Psyllium husk, known in India as isabgol, is the outer coating of seeds from the Plantago ovata plant. Most of the world’s psyllium is grown in India, and it’s the main ingredient in fibre supplements such as Metamucil. It’s one of the most studied and affordable fibre supplements available.

What psyllium husk does

Psyllium is a soluble fibre. When it mixes with water it forms a thick gel, which softens stool, slows digestion and helps you feel full.

Benefits with good evidence

• Constipation: it softens and bulks up stool so it passes more easily. It’s often the first thing pharmacists suggest.
• Diarrhoea: by soaking up excess water, it can also firm up loose stools.
• Cholesterol: taken daily, psyllium can lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol by a modest amount. In the US, the FDA allows a heart-health claim for psyllium as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Blood sugar: taken with meals, it can reduce blood sugar spikes after eating.
• Feeling full: it may help you feel fuller and eat a little less, which can support weight management. See fibre for weight loss.

How to take it

• Start low: 1 teaspoon (about 3 to 5 g) once a day, and build up over 1 to 2 weeks to 1 to 2 doses a day. Follow the product label.
• Always mix with a full glass of water (at least 240 ml / 8 oz) and drink it straight away, before it thickens. Then drink plenty of fluids through the day.
• Take medicines 2 hours apart from psyllium, as it can reduce how well they’re absorbed.
• For feeling full, take it 20 to 30 minutes before a meal.

Side effects

• Wind, bloating and tummy cramps, especially at first. Building up slowly helps.
• Choking or blockage risk if taken without enough water. Never take it dry.
• Rarely, allergic reactions. Stop and get help if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or a rash.

Who should check with a doctor first

• Anyone with difficulty swallowing, a narrowed bowel or a history of bowel blockage
• People with diabetes, as it can lower blood sugar after meals
• Anyone taking regular medicines, because of the absorption issue
• Children

See a doctor if

You have a sudden change in bowel habits lasting more than 2 weeks, blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, or severe tummy pain.

Frequently asked questions

Is isabgol the same as psyllium husk?

Yes. Isabgol is the Hindi name for psyllium husk.

Can I take psyllium every day?

Yes. It’s safe for daily long-term use for most adults, as long as you drink enough water.

When is the best time to take psyllium?

Any time that suits you, keeping it 2 hours away from medicines. Before meals may help with fullness and blood sugar. At bedtime with water is common for constipation.

Does psyllium help you lose weight?

It may help a little by making you feel fuller, but it works best as part of a balanced diet with plenty of other fibre-rich foods.

Related: How long does Dulcolax take to work?

More in our Digestive Health guide: all our articles and products on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Berberine has become one of the fastest-growing supplements in the US, helped by social media posts calling it “nature’s Ozempic”. It’s a plant compound found in goldenseal, barberry and the Ayurvedic herb daruharidra (tree turmeric), and it has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries. Here’s what the evidence actually shows.

Is berberine really “nature’s Ozempic”?

No. Medicines like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) commonly lead to weight loss of around 15% of body weight in trials. Studies of berberine show much smaller effects. Berberine works differently, mainly by influencing how cells use sugar, and it doesn’t copy the appetite-suppressing hormone GLP-1 in the same way.

What studies show

• Weight: reviews of clinical trials suggest berberine may lead to a small extra weight loss of around 2 kg (4 to 5 lb) over several months, compared with a placebo.
• Blood sugar: the strongest evidence is for lowering blood sugar and HbA1c in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
• Cholesterol: some studies show modest reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

Many studies were small, short or of mixed quality, so the results should be treated with caution.

How people take it

Studies typically used 500 mg two or three times a day with meals, up to 1,500 mg a day. Splitting the dose and taking it with food reduces stomach side effects. Follow the directions on the product, and talk to a doctor before starting.

Side effects

• Constipation, diarrhoea, wind and stomach cramps are the most common, especially at higher doses
• Low blood sugar, particularly if combined with diabetes medicine

Drug interactions: important

Berberine affects liver enzymes that break down many medicines. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you take:

• Diabetes medicines, including metformin and insulin
• Blood pressure medicines
• Blood thinners
• Ciclosporin or other immune-suppressing medicines
• Sedatives or any regular prescription medicine

Who should not take berberine

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: it can harm a baby
• Babies and children
• People with liver disease

The bottom line

Berberine may help a little with blood sugar and weight, but it isn’t a replacement for diet, activity or prescribed treatment. It’s most worth discussing with your doctor if you have prediabetes or high blood sugar. For other approaches, see Ayurvedic herbs for weight loss, fibre for weight loss and weight loss medicines explained.

Frequently asked questions

How long does berberine take to work?

Studies on weight and blood sugar usually lasted 8 to 12 weeks or more. Don’t expect quick results.

Can I take berberine with metformin?

Only with your doctor’s agreement. Both lower blood sugar, and together they can cause low blood sugar or more stomach side effects.

Is berberine safe long-term?

Long-term safety beyond about 6 months isn’t well studied. Use it under a doctor’s guidance if you plan to take it for longer.

More in our Weight Management guide: all our articles on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Ayurveda has used herbs to support digestion, appetite and metabolism for centuries, and several of them now appear in modern weight management supplements. But traditional use isn’t the same as proof. Here’s an honest look at the five herbs you’ll see most often, what the research shows, and how to use them safely.

The short answer

No herb melts fat. A few may give a small extra push when you’re already eating well and moving more, mainly by helping with fullness, sugar cravings or digestion. Diet, activity, sleep and consistency still do almost all of the work.

1. Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia)

Traditional use: a sour fruit used in South Indian cooking and Ayurveda to aid digestion.

What studies show: garcinia contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which was thought to block fat production and reduce appetite. A review of clinical trials found an average extra weight loss of under 1 kg compared with a placebo, which is too small to be meaningful on its own.

Safety: usually well tolerated, but rare cases of liver injury have been linked to garcinia products. Avoid it if you have liver disease, and stop if you notice yellow skin or eyes or dark urine.

2. Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre)

Traditional use: known in Hindi as gurmar, “sugar destroyer”.

What studies show: gymnema temporarily blocks the sweet taste receptors on the tongue, which may reduce sugar cravings. Small studies suggest it may help with blood sugar control. Evidence for weight loss itself is limited.

Safety: it can lower blood sugar. If you take diabetes medicine, talk to your doctor first to avoid low blood sugar.

3. Guggul (Indian bdellium)

Traditional use: a resin used in Ayurveda for metabolism and joint health.

What studies show: evidence for weight loss is weak and mixed, and studies on cholesterol have had conflicting results.

Safety: may cause stomach upset or rash, and can interact with thyroid medicines, blood thinners and some other drugs. Avoid it in pregnancy.

4. Fenugreek seed

Traditional use: a kitchen spice and Ayurvedic remedy for digestion.

What studies show: fenugreek is rich in soluble fibre, which can help you feel full. Small studies show it may reduce appetite and help blood sugar control.

Safety: can cause wind, bloating and a maple-syrup smell in sweat and urine. It may lower blood sugar. Avoid it in pregnancy, as it can stimulate the womb.

5. Triphala

Traditional use: a blend of three fruits (amla, haritaki and bibhitaki) used for digestion and regularity.

What studies show: it works mainly as a gentle laxative. A few small studies suggest a modest effect on weight and waist size, but larger trials are needed.

Safety: can cause loose stools or tummy cramps. Avoid it in pregnancy.

Combination products

Many supplements combine several of these herbs. Himalaya Ayurslim, for example, combines garcinia, gymnema, guggul, fenugreek and haritaki (one of the triphala fruits). A combination isn’t automatically stronger, but it may suit people who want gentle support for appetite, cravings and digestion in one capsule.

How to use herbal supplements safely

• Talk to your doctor first if you take any prescription medicine, especially for diabetes, thyroid, blood pressure or blood thinning.
• Don’t combine several weight-loss supplements at once.
• Avoid them in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and don’t give them to children.
• Stop and see a doctor if you notice yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, severe tummy pain or a rash.
• Buy from a trusted source. Some weight-loss products sold online have been found to contain hidden drugs.
• Give it time: judge any supplement over 2 to 3 months, alongside diet and activity.

What works best

The habits with the strongest evidence are simple: plenty of protein and fibre, fewer sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks, regular walking and strength training, and enough sleep. Read our guides on how to lose weight safely, fibre for weight loss and protein for weight loss.

Frequently asked questions

Which Ayurvedic herb is best for weight loss?

None has strong evidence on its own. Fibre-rich fenugreek and craving-reducing gymnema have the most plausible effects, but any benefit is modest.

Are Ayurvedic weight-loss supplements safe?

Most are well tolerated at normal doses, but they can cause side effects and interact with medicines. Check with a doctor if you have a health condition or take any medicines.

How long do herbal weight-loss supplements take to work?

Give them at least 2 to 3 months alongside changes to diet and activity before judging.

More in our Weight Management guide: all our articles on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Supplements are not evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Vitamin C is the most popular cold remedy there is. The research gives a clear but modest answer: it won’t stop most people catching colds, but taking it regularly can make them a little shorter.

What the research shows

• Prevention: for most people, taking vitamin C every day doesn’t reduce how many colds they get.
• Shorter colds: people who take it regularly have slightly shorter colds, by about 8% in adults and 14% in children. That’s roughly half a day off a week-long cold.
• Under heavy physical stress: people such as marathon runners and soldiers in extreme cold had about half as many colds when taking vitamin C.
• Starting when symptoms begin: taking vitamin C only once a cold has started hasn’t shown a consistent benefit.

How much is safe?

• The recommended daily amount is 90 mg for men and 75 mg for women, plus 35 mg for smokers.
• The upper limit for adults is 2,000 mg a day. Above that, diarrhoea, nausea and stomach cramps become more likely.
• High doses over time may raise the risk of kidney stones, especially in men. If you’ve had kidney stones, ask your doctor first.

Read more in how much vitamin C do you need.

Food first

Oranges, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli and tomatoes are all rich in vitamin C. One orange gives about 70 mg. A supplement such as Sundown Naturals Vitamin C can help if your diet falls short.

Other things that can help a cold

• Rest and fluids.
• Honey for cough in adults and children over 1 year (never give honey to babies under 1).
• Zinc lozenges started within 24 hours may shorten a cold slightly. They can cause a bad taste and nausea.
• Saline nose sprays and warm drinks for congestion.
• Pain relievers for aches and fever, following the label.

Not sure if it’s a cold or allergies? See allergies or a cold: how to tell.

See a doctor if

Symptoms last more than 10 days, you have a high fever, trouble breathing, chest pain or a severe sore throat, or a baby or older adult is unwell.

Browse all our Health Guides.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.

An itchy rash can have many causes, and some look alike. Where the rash is, when it itches and who else has it are the best clues. Use this guide to narrow it down, then see a doctor if you’re unsure, especially if more than one person at home is itching.

Scabies

• Itch: intense, worst at night.
• Where: between the fingers, wrists, elbows, armpits, waist, buttocks and genitals.
• Look: small red bumps and thin, wavy burrow lines.
• Clue: family members or partners itch too.
• Needs prescription treatment for everyone in close contact. See scabies symptoms and treatment.

Bed bug bites

• Itch: noticed in the morning after sleeping.
• Where: skin exposed in bed, such as arms, shoulders, neck and face.
• Look: red, itchy bites, often in a line or cluster of three or more.
• Clue: tiny blood spots or dark specks on sheets and mattress seams, especially after travel.
• The bites heal by themselves. The real treatment is getting rid of the bugs, usually with professional pest control.

Eczema

• Itch: comes and goes in flares, often worse with dry skin, heat or stress.
• Where: elbow creases, behind the knees, hands, neck and face.
• Look: dry, rough, scaly patches; can crack or weep.
• Clue: long-term or recurring, often with allergies or asthma in the family. It isn’t contagious.
• Thick fragrance-free moisturisers every day are the foundation of treatment.

Hives

• Itch: sudden.
• Where: anywhere, and they move around.
• Look: raised pale or red welts that fade within 24 hours, while new ones appear elsewhere.
• Often helped by a non-drowsy antihistamine such as cetirizine. See hives: causes and relief.

Flea and chigger bites

• Fleas: small itchy bites mainly on ankles and lower legs, often with pets in the home.
• Chiggers: very itchy bites around the sock line, waistband or skin folds after time in grass or woods.

Quick comparison

• Worse at night + between fingers + others itch → think scabies.
• New bites each morning in lines → think bed bugs.
• Dry patches in skin creases that come and go → think eczema.
• Welts that move and fade within a day → think hives.

See a doctor if

The itch keeps you awake, others at home are itching, the rash is spreading or looks infected (pus, crusts, fever), or it hasn’t improved after 2 weeks. Get emergency help if hives come with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

More in our Lice and Parasites guide: all our articles on this topic in one place.

This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label before using any medicine.