22 Home Remedies for Weight Loss (No.12 is the easiest)

Who wouldn’t love to have a slim and trim figure?

Losing weight can help boost your confidence and make you feel better!

Besides, an ideal weight can keep many severe ailments at bay.

Overweight is a leading cause of death worldwide. It kills about 2.8 million people each year [1].

Excess weight increases the risk of life-threatening conditions. These include heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, according to Mayo Clinic.

Home Remedies for Weight Loss — Dreamstime

Some people rely on fad diets to lose weight, which are not only ineffective but also dangerous.

It’s safe to eat more fruits, vegetables, and 95 percent lean meat, and exercise regularly.

Besides, here’s a quick list of weight loss techniques that you can do at home. Some home remedies for weight loss with you to get rid of that extra weight without any side effect.

22 Best Home Remedies for Weight Less

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera and weight loss?

Many people are not aware that these two have a connection.

Aloe Vera has been a traditional medicine in India, China and Mexico for centuries [2].

Most of the common issues it can heal are wounds, burns, acne and other skin problems.

Besides, it can improve digestion, detoxify the body, and enhance immunity [3].

Aloe vera gel is also effective in reducing body fat mass and body weight in obese patients with diabetes [4].

It’s also a bonus that aloe vera gel has heart protective effects that can reduce the risk of heart disease [4].

How to use aloe vera gel for weight loss:

Peel 2 aloe vera leaves. Get the pulp. Put pulp in a blender. Add 1 cup of lemon juice Blend for three minutes. Drink mixture every day in the morning for up to three weeks.

2. Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper does more than spice up your dishes.

It has many amazing health benefits that would make you want to include it in your cooking more often.

Cayenne pepper can boost digestion, relieve migraine pain, prevent blood clot. Besides, it can detoxify the body, and reduce joint and nerve pains.

If you’re trying to shed off unwanted pounds, this spice can also help.

Cayenne pepper contains a potent component named capsaicin. In 2009, researchers rated its effect in appetite, body weight, heart rate and energy intake [5].

During the study, a total of 27 individuals had to take in capsaicin, green tea, sweet pepper or a placebo for 10 days [5].

Capsaicin can curb hunger, prolong satiety and increase energy needed for exercise [5].

Apart from this, it also helps prevents weight regain [6].

Try this cayenne pepper drink if you want to lose weight:

Add ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper to a glass of water. Stir in 1 tablespoon of each of lemon juice and honey. Drink the concoction once a day for five days.

3. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle has a unique way of helping the body lose weight.

As you know, the body finds it difficult to burn fat and lose weight when the liver is not working.

Milk thistle has a potent flavonoid called silymarin. It has a positive impact on liver health and function, as reported in several studies [7, 8, 9].

A team of scientists from Egypt uncovered how milk thistle works. It can reduce liver enzymes as well as malondialdehyde and fucosidase activities [7].

A Chinese study conducted in 2016. It found that silymarin could decrease the mice subjects’ epididymal fat mass [8].

How you can take milk thistle capsule to lose weight:

Take one capsule in the morning and one in the evening. Do this every day for two to three months.

4. Green Tea

If there’s a weight loss solution most researched about, it’s green tea.

Many studies confirm that green tea is an efficient way to drop unwanted pounds. Because, it helps the body burn more fat and calories. Besides, green tea can suppress the appetite and increase energy metabolism [10, 11, 12, 13, 14].

In a study, 76 overweight and obese participants had to consume a low energy diet for four weeks. They also took in green tea and caffeine combination daily for three months [12].

By the end of the trial, the participants have lost a significant amount of body weight and fat mass [12].

Their waist circumference was also reduced [12].

This can have a connection with the increased fat oxidation and thermogenesis. The leptin levels in women may also have a connection with the waist circumference [12].

Study reports that the intake of green tea for 12 weeks can also lower cholesterol levels [15].

Learn this simple method of using green tea for weight loss:

Boil water in a pot. Remove from heat. Put 1 tea bag in the water and steep for three minutes. Add 1 tsp of honey and ½ tsp of ginger. Drink this tea twice a day for three to four weeks.

5. Ginseng

Struggling to lose weight?

Why don’t you try drinking ginseng tea every day?

There was a research conducted in the University of Chicago. It revealed that ginseng not only helped reduce weight but also kept blood glucose in check [16].

They injected mice subjects with ginseng extract for 12 days. Those mice had lower fasting blood sugar levels and lower body weight compared to others [16].

Its active compounds do a great job in curbing the appetite and increasing energy levels [17].

This herb also can enhance thermogenesis, which is another way the body burns fat and calories [18, 19].

Try this ginseng tea to lose your weight:

Boil water in a pot. Add 1 tsp of chopped ginseng. Remove from heat. Let it steep for 5 minutes. Add honey. Drink twice a day for one to two months.

6. Licorice

Licorice, the main ingredient used in making candy, can help you lose weight as well.

There was a study published in the Journal of Health Science. It stated that licorice has “weight-reducing effects” on the body. Besides, it is safe to consume even for long-term [20].

More than 100 overweight individuals participated in this study. Half of them had to take 300 mg of licorice a day for 12 weeks while the other half received a placebo [20].

Licorice had reduced weight during the 12-week period. And, it didn’t cause any adverse effects on the participants [20].

It is one of the natural weight loss remedies that can boost fat oxidation and drop body weight [21].

How to use licorice root for weight loss:

Bring a cup of water to boil. Add 1 tablespoon of licorice root. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes more. Drink the tea in the morning before eating anything. Do this every day for two to three weeks.

7. Bitter Orange

Bitter orange doesn’t seem tasty at all.

But, you can count on it when it comes to boosting your weight loss efforts.

There are so many evidence to confirm bitter orange’s efficacy in weight management.

One study examines its role in the body’s thermogenesis and increased metabolism [22].

This fruit can boost the body’s fat and calorie burning processes.

Participants showed weight loss by receiving bitter orange and other herbal remedies [22].

A simple bitter orange juice recipe for weight loss:

Put 1 bitter orange and a cup of ice cubes in a blender. Blend for a few minutes. Add 1 tsp of honey before drinking. Take this in the morning with breakfast. Drink once a day for one to two weeks.

8. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is a perennial shrub grown in many parts of Asia, Europe, and Africa. People have touted it for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, reports Live Strong.

For more than 2,000 years, people have been using this medicinal herb. It can reduce depression, relieve menopausal symptoms and cure inflammation.

For those who are aiming to get some pounds off, they can also make use of this natural weight loss approach.

A group of American scientists inspected the weight loss effects of St. Johm’s Wort. they examined it in combination with caffeine and bitter orange extract [23].

Included in the study are 23 individuals who came into three groups [23].

The first group received daily the following: 975 mg of bitter orange, 528 mg of caffeine and 900 mg of St. John’s Wort [23].

The second group had to take a maltodextrin placebo while the last group did not get anything [23].

After three weeks, the first group had a significant weight loss of up to 3 kilograms. They also had an average fat loss of 2.9 percent [23].

There were no unpleasant side effects during and after the treatment period [23].

St. John’s Wort along with caffeine and bitter orange are a safe way to lose weight and rev up the body for exercise [23].

How to make St. John’s Wort tea as a remedy for weight loss:

Boil a cup of water. Add 1 tsp of St. John’s Wort. Remove from heat. Let it steep for five minutes. Sip the tea. Take this every morning for one to two weeks.

9. Yerba Mate

The yerba mate plant is native to subtropical regions of South America. People use yerba to concoct an herbal tea that can treat a wide range of health problems over the years [24].

Yerba mate boosts energy expenditure and basal metabolism, resulting in weight loss [25].

Besides, it reduces levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood sugar [26].

Learn how to take yerba mate tea if you want to lose weight:

Boil 1 cup of water. Put 1 yerba mate tea bag in the water. Let it steep for a few minutes. Drink the tea in the morning. Do this every day for two to three weeks.

10. Guar Gum

Also known as guaran, guar gum comes from grinding guar bean endosperm.

It’s one of the most efficient ways to lower cholesterol levels. It also protects you from serious ailments related to high cholesterol.

As a weight loss aid, it can help the body drop unwanted pounds, as suggested in several scientific data [27, 28].

How you may consume guar gum for weight loss:

Mix ¼ tsp of guar gum with 1 cup of olive oil. Use this as dressing for your vegetable salad. Eat this every day for one week.

11. Cereal

Did you know that this breakfast favorite also can make you drop weight?

Cereal with high insoluble fiber can help curb the appetite and lower food intake [29].

But it’s important to choose a box of cereal that’s low in sugar and made with whole grains, and to use milk that’s low in fat.

Cereal is also an excellent way to avoid skipping breakfast.

Some people think that skipping the first meal of the day will help them lose weight, but the opposite is true.

How to take cereal to lose weight:

Pour a cup of almond or soy milk in your bowl of cereal. Top with banana slices. Eat every morning for three to four weeks. Use different fruits as topping.

12. Water

You may find this hard to imagine, but drinking water can help you drop pounds.

How is that possible?

Drinking water before each meal reduces food intake [30].

Study shows that increasing water intake in 12 weeks could result in a 44 percent weight loss [31].

There was a similar experiment conducted in Oakland California in 2008. It echoes these findings, suggesting that water is an effective way to lower body fat and weight [32].

Increased daily intake of water could help in losing weight over a specified period [32].

This is the easiest, simplest and cheapest way to get rid of those unwanted pounds.

The easiest way to cut the extra weight using water:

Put 3 slices of each of lemon and cucumber in a glass of water. Chill in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes. Drink the flavored water. Do this at least eight times a day.

13. Orange

Snacking on oranges can do more than supply your body with vitamin C. It can also help drop unwanted pounds.

Bitter orange can be a safe alternative to weight loss supplement Ephedra [11, 32].

Synephrine alkaloids in bitter orange may help in weight reduction [33].

Unlike Ephedra, bitter orange is safe and effective. So there’s no need to worry about dangerous side effects while you’re trying to losing weight.

Moro orange may also aid in weight loss, as reported in several studies [34, 34].

Its juice can also reduce food intake, fat accumulation, and body weight [35].

It also noted that there was an increase in the energy level of the mice [36].

In a different experiment, overweight participants received moro juice extract for 12 weeks. Findings reveal that it reduced body mass index in as short as four weeks [37].

Research findings on oranges are promising but need further investigation.

Try this orange juice recipe for weight loss:

Slice an orange fruit into two. Squeeze juice into a glass of water. Add honey. Stir well. Chill in the refrigerator. Drink the juice. Follow this technique twice or thrice a day.

14. Pomegranate

Pomegranate is widely cultivated in Mediterranean countries, Southeast Asia and the United States. It has antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [38].

Another potential application is for weight reduction [39].

There was a clinical trial published in the International Journal of Obesity. It reported that Pomegranate leaf extract inhibits fat absorption in the intestines. Thus, it can reduce body weight and energy intake [40].

Researchers experimented with male and female mice fed with a high-fat diet [41].

Pomegranate is rich in flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins and other antioxidants. Its weight loss mechanisms may have a connection with these components [42].

A simple recipe of pomegranate juice to lose weight:

Add 1 tablespoon of pomegranate juice into a glass of water. Mix well. Let it cool in the refrigerator before drinking. Do this three times a day.

15. Blueberry

The phenolic compounds in blueberry works as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. It also demonstrates anti-obesity mechanisms [43].

In 2013, Chinese researchers conducted an experiment. They tested the effects of blueberry’s anthocyanins on mice fed with a high-fat diet [44].

The juice could prevent body weight gain as well as reduced cholesterol level [45].

Findings confirm that its potent weight loss effects can help combat obesity [46].

Because blueberry is rich in many vitamins and minerals, you get to benefit your health as well.

So even after you’ve reached your desired goal, it’s a smart idea to keep on consuming blueberry. Because this will help keep diseases at bay.

Try this tasty blueberry juice if you want to lose weight:

Blend blueberries and ice. Drink blueberry juice throughout the day.

16. Vegetables

If you’re not too interested in eating your veggies, here’s a fact that might change your mind. Vegetables can help you lose weight.

Vegetables are rich in phytochemicals that show anti-obesity properties [47].

Phytochemicals work by inhibiting inflammation, which has a connection to obesity [46].

Vegetables are also an excellent source of polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. It also has many other antioxidants that can be beneficial in weight management [49].

As they’re low in calories and fats, you get to satiate your cravings without putting on so much weight.

Vegetables can also help keep you in top health, and prevent a wide range of health problems.

Try this salad for weight loss:

Combine 1 cup of each of chopped lettuce, chopped kale, 1 cooked sweet potato, 1 carrot, and 1 cucumber in a bowl. Drizzle olive-oil based dressing over the salad. Eat the salad before each meal.

17. Lemon Juice

When life hands you lemons, use them to get rid of unwanted weight.

A glass of lemon juice can help you achieve a slimmer and healthier body.

Lemon juice can lower body weight and improve tolerance to glucose [50].

This is due to the compound’s anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemic properties [51].

Nomilin, an active compound in lemon, activates a receptor called TG5R. It, in turn, prevents obesity and high blood sugar levels [52].

The conclusion came after supplementing obese mice with nomilin for 77 days [53].

How to use lemon juice if you want to lose weight:

Slice 1 lemon and squeeze to release juice. Put juice in a glass of cold water. Add 1 tsp of honey and stir. Drink juice. Repeat technique three times a day.

18. Instant Noodles with Pectin

People who are always on the rely on instant noodles to appease their hunger.

Because it’s easy to prepare and cook, it’s convenient for those who don’t have time to make elaborate meals.

And the bonus is that noodles made with pectin can also help reduce weight.

In 2009, researchers from Thailand assessed the effects of instant noodles [54].

Those who consumed instant noodles with pectin felt more satisfied than others [55].

That’s not all. They also had better results than those who ate the instant noodles without pectin [56].

It means, instant noodles with pectin helps reduce weight by curbing the appetite. It also flushes out fat and cholesterol [57].

Simple instant noodles recipe for weight loss:

Cook instant noodles in water according to directions. Eat this three times a day.

19. Kimchi

Kimchi is a favorite Korean appetizer. You can make it with fermented vegetables such as cabbage, red pepper, and ginger.

Its spicy sour taste and crunchy texture have made it famous not only in Korea but also in other parts of the world.

Another thing to love about this side dish is that it can help in weight loss.

Kimchi is rich in nutrients, probiotics, dietary fiber and antioxidants. These properties can be beneficial in decreasing body weight and body fat [58].

A laboratory experiment done on obese mice proved this fact. The mice consumed kimchi for 12 weeks [59].

Capsaicin in the chili pepper or chili powder used in kimchi also plays a role in its weight loss effects.

Many studies serve as proof that capsaicin can help shed off pounds. It can stimulate thermogenesis, boost metabolism and satiate the appetite [60, 61, 62, 63].

Learn how you may consume kimchi to lose weight:

Consume a ½ cup of kimchi before or during meals.

20. Soy Milk

The probiotics in soy milk can improve the balance of good and bad bacteria in the digestive system [64].

Regular intake of this non-dairy milk can help keep digestive ailments at bay [65].

Soy milk can also help achieve one’s desired weight.

Fermented soy milk decreased body weight in mice that consumed a high-fat diet [66].

This is an excellent weight loss method for people who are lactose intolerant. Because, soy milk does not have lactose, and will not cause an allergic reaction. Drink one glass of soy milk before each meal.

According to TotalShape, almond milk can help with weight loss. Almond milk is low in calories and sugar.

21. Cinnamon Tea

How can something sweet help you lose weight?

This is probably what you’re thinking upon learning about this weight loss technique.

But, cinnamon is not your regular sweetener.

It is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Besides, it has beneficial effects on body weight and body fat.

In India, researchers tested cinnamon bark along with cardamom for their antioxidant effects. They tested it among mice fed with high-fat diet [67].

Cinnamon bark resulted in a significant decrease in weight among obese mice after 90 days [68].

Human trials are necessary to further confirm these findings. But you can still try using this tea and see for yourself how well it works for you.

How to take cinnamon tea for weight loss:

Boil water in a pot. Remove from heat and transfer to a cup. Add 1 tsp of cinnamon bark powder to the cup of hot water. Stir well. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture. Drink tea before each meal.

22. Drink Unsweetened Coffee

Majority of us are coffee lovers. Recently, researchers have come up with fascinating facts about this popular drink. Coffee has a lot of health benefits.

The beverage is rich in antioxidants and some other chemical components. These chemicals can help you reduce weight fast.

Coffee boosts your energy level and helps the metabolism of the body to burn calories. It is evident from many types of research that coffee optimizes the metabolism of the body by 3-11%. Moreover, the high level of caffeine in coffee can inhibit type 2 diabetes and lower the risk by 23-50%.

Unsweetened black coffee contains zero calories. Hence a few cups of coffee can help you cut down your weight. [69]

How to take black coffee for weight loss:

Make your cup of unsweetened coffee. Consume coffee 2-3 cups daily instead of other sweet drinks.

When You Need to See a Doctor

Usually, you don’t need to visit a doctor if you want to lose your extra fat. But, you may gain weight due to some diseases, or side effects of any particular medications. Then you need to visit your doctor before you start any weight loss program.

Obesity may cause severe diseases like diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure. You must see a doctor if you develop one or more of these symptoms

Bottom Line

The ways to lose weight or lose fat is simple. You can any of the following methods: a proper diet, cardio, exercise or other sports, weight training, surgeries, etc.

But we would recommend that you try the home remedies as listed above to shed the extra pounds.

Eat well, do some physical exercise and stay healthy and fit! Let us know your experience of using the natural ways in your journey of losing weight. Leave your feedback in the comment section.