This article was written by Angela Jett, herbalist, wellness coach, and integrative health advocate. She is the owner of Living Remedy. Angela's approach to wellness is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual holds the power to take charge of their well-being. As a fellow graduate of the American College of Healthcare Sciences, Angela’s passion for health and wellness comes through in her writing and passion for helping people from all walks of life feel their best.

We are all guilty of searching the internet at some time or another for ways to shed a few pounds, but I can almost guarantee that how to use herbs to burn belly fat was not one of the results. In fact, the ability to help you manage your weight may just be one of your spice rack's best-kept secrets. 

In a society currently crazed with Ozempic and other quick ways to lose weight, it is easy to lose sight of the consequences of those quick fixes. Do a quick search for the side effects of similar drugs, and it won’t be long before concerns of “Ozempic butt” fill your mind with terror. Even though it is true that these drugs can help you lose weight quickly, it is also true that weight loss drugs can leave you with saggy skin, digestive issues, or even more serious concerns like cancer (1). 

If you are looking for a more natural way to slim your waist, herbs might be just what you’re missing. 

Nature provides some of the most wonderful aids for just about every aspect of health. Weight management is no different. There is no shortage of herbs or plants that can help us regulate our blood sugar, curb our cravings, or even adjust our appetite. 

Herbs have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to support various health goals, including weight management. However, unlike synthetic supplements and drugs, herbs offer a natural approach, with fewer and less concerning side effects. These spicy botanicals can boost metabolism, aid digestion, and be a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy weight. 

Adding herbs to your healthy lifestyle can be done in a way that is just as unique as you. They can add flavor and texture to dishes, not only tickling your taste buds but also lending their health benefits all while doing something we all have to do on a daily basis: eat. 

If eating herbs isn’t really your thing, no worries. One of my favorite ways to consume herbs is by drinking them. The options are not just limited to herbal teas either. Herbs can be a great way to turn your morning cup of coffee into a weight loss aid. You can infuse them into water, freeze them in your ice cubes, or make mocktails. Who doesn’t want a good faux mojito that also slims your waist? 

The fun doesn’t have to stop there.

Your imagination is the limit! You can add herbs to snacks, top off your yogurt, or mix them into salads. If you are like my kids, you can pluck them straight from the garden and eat them right then and there. 

By now, you’re probably wondering which magical herbs can help you shed this extra weight. I will list a few in just a moment, but before we get there we should discuss some points of caution when consuming herbs.

Most herbs are pretty safe. In fact, the herbs we will discuss for weight loss are all fairly common and you are probably familiar with them on some level. With that being said, for herbs to be effective, they sometimes have to be consumed in larger amounts or for longer periods of time than if they are just being used in cooking. For this reason, it is good to know how to use them responsibly. 

Always consult a medical professional if you have a medical condition, including obesity, and speak with someone well-informed about herbal medicine before implementing an herbal routine. Herbs can cause allergic reactions, interact with medications, or cause minor or major medical concerns when misused. 

In addition to responsibly using herbs, know they are not magical pills. If you want the best results, herbs are just one piece of that puzzle. The goal when managing weight should always be to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. This includes eating balanced meals, drinking enough water, getting quality sleep, and managing stress. Regular exercise or movement and eating well will always be the cornerstone of good health, no matter how tired we are of hearing about it. 

Now on to the fun part! 

As I already mentioned, you are probably already familiar with some of these herbs. That’s because herbs do not have to be exotic to work! Be careful not to overlook these powerhouses hiding in your pantry. 

Green Tea

First up is a plant that you probably don’t even think of when you think of herbs. This mildly caffeinated wonder is full of antioxidants, which help to fight free radicals and support fat oxidation. In other words, this little baddy helps burn fat. Who knew your daily cup of green tea could do all of that?

Cinnamon

Next up is a holiday favorite. Not only does cinnamon taste good in cookies and pies, but it also can help regulate the blood sugar spikes you can get from those yummy treats. Adding cinnamon to a dish can help you avoid overeating. So, the next time a recipe calls for a dash of cinnamon, add a bonus dash in the name of a thin waistline.

Ginger

Ginger is another common one for the winter months and that makes sense because ginger tends to warm up the body. That’s not all ginger is known to do! It promotes digestion and reduces inflammation, but it also may boost your metabolism adding to your body’s ability to break down carbohydrates and use insulin (2). Not only that, ginger also tastes great in cookies, teas, and even stir-fry. 

Turmeric

This golden hero is pretty well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, but what you may not know is that it can help your metabolism by warming your body. Turmeric is the subject of many recent weight loss studies and what scientists are finding is that turmeric may slow down the formation of new fat cells (3). That’s good news for those of us who aren’t even sure how we keep packing on the pounds to begin with. 

Dandelion

This one might be unexpected for most of us. Dandelion is considered a bitter herb, a class of herbs that help digestion. When it comes to weight management, this herb really shines in helping to get rid of water weight. That’s because dandelion is a natural diuretic. Like any other diuretic, it’s easy to overdo it, so use this herb responsibly.

Ginseng

Panax ginseng (also known as Asian, Korean, or Chinese ginseng) may help boost energy levels and enhance metabolism. This means it might be worth adding to a pre-workout. It also has been shown to exert a weight loss effect possibly by altering the gut microbiome. So far, these studies indicate that results may be dependent on what bacteria is already present in your gut (4). Nevertheless, I think the results make this herb one worth trying.

Cayenne Pepper

Our last herb is a bit spicy. This herb adds a kick to any dish, but it also can increase your metabolism and possibly curb your appetite. If the thought of adding cayenne to your daily routine has you sweating, then consider adding this punchy herb in capsule form to avoid most of the heat. If spicy foods tend to give you acid reflux, you may want to use caution with this one. 

Like most things health-related, new information is always coming to light about these herbs and how they benefit us. There is always room for us to learn and grow, so don’t just take my word for it. Look into the amazing research being done on these beautiful plants that have many ways of enhancing our lives. 

I hope this has inspired you to add some spice to your weight management plan!

Want more? Download Angela’s Herbal Guide to Weight Management which goes more in-depth on herbs for weight loss. Click the button below to learn more!

About the author:

Angela’s wellness journey began in the heart of a bustling household, where she wore the hats of a devoted stay-at-home mother, homeschool teacher, and all-around household orchestrator. Amid the busy rhythm of life, she felt a deep calling to provide her family with the best possible quality of life – starting with nourishing, natural foods and products.

Angela's approach to wellness is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual holds the power to take charge of their well-being. With a client-centered focus and unwavering integrity, she offers her clients support by providing the knowledge and tools to make informed choices for themselves and their loved ones.

Beyond her professional pursuits, you'll find her cultivating connections with family, friends, plants, and the community. She currently enjoys working with clients online at her virtual practice, Living Remedy. 

Connect with Angela and Living Remedy on her website here or follow her on social media at @wellnesswithangela.