As with most disorders, herbs are a great complement to an effective weight-loss plan. Taking the proper herbal remedies will provide a basis for removing deep-rooted toxins, stimulating digestion, boosting metabolism, scraping unwanted fat from the system, increasing energy, and balancing emotions. Although they are great companions, it is essential to remember that herbs will only truly work when they are used in accordance with the proper diet and lifestyle practices mentioned in the previous articles. Although each individual may require a different herbal treatment depending on their unique needs, these general recommendations can be a helpful place to begin!

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.

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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 it steep for 5 minutes, but do not strain. This can alternatively be mixed with 1 tsp of honey and made into a paste. Take this before bed and rinse down with a few sips of warm water.

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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 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’s needs. In general, this resin is well-known for its “scraping” ability as it literally removes fat, toxins, and cholesterol from the body.

5. Kapha Churna

Kapha Churna is a digestive spice blend used for all Kapha imbalances (such as excessive weight) to increase the digestive force (aka Agni), speed up 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 Kapha 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 1/2-1 tsp of the Ayurvedic Breakfast Spices to your oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, etc.

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6. Mahasudarshana Churna

Mahasudarshana Churna is a traditional Ayurvedic formula that is unbeatable for removing toxins in the system and promoting weight loss. It possesses an extremely bitter taste, which is useful for reducing 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 unwanted bacteria, and increase the digestive force.

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7. Karalla, Shardunika, and Chitrak blend

This group of Ayurvedic herbs is used specifically for excessive weight, 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 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

Kapha Honey Infusion is a sweet and satisfying way to increase the digestive fire for those with a Kapha imbalance, such as weight issues. This sweet and spicy blend reduces Kapha-type digestive symptoms such as 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 metabolism, and stimulate circulation.

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10. Digestive Tonic Tincture

The Digestive Tonic Tincture is designed to promote weight loss by stimulating digestion, increasing the absorption and assimilation of nutrients, and reducing gas and bloating. A strong and robust 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.

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11. Perform an Ayurvedic Detox

Performing a proper Ayurvedic cleanse is highly beneficial for weight reduction, removing toxins, increasing digestion, and igniting the metabolism. When done properly, it is an amazing reset for the system. This typically includes a Kitchari mono-diet*, while taking detoxifying herbs and performing cleansing therapies.

*Individuals with excessive weight often do better using quinoa instead of Basmati rice for their Kitchari.

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