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Last updated: Apr 28, 2024

10 best herbal teas for anorexia nervosa

Herbal teas, such as chamomile and peppermint, offer a natural approach to soothing digestive discomfort, a common symptom in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Chamomile tea has calming properties that can help reduce anxiety, often associated with this eating disorder. Peppermint tea, on the other hand, aids in alleviating bloating and gas, improving overall gastrointestinal function. Both teas contribute to promoting a sense of well-being and encourage a healthier relationship with food.

Moreover, their soothing warmth and comforting aroma make them an ideal choice for individuals seeking solace and relaxation during their recovery journey.

Table of Contents

1. Peppermint

Peppermint tea aids digestion, alleviates nausea, and stimulates appetite, all of which benefit individuals with anorexia nervosa.

The tea's soothing properties ease anxiety and stress, common triggers of anorexia. Furthermore, its caffeine-free nature promotes sleep and rest, which are crucial for recovery. Peppermint tea's refreshing taste makes it an appealing alternative to other beverages, encouraging hydration and nutrition intake.

Lastly, it contains no sugars or additives, making it a healthy choice for those with anorexia nervosa.

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

The list below shows the primary active constituents in peppermint tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil, which typically takes 3-5 minutes on a stovetop.
  2. Crush or tear 10 fresh peppermint leaves, releasing their oils, and add them to a teapot or infuser.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the peppermint leaves and let them steep for 5-7 minutes.
  4. Strain the peppermint tea to remove the leaves, then add honey to taste, if desired.
  5. Serve the hot peppermint tea immediately, sipping slowly to soothe the stomach and promote relaxation.

2. Chamomile

Chamomile tea has established therapeutic benefits that address several factors contributing to anorexia nervosa.

First, chamomile contains apigenin, a bioactive compound with documented appetite-stimulating properties. Second, it has demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating stress and anxiety, common in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Third, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties contribute to overall gut health, promoting better nutrient absorption. Fourth, it enhances sleep quality, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism and appetite regulation.

Lastly, chamomile tea's pleasant aroma and taste can encourage a healthier relationship with food, diminishing aversion to eating.

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

The list below shows the primary active constituents in chamomile tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Boil 8 ounces of water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers to a tea infuser.
  3. Pour the hot water over the chamomile flowers and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser to prevent over-steeping, which can release bitter flavors.
  5. Drink the chamomile tea slowly, several times a day after meals, to soothe the stomach and stimulate appetite.

3. Lavender

Lavender tea aids in managing anorexia nervosa due to its calming properties, which reduce anxiety and stress around meal times.

This herbal tea stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, enhancing appetite and promoting healthy food intake. Its pleasing aroma and taste make it an appealing beverage, encouraging individuals with anorexia nervosa to consume liquids. Furthermore, lavender tea alleviates gastrointestinal discomfort, addressing one of the common symptoms experienced by those suffering from this condition.

Lastly, regular consumption of lavender tea helps establish a balanced and nutritious diet, contributing to the overall recovery process.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lavender tea that help with anorexia nervosa.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lavender tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lavender tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water in a teapot or saucepan for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon of dried organic culinary lavender flowers to a teapot or infuser.
  3. Pour the hot water over the lavender flowers and steep for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup, discarding the lavender solids.
  5. Sip the tea slowly, allowing it to soothe and potentially stimulate appetite.

4. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm tea addresses anorexia nervosa by alleviating symptoms such as loss of appetite, anxiety, and insomnia due to its natural calming and digestive properties.

The rosmarinic acid in lemon balm promotes appetite stimulation, aiding in weight gain. Moreover, its soothing effects reduce anxiety, a common trigger for anorexia nervosa, thereby fostering a healthy mental state. Additionally, lemon balm's mild sedative qualities improve sleep quality, contributing to overall well-being and recovery.

As a result, drinking lemon balm tea regularly can significantly help manage anorexia nervosa by tackling its physical and psychological aspects.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in lemon balm tea that help with anorexia nervosa.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in lemon balm tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Chop 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon balm leaves or use 1 tablespoon of dried leaves.
  2. Place the chopped leaves in a tea infuser or tea ball.
  3. Heat 1 cup of water to boiling and pour it over the lemon balm in a teapot or mug.
  4. Steep the tea for 5-10 minutes, then remove the infuser or tea ball.
  5. Drink the tea, optionally adding honey or lemon to taste, up to 3 times a day.

5. Ginger

Ginger tea aids in fighting anorexia nervosa due to its carminative properties that alleviate digestive issues, including bloating and nausea, often associated with the disorder.

Its spicy flavor stimulates the taste buds, thereby increasing appetite and encouraging healthy eating habits. Ginger's anti-inflammatory qualities help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting overall gut health and aiding in the management of anorexia-related symptoms. The soothing warmth of ginger tea calms the body and mind, decreasing anxiety and stress levels that frequently accompany anorexia nervosa.

Furthermore, ginger's vitamin and mineral content, such as vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, strengthens the immune system, supporting the overall well-being of individuals battling anorexia nervosa.

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

The list below shows the primary active constituents in ginger tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Peel and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger root.
  2. Boil 2 cups of water in a pot, then add grated ginger.
  3. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Strain the tea into a cup, then add honey and lemon juice to taste.
  5. Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day.

6. Skullcap

Skullcap tea addresses anorexia nervosa by alleviating symptoms such as loss of appetite and anxiety.

This herbal tea contains bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids, that interact with the body's endocrine system to regulate hormonal imbalances. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, skullcap tea aids in improving sleep quality, which is often disrupted in individuals with anorexia nervosa.

Furthermore, skullcap tea's anti-inflammatory properties help combat physical weakness and fatigue caused by this eating disorder.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in skullcap tea that help with anorexia nervosa.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in skullcap tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic skullcap tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Measure 2 teaspoons of dried skullcap herb, carefully selecting parts with the largest concentration of flavonoids.
  2. Boil 1 cup of water in a covered pot, letting it reach a rolling boil for 60 seconds.
  3. Place the measured skullcap herb in a teapot or infuser, pouring the boiling water over it.
  4. Allow the mixture to steep for 10-15 minutes, ensuring the skullcap's medicinal qualities are fully extracted.
  5. Strain the tea, discarding the used herb, and drink it warm up to three times a day.

7. Passionflower

Passionflower tea addresses anorexia nervosa by alleviating anxiety and promoting sleep, due to its rich concentration of harmala alkaloids and flavonoids.

These compounds bind to brain receptors, enhancing GABA activity, which in turn reduces neural excitability. Consequently, passionflower tea helps regulate eating patterns and provides necessary nutrients by stimulating appetite. Moreover, it combats depression, a common co-occurrence in anorexia nervosa, by increasing serotonin levels.

Ultimately, passionflower tea offers a holistic approach to managing anorexia nervosa through its multi-faceted impact on mental and physical health.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in passionflower tea that help with anorexia nervosa.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in passionflower tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic passionflower tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Boil 1 cup of water to 212°F (100°C) for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add 1 teaspoon (2-3 grams) of dried passionflower leaves to a tea infuser.
  3. Pour the hot water over the passionflower leaves and steep for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea infuser to prevent over-steeping, which can cause bitterness.
  5. Consume the passionflower tea, ideally 2-3 times a day, to potentially aid in appetite stimulation and relaxation for anorexia nervosa.

8. Valerian

Valerian tea aids in treating anorexia nervosa due to its natural sedative properties, which reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

This herbal infusion also addresses sleep disturbances, a common issue in anorexia, thus restoring normal rest patterns. Furthermore, valerian tea stimulates the appetite, helping individuals with anorexia nervosa to regain their desire to eat. By alleviating gastrointestinal discomfort, this soothing beverage facilitates better digestion, allowing the body to absorb nutrients effectively.

Ultimately, consuming valerian tea contributes to an overall improvement in mental and physical well-being, thereby assisting in the recovery process.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in valerian tea that help with anorexia nervosa.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in valerian tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Chop 2 tablespoons of dried valerian root into small pieces, reducing surface area for quicker infusion.
  2. Place valerian root in a teapot and add 2 cups of boiling water, allowing it to steep for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Strain the tea to remove valerian root particles, ensuring a smooth beverage.
  4. Add honey or lemon to taste, if desired, for added flavor.
  5. Drink the tea while still warm, 2-3 times a day after meals to stimulate appetite.

9. Hawthorn

Hawthorn tea addresses anorexia nervosa by stimulating appetite through its bitterness and astringency, which prompt the digestive system.

This tea contains active compounds, such as flavonoids and procyanidins, that encourage food intake and nutrient absorption. Additionally, hawthorn tea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help regulate the gastrointestinal tract, alleviating symptoms associated with anorexia nervosa. By improving cardiovascular function, hawthorn tea ensures proper blood flow to vital organs, aiding in overall recovery.

Finally, hawthorn tea's soothing effects on the nervous system help reduce anxiety and stress often related to anorexia nervosa, contributing to a healthier mental state and improved eating habits.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in hawthorn tea that help with anorexia nervosa.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in hawthorn tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Measure - Boil 2 cups of water and add 1-2 teaspoons of dried hawthorn berries or 1 hawthorn tea bag.
  2. Steep - Let the mixture steep for 10-15 minutes to extract the beneficial compounds.
  3. Strain - Strain the tea to remove the solid particles and ensure a smooth drink.
  4. Sweeten - Add a small amount of honey or stevia to improve the taste if desired.
  5. Serve - Drink the tea while warm, up to three times a day, to stimulate appetite and support digestion.

10. Linden

Linden tea aids in digestion, promoting a healthy appetite for individuals with anorexia nervosa.

This tea's mild sedative properties help reduce anxiety, a common trigger for restrictive eating. Furthermore, linden tea's antioxidants support overall body function and stress resistance, contributing to mental and physical well-being. Additionally, its soothing warmth and fragrance create a comforting atmosphere, fostering a healthier relationship with food.

Lastly, linden tea stimulates the production of gastric juices, enhancing nutrient absorption and reinforcing the benefits of a balanced diet.

Right below you will find a list of the most important parts in linden tea that help with anorexia nervosa.

The list below shows the primary active constituents in linden tea that aid with anorexia nervosa.

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic linden tea for anorexia nervosa.

  1. Measure 2 teaspoons of dried linden flowers.
  2. Place the linden flowers in a teapot or infuser.
  3. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the linden flowers.
  4. Steep the tea for 10 minutes, then strain.
  5. Drink the tea, preferably between meals, up to three times a day.