in reducing your hunger pangs significantly. It controls appetite and prevents overeating. Peppermint reduces bloating, aids in digestion thereby helping in natural weight loss. Its aromatic properties are helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, that might cause overeating or binge eating. Inhaling peppermint essential oil suppresses hunger pangs.
Ingredients:
- One tablespoon fresh peppermint leaves
How to use it:
- Boil one tablespoon fresh peppermint leave in a cup of water for around 10 minutes
- Strain it and let it cool
- Consume peppermint tea two to three times a day
10. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been long used for its several health and skin benefits. It is low in calories thereby helps in managing and reducing weight. It also helps in regulation of blood sugar level. It is advised to add cinnamon to your diet by simply sprinkling its powder over fruits, pumpkin pies, and other foods.
Ingredients:
- One teaspoon cinnamon powder
- One teaspoon honey
- One teaspoon lemon juice
How to use it:
- Add cinnamon powder to a cup of hot water.
- Add one teaspoon each of lemon juice and honey to the above mixture.
- Consume it while it is still warm.
- Consume this tea once or twice a day for best results.
