Poor appetite can be a symptom of an emotional or physical disorder, such as depression, ulcers or anorexia. It's normal to lose your appetite during or immediately after an illness, such as a cold or flu, but if your appetite loss persists, seek medical advice. Herbs may help you tone your digestive system and gain an appetite, but check with your health-care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that help you gain an appetite are called bitters. They have a bitter taste and stimulate digestive juices, which increases appetite. They also aid digestion by increasing bile secretion, which neutralizes stomach acids and helps your body digest fats. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about safe dosage levels and how to prepare these herbs.
Yellow Gentian
Yellow gentian, or Gentiana lutea, is a tall yellow flower native to mountainous areas of Europe. Traditional healers use the roots and rhizomes as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and ease digestion. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that the bitter chemicals in gentian are called secoiridoids, which work by stimulating saliva, gastric juices and bile flow. Do not use this herb if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers.
Wormwood
Wormwood, or Artemisia absinthium, is a traditional remedy for poor appetite and gastrointestinal problems. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends wormwood to invigorate the digestive system, especially if your digestive juices are insufficient. Van Wyk and Wink note that the bitter chemicals in wormwood include absinthin, artabsin and volatile oil, which are also antimicrobial. You should not use wormwood for long periods or in high doses since it contains thujone, which is toxic in high doses. Do not use wormwood if you are pregnant.
Condurango
Condurango, or Marsdenia condurango, is a creeping vine native to South America. Local healers use the dried bark as a digestive tonic and to relieve nausea. Active ingredients include steroidal saponins and bitter glycosides, and Hoffmann recommends it to improve appetite. It also works on a wide range of digestive problems by relaxing stomach nerves and reducing tension in the gastrointestinal tract. Do not use this herb if you are pregnant, and consult a qualified practitioner for advice about safe dosage levels.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
Member Comments