Herbs to Increase Appetite

Loss of appetite is a serious problem, which can cause undernourishment if it goes unnoticed. There are certain herbs that aid in increasing the appetite to an extent.

Some of us suffer from an occasional loss of appetite. It is a problem which goes unnoticed in most of the cases and is later seen through constant fatigue and exhaustion.

The reasons for poor appetite are chronic stress, depression, smoking, alcohol abuse, food poisoning, gastrointestinal problems and other undetected illnesses. This often leads to problems such as reduced desire to eat, weakness, and nutritional deficiencies.

Fortunately, this problem can be reversed with herbs to increase appetite. This is the most natural way of increasing your appetite without subjecting yourself to any kind of side effects.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.

Ginger is a root which has been extensively used for its medicinal purposes since the ancient times. It is known for its healing properties, which stimulates appetite and aids digestion.

Dietary intake of ginger increases the pH level of stomach's acid and improves the activity of digestive enzymes. This leads to reduction in acidity and decreases digestive secretions. It also aids blood circulation and boosts production of saliva.

To make the most of it, peel a small piece of ginger, add few drops of lemon and peppermint. Grind these together and make a fine paste. Eat it on an empty stomach everyday for about two weeks to see the results. You can also simmer some ginger while making your early morning tea and drink it for about two weeks to increase your appetite.

Peppermint is another supplement which can enhance your appetite. Including peppermint extract in your diet or drinking peppermint tea on daily basis can go a long way in increasing your appetite. It helps in relieving indigestion, cramps, nausea and irritable bowel syndrome. If you do not have the time to make the extract or the tea, peppermint capsules are known to be equally effective.

Fennel seeds have been primarily used to increase appetite since the ancient times. The extract of these seeds is known to ease any kind of irritation to the muscle lining of digestive tract. They alleviate maladies such as acid-stomach, flatulence, food poisoning, motion sickness, feelings of fullness and gas, nausea and vomiting.

Eating them relieves one from gastrointestinal problems such as abdominal pain, colon disorders and spasms. The cumulative effect of all these brings about an increase in appetite.

Dandelion is a root, which is known for a number of medicinal benefits. It is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C and D, iron, potassium and zinc. However, it is very popularly used for increasing appetite. To use this root as an appetite stimulant, boil 2 tablespoons of dried dandelion in water and let it seep in for a while. Drink this water three times a day for about two weeks to see the results.

While trying to increase appetite it is important to address the root cause of the problem. Sedentary lifestyle and irregular sleeping pattern can be a major cause of appetite loss.

For those trying to get back to their normal appetite, regular exercise is an important part of the treatment. About 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercises such as running, jogging, walking, swimming or playing will bring about immediate effect in your eating patterns.

However, if you are suffering from any stomach ailment, treat it immediately to prevent any other kind of subsequent damage to the body.

Prolonged loss of appetite can lead to serious undernourishment. If the condition worsens, it can lead to constant headaches, hair loss, chipping nails and so forth. Herbs can help you only to a certain extent. To eliminate the problem once and for all, you need to treat the underlying problem. Thus, eat what you like to and follow a strict exercise regime to get your body in the right shape.