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Last updated: Apr 20, 2024

10 best herbal teas for loss of appetite

Certain herbal teas prove highly effective in stimulating appetite.

Peppermint tea, known for its refreshing aroma and digestive properties, encourages the stomach to produce digestive juices, thereby increasing appetite. Ginger tea, made from the root of the ginger plant, offers a spicy, warming beverage that also aids in digestion and increases cravings for food. Another excellent option is chamomile tea, which soothes the stomach and relaxes the body, promoting a healthy appetite.

Lastly,licorice tea, derived from the licorice root, can increase appetite by balancing the stomach's natural acids, allowing for improved digestion and a return of hunger.

Table of Contents

1. Peppermint

Peppermint tea aids loss of appetite due to its menthol content, which stimulates the stomach's gastric juices, enhancing digestion.

This tea also soothes the stomach, reducing discomfort that may contribute to appetite loss. Moreover, its cool and refreshing taste often encourages drinking, increasing fluid intake essential for proper organ function. Additionally, peppermint tea's aroma has a known appetite-stimulating effect, making it an effective natural remedy.

Lastly, it lacks caffeine, ensuring that it won't interfere with your sleep pattern, which is crucial for overall health and well-being.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in peppermint tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil, which takes approximately 4-5 minutes on a stovetop.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves or one peppermint tea bag to the boiling water.
  3. Steep the peppermint in the hot water for 5-7 minutes to release the aromatic oils and obtain the optimal flavor and health benefits.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the peppermint leaves, if using loose leaf tea.
  5. Drink the hot peppermint tea, sipping slowly to soothe the stomach and stimulate appetite. Enjoy up to three cups a day.

2. Ginger

Ginger tea aids loss of appetite due to its active components, such as gingerols and shogaols, which stimulate digestion by increasing saliva and bile production.

These compounds also help reduce gut inflammation and alleviate nausea, promoting a healthy appetite. Furthermore, ginger's carminative properties facilitate the breakdown of food in the stomach, enhancing nutrient absorption and signaling satisfaction to the brain. Warm ginger tea soothes the digestive tract, while its aroma simultaneously stimulates the senses, triggering the brain to release digestive enzymes essential for a healthy appetite.

These combined effects make ginger tea a powerful tool for managing loss of appetite.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in ginger tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, then steep in boiling water for 10 minutes.
  2. Strain the ginger pieces from the water, retaining the liquid.
  3. Squeeze half a lemon into the ginger water, stirring well to combine.
  4. Add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to sweeten, as desired.
  5. Drink the ginger tea immediately for best results, up to three times a day before meals.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea assists with loss of appetite due to its natural properties.

This herbal tea contains apigenin, an antioxidant that binds to certain receptors in the brain, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By reducing anxiety, chamomile tea allows the body to focus on digestion, increasing appetite. Furthermore, chamomile's soothing warmth encourages digestive enzyme production, facilitating the breakdown of food and nutrient absorption.

Lastly, the pleasing aroma of chamomile tea stimulates the senses, signaling the brain to prepare for digestion, further supporting appetite restoration.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in chamomile tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water to a rolling temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to a tea infuser or teapot.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers, allowing them to steep for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser or strain the chamomile flowers from the teapot.
  5. Drink the chamomile tea while warm, up to three times a day between meals, for best results.

4. Licorice

Licorice tea assists with loss of appetite due to its active ingredient, glycyrrhizin, which stimulates the production of mucus in the stomach.

This increase in mucus protects and soothes the stomach lining, enhancing digestion and promoting appetite. Moreover, glycyrrhizin activates taste buds, heightening the sensation of flavor and further encouraging a healthy appetite. The tea's warm temperature also facilitates digestion and triggers the body's natural response to boost appetite.

Ultimately, licorice tea's multifaceted approach, affecting both the digestive system and taste perception, combats loss of appetite.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in licorice tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in licorice tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Measure 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root, crushing it to release its flavors.
  2. Boil 8 ounces of water, then add the crushed licorice root.
  3. Steep the mixture for 10-15 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
  4. Strain the tea to remove the spent licorice root.
  5. Drink the tea, preferably between meals, to help stimulate appetite.

5. Dandelion

Dandelion tea promotes loss of appetite due to its bitterness, which triggers a natural response in the body to decrease appetite.

This tea contains therapeutic compounds, such as taraxacin, that stimulate digestive juices, enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing the desire for food. Furthermore, dandelion tea boasts diuretic properties, facilitating the removal of toxins from the body and alleviating digestive issues that may contribute to decreased appetite. Additionally, dandelion tea offers a nutrient-rich source of vitamins and minerals, diminishing the need for excessive food intake while still providing essential nutrients.

Ultimately, dandelion tea's ability to improve liver function results in better nutrient utilization and hormonal balance, further addressing loss of appetite.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in dandelion tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in dandelion tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Gather 2-3 dandelion heads, ensuring they come from a pesticide-free area; rinse and dry them.
  2. Separate the yellow petals from the green base, discarding the latter due to its bitter taste.
  3. Steep the petals in 1 cup of boiling water for 5-10 minutes; strain the mixture to remove solid particles.
  4. Sweeten the tea with honey (to taste) for added flavor, if desired.
  5. Consume the tea, preferably between meals, up to three times a day to stimulate appetite.

6. Milk Thistle

Milk thistle tea aids in appetite loss as it contains silymarin, an active compound that stimulates the production of bile in the liver, promoting proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

This action ultimately leads to an improvement in appetite. Additionally, milk thistle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that protect the stomach lining, reducing discomfort and promoting a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, it supports the regeneration of liver cells, enhancing overall liver function and contributing to a decrease in appetite loss.

Finally, milk thistle tea helps balance blood sugar levels, which stabilizes energy levels and curbs cravings, further addressing appetite loss.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in milk thistle tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in milk thistle tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic milk thistle tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Measure - Pour 8 ounces of filtered water into a stovepan and bring to a boil.
  2. Add - Stir in 2 teaspoons of crushed milk thistle seeds, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Strain - Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a cup, pressing the solids to extract all liquid.
  4. Sweeten - Stir in honey or stevia to taste, if desired.
  5. Serve - Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day between meals.

7. Yarrow

Yarrow tea addresses loss of appetite by stimulating the production of digestive juices, including bile and stomach acids, due to its bitter properties.

These digestive juices improve nutrient absorption and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting a healthy appetite. Moreover, yarrow contains flavonoids, which are known to increase appetite and reduce symptoms associated with indigestion, further contributing to its appetite-enhancing qualities. Additionally, yarrow exhibits anti-anxiety and stress-relieving effects that contribute to the individual's well-being, consequently boosting their desire for food consumption.

By alleviating stress and promoting proper digestion, yarrow tea effectively rekindles a healthy appetite.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in yarrow tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in yarrow tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yarrow tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Pick 2-3 teaspoons of fresh yarrow flowers and leaves, or use 1 teaspoon of dried yarrow.
  2. Rinse the yarrow thoroughly, then place it in a tea infuser or teapot.
  3. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the yarrow, then let it steep for 10 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser or strain the tea, discarding the solids.
  5. Drink the yarrow tea 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, for best results.

8. Marshmallow

Marshmallow tea, derived from the marshmallow plant's roots, contains mucilage, a substance known for its soothing properties.

This mucilage forms a protective coating in the stomach, promoting a healthy digestive system. Moreover, this herbal infusion stimulates the production of saliva and digestive juices, enhancing appetite. Additionally, it has a naturally sweet and comforting flavor that alleviates digestive discomforts.

By addressing both physical and psychological factors, marshmallow tea consistently supports a healthy appetite.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in marshmallow tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in marshmallow tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Measure out 1 tablespoon of dried marshmallow root and 1 cup of water.
  2. Combine the marshmallow root and water in a small saucepan.
  3. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea, discarding the used marshmallow root.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day for improved appetite.

9. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm tea addresses loss of appetite due to its mucilage content, a substance that becomes a slick, gel-like substance when mixed with water.

This gel-like substance coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines, creating a protective barrier that alleviates irritation. Consequently, this soothing effect promotes relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating digestion.

Improved digestion often triggers increased appetite, making slippery elm tea an effective aid in stimulating hunger. Additionally, the tea's mild flavor might make it a more appealing option for individuals experiencing reduced appetite.

Overall, the gastrointestinal relief and improved digestion provided by slippery elm tea make it a valuable tool in combating loss of appetite.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in slippery elm tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in slippery elm tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic slippery elm tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Obtain 1-2 teaspoons of slippery elm bark powder and 8 ounces of water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil in a pot or kettle.
  3. Stir the slippery elm bark powder into the boiling water.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Strain the tea before drinking, allowing it to cool first if necessary.

10. Fennel

Fennel tea aids in boosting appetite due to its natural compounds, including volatile oils like anethole, fenchone, and estragole.

These components stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, promoting better nutrient absorption and increased hunger signals. The tea's gentle carminative effect additionally alleviates bloating and discomfort, enabling a more enjoyable eating experience. Furthermore, fennel's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties encourage overall digestive health, maintaining a balanced gastrointestinal system that supports a healthy appetite.

Lastly, fennel tea has a distinctive liquorice-like flavor that can stimulate taste buds, enhancing the sensory experience of eating and further encouraging a healthy appetite.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in fennel tea that help with loss of appetite.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in fennel tea that aid with loss of appetite.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel tea for loss of appetite.

  1. Chop 1 tablespoon of fresh fennel seeds or 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds.
  2. Place the chopped fennel seeds in a teapot or infuser.
  3. Heat 1 cup of water to boiling, then pour it over the fennel seeds.
  4. Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes, then strain out the fennel seeds.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day between meals.

What is loss of appetite and how can it affect your life?

Loss of appetite is a decrease or absence in the desire to eat, which results in a reduced food intake.

This condition affects people's lives by leading to insufficient nutrient and calorie consumption, causing weight loss, malnutrition, and a weakened immune system.

Moreover, loss of appetite often impacts emotional and mental well-being, leading to fatigue, irritability, and social isolation.

What other natural remedies help with loss of appetite?

Common and effective natural remedies for loss of appetite include ginger, honey, and aromatherapy.

Ginger, a well-known root spice, stimulates digestion and increases appetite. It can be consumed in various forms, such as fresh, dried, or as an extract, and added to meals, beverages, or teas. Honey, a natural sweetener, is another effective appetite stimulant.

Its high fructose content provides a quick energy boost, increasing feelings of hunger. Consuming a small amount of honey before meals encourages food intake. Aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being, also improves appetite. Specific essential oils, like peppermint, lemon, and ginger, when diffused or applied topically, stimulate the senses and trigger hunger.

These natural remedies offer a safe and accessible alternative to pharmaceutical treatments for loss of appetite.