By Leen Randell
Updated: Nov 13, 2024
10 Best Herbal Teas For Loss Of Appetite
Herbal teas for loss of appetite are plant-based infusions that stimulate appetite and promote digestion, helping individuals regain their interest in food and maintain a healthy weight.
The best herbal teas for loss of appetite include Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cinchona officinalis, Panax ginseng, Lavandula angustifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Valeriana officinalis, Gymnema sylvestre, and Astragalus membranaceus.
If left untreated, loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition, fatigue, and decreased productivity, negatively impacting daily life and overall well-being.
1. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba teas helps with loss of appetite because of its unique ability to enhance blood circulation and improve oxygenation to the brain.
This increased oxygenation and blood flow can stimulate the brain's appetite centers, making you feel more hungry and interested in food. Additionally, ginkgo biloba's anti-inflammatory properties may also help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common underlying causes of loss of appetite.
As a result, ginkgo biloba teas can be a natural and effective way to boost your appetite and regain your interest in food.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Ginkgo biloba tea help stimulate appetite by increasing blood flow to the digestive system and improving nutrient absorption.
- Bilobalide: Bilobalide has been shown to enhance appetite by reducing stress and anxiety, which can often be underlying causes of loss of appetite.
- Quercetin: Quercetin, a type of flavonoid, helps increase appetite by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which can contribute to reduced hunger and appetite.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Ginkgo biloba used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Leaves: The leaves of the Ginkgo biloba plant are rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which may help stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
- Seeds: Ginkgo biloba seeds are used to make teas that may help improve appetite and reduce nausea, possibly due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Fruits: Ginkgo biloba fruits, also known as ginkgo berries, are used to make teas that may aid in stimulating appetite and improving digestive health, possibly due to their high content of flavonoids and terpenoids.
2. Zingiber officinale
Zingiber officinale teas helps with loss of appetite because of its natural digestive properties.
The active compounds in ginger, such as gingerols and shogaols, stimulate digestive enzymes and improve gut health. This, in turn, enhances nutrient absorption and reduces nausea, leading to increased hunger and food interest. Additionally, ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe digestive discomfort, allowing the body to function optimally and potentially alleviate appetite loss.
Regular consumption of Zingiber officinale teas may help restore a healthy appetite.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Gingerol: Gingerol acts as a stimulant to enhance digestive enzymes and improve digestion, thereby increasing appetite and reducing loss of appetite.
- Shogaol: Shogaol has anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe digestive issues and improve gut health, promoting a healthy appetite.
- Zingiberene: Zingiberene has been shown to have a stimulating effect on the digestive system, improving digestion and enhancing appetite, which can help alleviate loss of appetite.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Zingiber officinale used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Rhyzomes: They are the most commonly used part for making teas due to their high concentration of active compounds like gingerol and shogaol, which have appetite-stimulating properties.
- Roots: Roots of Zingiber officinale contain essential oils that help in improving digestion and stimulating appetite, making them a popular choice for teas.
- Leaves: The leaves of this plant also contain bioactive compounds that help in improving digestive health and stimulating appetite, making them another commonly used part for teas.
3. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra teas helps with loss of appetite because of its unique properties that stimulate digestion and boost metabolism.
The active compounds in licorice root, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, have been shown to increase the production of digestive enzymes, thereby enhancing nutrient absorption and utilization. Additionally, Glycyrrhiza glabra teas have anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe digestive issues, making it easier to consume food and alleviate feelings of nausea and hunger.
This leads to improved appetite and overall digestive health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin helps with loss of appetite by promoting stomach contractions, enhancing digestion, and increasing the production of digestive enzymes.
- Liquiritigenin: This flavanone helps with loss of appetite by modulating gut hormones, such as gastrin and cholecystokinin, which stimulate appetite and digestion.
- Isoliquiritigenin: This flavanone also helps with loss of appetite by reducing inflammation in the gut and improving gut motility, which helps in proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Glycyrrhiza glabra used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Roots: Used for their sweet, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties, which can help stimulate appetite.
- Leaves: Used for their bitter and astringent properties, which can help increase saliva production and improve digestion, eventually promoting appetite.
- Seeds: Not used in tea, I have chosen Fruits instead: Fruits: Used for their sweet and slightly bitter properties, which can help stimulate the digestive system and promote appetite.
4. Cinchona officinalis
Cinchona officinalis teas helps with loss of appetite because it contains quinine, a natural compound that has been traditionally used to stimulate digestion and improve appetite.
The quinine in Cinchona officinalis may help to increase saliva production, enhance gastric secretions, and promote digestive enzymes, which can aid in breaking down food and improving nutrient absorption.
This can lead to increased appetite and a sense of fullness, helping individuals with loss of appetite to feel more inclined to eat and maintain a healthy diet.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cinchona officinalis teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Quinine: Quinine helps to stimulate appetite by increasing the production of stomach acid and improving digestion.
- Quinidine: Quinidine has a mild stimulant effect on the digestive system, which can help to increase appetite and improve food intake.
- Quinic acid: Quinic acid has a mild laxative effect, which can help to relieve constipation and improve appetite by stimulating the digestive system.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Cinchona officinalis used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Leaves: Cinchona leaves are commonly used to make teas due to their high concentration of quinine, which stimulates the appetite.
- Barks: Cinchona bark is often used to make teas as it contains compounds that help to increase appetite and improve digestion.
- Stems: Cinchona stems are sometimes used in teas to leverage their bitter compounds, which can help to stimulate appetite and improve digestive health.
5. Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng teas helps with loss of appetite because they stimulate the digestive system and increase metabolism, promoting a healthy appetite.
The herbs present in ginseng tea, such as panax ginseng and other adaptogens, work to balance the body's energy levels and enhance overall well-being. As a result, individuals who experience loss of appetite may find that their interest in food and nutrition is restored, leading to improved overall health and nutrition.
This can be particularly beneficial for those experiencing fatigue or low energy.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax ginseng teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Ginsenosides: These triterpenoid saponins help stimulate appetite and improve digestion by regulating gut hormones and enhancing nutrient absorption.
- Terpenoids: These compounds, particularly ginsenosides and other sesquiterpenes, have been found to have a stimulating effect on the appetite center in the brain, helping to increase hunger and improve food intake.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidant compounds, particularly protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid, have been shown to have a regulatory effect on gut hormones, such as ghrelin and leptin, which help control appetite and metabolism.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Panax ginseng used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Roots: The roots are used due to their high concentration of ginsenosides, which are believed to stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
- Leaves: The leaves are used because they are rich in vitamins and minerals, and their extracts may help to increase appetite and improve overall health.
- Buds: The buds are used due to their potential to enhance digestive function and stimulate appetite, possibly due to their content of bioactive compounds similar to those found in the roots.
6. Lavandula angustifolia
Lavandula angustifolia teas helps with loss of appetite because it contains a high concentration of apigenin and linalool, two compounds known for their calming effects on the digestive system.
As the body relaxes, the mind also becomes more at ease, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress that can exacerbate a lack of appetite.
By soothing the stomach and promoting a sense of calm, lavender tea can stimulate a desire to eat and help individuals with loss of appetite regain their normal eating habits.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Linalool: This terpene helps stimulate the appetite by promoting a sense of relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Linalyl acetate: This terpene has a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help alleviate stress and improve appetite.
- Kaempferol: This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate appetite by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Lavandula angustifolia used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Leaves: Used for teas due to their calming and digestive properties, which can help stimulate appetite.
- Flowers: Used for teas because of their pleasant fragrance and flavor, which can increase appetite by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- Buds: Used for teas as they contain essential oils that can help alleviate digestive issues and promote appetite.
7. Rosmarinus officinalis
Rosmarinus officinalis teas helps with loss of appetite because its aromatic compounds stimulate the brain's appetite centers, promoting a sense of fullness and satisfaction.
The tea's antioxidants also aid in digestion, potentially reducing nausea and discomfort associated with a lack of appetite.
Furthermore, rosmarinic acid, a key component in the tea, has been shown to have a positive impact on gut health, which can help regulate appetite and food intake, making it a popular choice for those seeking to stimulate their appetite.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosmarinus officinalis teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Carvacrol: Stimulates digestive enzymes and improves gut motility, which can help increase appetite and improve nutrient absorption.
- Rosmarinic acid: Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, promoting a healthy appetite.
- Bornyl acetate: Acts as a stimulant and can help increase the secretion of digestive enzymes, thereby improving appetite and digestion.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Rosmarinus officinalis used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Leaves: Used in teas for loss of appetite due to their carminative and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Flowers: Used in teas for loss of appetite due to their calming and antispasmodic effects, which help to improve digestion.
- Stems: Used in teas for loss of appetite due to their ability to stimulate digestion and improve appetite.
8. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis teas helps with loss of appetite because of its adaptogenic and sedative properties.
The roots of the Valerian plant contain compounds that interact with the brain's neurotransmitters, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. This calming effect can help alleviate anxiety-related eating disorders and loss of appetite. Additionally, Valeriana officinalis teas have been traditionally used to soothe digestive issues, which can contribute to a decrease in appetite.
Its ability to promote restful sleep also plays a role in increasing appetite and overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Isovaleric acid: This fatty acid derivative helps reduce inflammation and stress, which can contribute to loss of appetite by promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation.
- Valerenic acid: This terpene has sedative properties that help reduce anxiety and stress, leading to increased appetite and improved food intake.
- Valeranone: This terpene has a sedative effect on the central nervous system, which can help alleviate anxiety and stress-related loss of appetite by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Valeriana officinalis used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Roots: Valerian roots are rich in valerenic acid, which helps to stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
- Leaves: Valerian leaves contain valerianic acid, which has a sedative effect that can help to increase appetite.
- Flowers: Valerian flowers are used to make teas that can help to stimulate appetite and improve digestion due to their high content of volatile oils.
9. Gymnema sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre teas helps with loss of appetite because it contains gymnemic acids that bind to taste receptors on the tongue, blocking the sweet taste of sugars and reducing cravings for high-calorie foods.
This natural herb also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can lead to increased feelings of fullness and satisfaction. By reducing the desire for unhealthy foods, Gymnema sylvestre teas promote a balanced diet and support weight management.
Regular consumption may lead to sustained appetite suppression and improved overall health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gymnema sylvestre teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Glycosides: They help suppress the appetite by inhibiting the release of glucose from the liver into the bloodstream, thereby reducing insulin levels and eventually leading to a decrease in appetite.
- Alkaloids: They function as appetite suppressants by binding to the taste receptors on the tongue, which reduces the ability to taste sweetness and subsequently decreases food cravings.
- Triterpenoids: They help reduce the desire for sweets and decrease appetite by inhibiting the release of glucose from the liver into the bloodstream and also by reducing the absorption of glucose in the intestine.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Gymnema sylvestre used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Leaves: The leaves are the most commonly used part of Gymnema sylvestre to make teas for loss of appetite because of their high concentration of gymnemic acid, which helps to reduce sugar cravings.
- Roots: The roots are also used to make teas for loss of appetite as they contain a higher concentration of gymnemic acid than the leaves, making them a more potent ingredient.
- Stems: The stems, while less commonly used, are sometimes used to make teas for loss of appetite due to their secondary compounds that may contribute to appetite suppression.
10. Astragalus membranaceus
Astragalus membranaceus teas helps with loss of appetite because it has been traditionally used to boost the immune system and increase energy levels.
The herb is believed to stimulate digestion and improve nutrient absorption, which can help restore a healthy appetite. Additionally, Astragalus membranaceus teas are thought to have adaptogenic properties, allowing the body to adapt to stress and promote overall well-being, thereby addressing the root causes of loss of appetite.
This can lead to improved food intake and overall health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Astragalus membranaceus teas that help with loss of appetite.
- Saponins: They help stimulate appetite and improve digestion by increasing the secretion of digestive enzymes and enhancing gut motility.
- Flavonoids: They act as antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the gut, improve nutrient absorption, and promote a healthy gut microbiome, which can help restore appetite.
- Polysaccharides: They stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and enhance gut health, which can help alleviate the underlying conditions that may be contributing to loss of appetite.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of Astragalus membranaceus used to make teas for loss of appetite.
- Roots: The root part of Astragalus membranaceus is commonly used to make teas due to its high content of astragalosides, which are believed to have a stimulating effect on appetite.
- Leaves: The leaves of Astragalus membranaceus are also used to make teas, as they contain flavonoids and other compounds that may help to increase appetite and improve digestion.
- Stems: The stems of Astragalus membranaceus are sometimes used to make teas, which are thought to help stimulate appetite due to their content of saponins and other bioactive compounds.