As with most disorders, herbs are a great compliment to an effective weight-loss plan. Taking the proper herbal remedies will provide a basis for removing deep rooted toxins, increase the digestion, increase the metabolism, scrape unwanted fat from the system, increase the energy and balance the emotions. As mentioned earlier, these will only truly work when they are done in accordance with the proper diet and lifestyle practices mentioned in the previous articles. Since each individual requires different herbal treatment, it is recommended that these remedies be taken under a knowledgeable Ayurvedic Practitioner.

Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss

Here is a list of herbal remedies that are appropriate for a weight-loss plan. Please note that these are listed as separate recommendations and are not meant to be utilized all together. Only 1-3 remedies should be applied at any given time.

1. Trikatu Churna

Trikatu Churna is the stimulating, spicy blend of dry ginger (shunti), black pepper (maricha) and Pippali (Indian Long Pepper). This traditional formula is taken before meals to remove toxins, boost the metabolism and enhance the digestion and absorption of food. It is a very common herbal treatment in Ayurvedic weight loss therapies.

Directions: Take ½ tsp of Trikatu Churna 30 minutes before each meal. Mix with 1 tsp of honey and ¼ cup of warm water.

2. Triphala Churna

Triphala Churna is the Ayurvedic panacea used to cleanse the GI tract, strengthen the liver, and promote healthy elimination each morning. It is a potent source of Vitamin C and therefore is also great for reducing signs of aging and rejuvenating the body on a cellular level. Read more on the health benefits of Triphala here.

Directions: Take ½ tsp of Triphala Churna before bed each night. Mix the powder in ½ cup of warm water and let steep for 5 minutes but do not strain. This can alternatively be mixed in 1 tsp of honey and made into a paste. Take this before bed and rinse down with a few sips of warm water.

3. Punarnava, Kutki, Chitrak blend

This combination of Ayurvedic herbs is perfect for weight loss and general Kapha imbalance. Punarnava is used to increase the digestive fire, reduce water retention and balance overall Kapha in the system. Kutki is the top Ayurvedic herb for strengthening and cleansing the liver, which is essential in all weight loss therapies. Chitrak is a heating herb, and is one of the best for boosting the metabolism and promoting healthy digestion.

Directions: Take ½ tsp of the combination Punarnava, Kutki and Chitrak, three times daily before meals. This mixture will enhance the digestive fire, burn toxins, cleanse the liver and blood, reduce inflammation and remove heaviness and congestion.

4. Guggulu

Guggulu is a well-known weight reducer due to its powerful stimulating and scraping properties. On top of boosting the metabolism, it removes toxins, cholesterol and adipose (fat) tissue from the channels.

Directions: Take ½ tsp of guggulu, three times daily after meals. This can be plain guggulu, Punarnava guggulu, Kanchanara guggulu or Triphala guggulu depending on the individual needs. In general, this resin is well-known for its “scraping” ability as it literally removes fat, toxins and cholesterol from the body.

5. Agni Churna

Agni Churna is the traditional digestive spice blend used for all body-types to increase the digestive force (aka Agni), speed up the metabolism, remove toxins, promote healthy absorption of nutrients and reduce inflammation in the system. Adding this to your savory meal recipes is a simple and effective way to begin your weight loss journey!

Directions: Add 1/2-1 tsp of Agni Churna spice blend to any savory lunch or dinner recipe to promote digestion and absorption. Examples include soups, kitchari, dals, stir fry, meat dishes, veggie sautés, etc. For breakfast, it is recommended to add in 1/2-1 tsp of the Ayurvedic Breakfast Spices to your oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, etc.

6. Mahasudarshana Churna

This traditional Ayurvedic formula is unbeatable in removing toxins in the system and promoting weight loss. The extreme bitter taste it possesses has also been used to reduce the appetite and sweet cravings.

Directions: Take 1 tsp of Mahasudarshana Churna each morning on an empty stomach. This ancient bitter formula will burn toxins, remove Kapha from the system, reduce sweet cravings, kill yeast and bacteria and increase the digestive force.

7. Karalla, Shardunika and Chitrak blend

This group of Ayurvedic herbs is used specifically in excessive weight with high blood sugar levels and extreme sweet cravings.

Directions: Take ½ tsp of karalla, shardunika and chitrak in 1/2 cup of warm water before each meal. If needed add in 1/2 tsp of honey for better taste and more effective absorption.

8. Shilajit

This powerful resin-like substance is well-known for its ability to reduce weight, balance blood sugar, lower cholesterol, decrease blood pressure and remove toxins while enhancing energy and rejuvenating the system on a cellular level.

Directions: Mix 1/2 tsp of Shilajit in a half cup of warm water. Take this three times daily before meals.

9. Kapha Honey Infusion

A sweet and satisfying way to increase the digestive fire for those with weight issues and a Kapha digestive imbalance. Reduces symptoms such as a sluggish digestion, slow metabolism, excessive weight gain and feelings of heaviness after food intake.

Directions: Take 1 small spoonful of Kapha Honey Infusion 30 minutes before each meal. This digestive aid has been specifically formulated to increase the digestive force, burn toxins, enhance the metabolism and stimulate the circulation.

10. Digestive Tonic Tincture

This stimulating formula is designed to promote weight loss by stimulating the digestion, increasing the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, and reducing gas and bloating. A balanced digestive fire is the first step in any weight loss therapy!

Directions: Take 3-5 dropper-fulls of Digestive Tonic Tincture 30 minutes before each meal. This potent herbal extract is great for any symptoms of indigestion including gas, bloating, heaviness after food and malabsorption of nutrients. This health tonic will stimulate the metabolism and burn unwanted toxins in the system.

11. Perform an Ayurvedic Detox

Performing a proper cleanse is highly beneficial for weight reduction, removing toxins, increasing the digestion and sparking the metabolism. It is kind of a reset for the system. This typically includes a Kitchari mono-diet, while taking detoxifying herbs and performing cleansing therapies.

Herbal Remedies for Weight Loss