Herbal Suggestions for Appetite Issues

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Herbal Suggestions for Appetite Issues

Appetite Disturbances, either experiencing loss of appetite, or having difficulty controlling it, several alternative therapies can help. If you experience a notable change in appetite, you should first consult a physician, to rule out any illness or nutritional deficiencies. Whether you want to stimulate your appetite or control it, changing the way you eat may help.

Herbs used in the treatment of appetite disturbances are utilized in many different ways. Chickweed, Alfalfa, Parsely, Red Clover, Fennel, Hawthorn Berry, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Slippery Elm, Orange Peel are all wonderful for appetite control.

Siberian Ginseng, Suma (Maca), Korean Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, Oatstraw, Alfalfa, Gota Kola, Schizandra, Ginger are all wonderful for appetite stimulant.

Dietary supplements and thermogenesis or " fat-burning herbs " are stimulants that reduce appetite and speed metabolism. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body generates heat or energy, by increasing the metabolic rate above normal. This rise in metabolic rate is referred

to as the thermogenic effect, thermogenic response, or specific dynamic

action (SDA). Thermogenesis is activated by a few different mechanisms,

including supplements, nutrition, exercise, and exposure to cold.

Using single herbs in a tea, tinctures or capsules are all effective in achieving your goal.

For Appetite Control:

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Alkalizes and detoxs the body. Can act as a diuretic, balances hormones, eases inflammation, may lower cholesterol. Must be used in fresh raw form to provide vitamins. Contains an antifungal agent. Its high protein and vitamin content make it a good nutritional source. Medicinal uses of alfalfa include treatment of stomach upset, arthritis, bladder and kidney problems, boils, appetite control and irregular menstruation.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) The flowers of this plant are therapeutically used as an antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, and vulnerary. They are valued for the delicate sweet flavor they impart to herbal teas; and they combine expecially well with dried rose hips, lemon, and mint. In central Europe, clover has been used to regulate digestive functions, to improve the appetite, and to treat liver ailments.

Hawthorn Berry (Fructus Crataegus oxyacantha) is especially popular in a

number of herbal tinctures, herbal combinations and teas. The berries' effects on the circulatory system have been researched in Europe. Certain chemical constituents in the berries seem to enhance enzyme metabolism, poor digestion, overweight as well as oxygen utilization in the heart muscle. The berries should be taken over a period of time for their full nutritional benefits to be realized. Hawthorn Berries contain

vitamins C and B complex, crataegin, carotene, flavonoids and sugars.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva) is commonly used for colds or fevers and to soothe an irritated digestive system. The 'Slippery' part of Slippery Elm refers to the texture of the herb. This is because of the large mucilage content of Slippery Elm, which is also responsible for its wonderful healing and soothing action. In most herbal literature this is

termed a 'demulcent' or an 'emollient' agent, which means it is a soothing substance. It not only soothes and heals all that it comes into

contact with, but is highly nutritious. Slippery Elm is a wholesome food for the weak and convalescent, from infants to the elderly.

For Appetite Stimulant:

Gota Kola (Centella asiatica) is commonly used to help protect and repair or heal the skin, blood and nervous system. It combats stress and

improves reflexes. Antidepressant, improves memory and reduces mental fatigue. The nuts, roots, and seeds of this herb are used in cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, fatigue, kidney stones, poor appetite and sleep disorders.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale recen) is used for the prevention and treatment of various forms of nausea. These include motion sickness, the

nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), and post-surgical nausea. Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery, do not self-treat with ginger except under physician supervision. Ginger has been suggested as a treatment for numerous other conditions, including an appetite stimulant, atherosclerosis, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, burns, ulcers, depression, impotence, and liver toxicity. Stops cough and stops vomiting. In traditional Chinese medicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first sign of a cold is believed to offer the possibility of averting the infection.

Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) of the family Schizandraceae, is native to Northern China. As a traditional medicinal herb, Schizandra, called Wu Wei Zi in China, has been used as an astringent for a treatment for dry cough, asthma, night sweats, nocturnal seminal emissions and chronic diarrhea. It is also used traditionally as a tonic

for the treatment of chronic fatigue. This adaptogenic property is said

to " stimulate immune defenses, balance body function, normalize body systems, boost recovery after surgery, protect against radiation, counteract the effects of sugar, optimize energy in times of stress, increase stamina, protect against motion sickness, normalize blood sugar

and blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, shield against infection, improve the health of the adrenals, energize RNA-DNA molecules to rebuild cells and produces energy. Studies conducted on Schizandra's effects have noted that the herb has a stimulating effect in low doses, but this effect disappeared with larger doses.

Pacholyk, MS., L.Ac

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