Loss Of Appetite: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Loss of appetite, or anorexia, is a condition characterized by a persistent lack of interest in food and a decreased desire to eat.

It can be caused by various factors such as underlying medical conditions, mental health issues, certain medications, or even cancer. If left untreated, loss of appetite can lead to malnutrition, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. To alleviate this condition, herbal remedies like peppermint, ginger, and licorice root can be used in the form of teas, infusions, or capsules.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs and to follow the recommended dosages to avoid interactions or allergic reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of loss of appetite, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of loss of appetite?

The main causes of loss of appetite are various and can be attributed to physiological, psychological, and environmental factors.

Hormonal imbalances, such as low levels of leptin and high levels of ghrelin, can stimulate a decrease in appetite. Inflammation in the body, caused by conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, can also lead to a loss of appetite. Certain medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and painkillers, can suppress appetite as a side effect.

Additionally, stress, depression, and anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also contribute to a loss of appetite due to their impact on the brain's appetite regulation centers.

• Depression: Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, leading to a decrease in appetite due to hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite.
• Chronic Pain: Chronic pain is a long-term condition that can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the body's release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which can suppress appetite, and the body's increased energy expenditure to fight the pain.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and painkillers, can alter taste, suppress appetite, and lead to weight loss due to their side effects.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Hormonal imbalances, particularly an underactive thyroid gland, can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the decreased production of leptin, a hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Gastrointestinal disorders, such as gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease, and irritable bowel syndrome, can lead to a decrease in appetite due to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and malabsorption of nutrients.
• Infection: Infections, such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic infections, can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the body's increased energy expenditure to fight the infection and the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol.
• Cancer: Cancer, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the tumor's direct effect on the appetite centers in the brain and the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol.
• Sleep Disorders: Sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol, and the body's increased energy expenditure during wakefulness.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12, can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the decreased production of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite.
• Kidney Disease: Kidney disease can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the buildup of toxins in the body, which can suppress appetite, and the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol.
• Liver Disease: Liver disease can lead to a decrease in appetite due to the buildup of toxins in the body, which can suppress appetite, and the release of stress hormones, such as cortisol.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for loss of appetite?

The main medicinal herbs used for loss of appetite are Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Panax ginseng, Withania somnifera, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Astragalus membranaceus, Cinchona officinalis, Panax quinquefolius, and Centella asiatica.

Ginkgo biloba enhances appetite by increasing blood flow to the stomach, while Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, stimulates digestive enzymes and improves gut motility. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate digestive issues. Panax ginseng and Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, are adaptogenic herbs that help regulate stress hormones and improve overall digestive function, while Glycyrrhiza glabra and Astragalus membranaceus have been traditionally used to stimulate appetite and improve gut health.

Cinchona officinalis increases appetite by stimulating the stomach's parasympathetic nerves and Panax quinquefolius and Centella asiatica enhance appetite by improving gut motility and digestion.

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba is believed to help with loss of appetite due to its flavonoids and terpenoids, which have been shown to improve blood flow to the stomach, thereby stimulating appetite.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, may alleviate loss of appetite by its anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce nausea and improve digestion.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially helping to stimulate appetite in individuals experiencing loss of appetite.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng has been traditionally used to improve appetite by its adaptogenic properties, which help to regulate stress and promote overall well-being.
• Withania somnifera: Withania somnifera, also known as ashwagandha, may help stimulate appetite due to its adaptogenic properties, which aid in reducing stress and promoting energy and vitality.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has been used in traditional medicine to stimulate appetite due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce nausea and improve digestion.
• Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus has been traditionally used to improve appetite by its adaptogenic properties, which help to regulate stress and promote overall well-being.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or Peruvian bark, has been used to alleviate loss of appetite due to its alkaloids, which may help regulate blood sugar levels and stimulate appetite.
• Panax quinquefolius: Panax quinquefolius, or American ginseng, has been used in traditional medicine to stimulate appetite due to its adaptogenic properties, which aid in reducing stress and promoting energy and vitality.
• Centella asiatica: Centella asiatica, or gotu kola, may help alleviate loss of appetite due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.

What are the main herbal preparations used for loss of appetite?

The main herbal preparations used for loss of appetite are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Elixir, Suppository, Salve, Lozenge, Gel, Pill, Powder.

Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract that can be taken sublingually to stimulate appetite, typically made from herbs like Ginkgo biloba and Ashwagandha. Decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling herbs like Turmeric and Ginger, which can be taken as a warm drink to stimulate digestion and appetite. Capsules, Elixir, and Pills contain powdered herbs like Cinnamon and Licorice root, which can be taken orally to promote digestion and appetite.

Salves and Gels may not be directly used for loss of appetite but may be used to relieve digestive discomfort which can indirectly increase appetite.

• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Gentiana lutea, also known as Yellow Gentian, helps with loss of appetite due to its bitter compounds, which stimulate digestive secretions and improve appetite by activating taste buds on the tongue.
• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as Licorice root, helps with loss of appetite due to its active compound glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the stomach and enhance appetite.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the plant Cuminum cyminum, also known as Cumin seeds, helps with loss of appetite due to its essential oil cuminaldehyde, which stimulates digestive enzymes and improves appetite by reducing nausea and vomiting.
• Elixir: An elixir of the plant Zingiber officinale, also known as Ginger, helps with loss of appetite due to its active compound gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the stomach and enhance appetite by reducing nausea and vomiting.
• Suppository: A suppository of the plant Aloe barbadensis, also known as Aloe vera, helps with loss of appetite due to its anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe the digestive tract and promote digestive enzymes, thereby enhancing appetite.
• Salve: A salve of the plant Trifolium pratense, also known as Red Clover, helps with loss of appetite due to its isoflavone compounds, which have estrogenic properties that promote digestive health and improve appetite.
• Lozenge: A lozenge of the plant Citrus aurantium, also known as Bitter Orange, helps with loss of appetite due to its bitter compounds, which stimulate digestive secretions and improve appetite by activating taste buds on the tongue.
• Gel: A gel of the plant Plantago ovata, also known as Plantain, helps with loss of appetite due to its mucilages that soothe the digestive tract and promote digestive enzymes, thereby enhancing appetite.
• Pill: A pill of the plant Carum carvi, also known as Caraway seeds, helps with loss of appetite due to its essential oil carvone, which stimulates digestive enzymes and improves appetite by reducing nausea and vomiting.
• Powder: A powder of the plant Foeniculum vulgare, also known as Fennel seeds, helps with loss of appetite due to its essential oil anethole, which stimulates digestive enzymes and improves appetite by reducing nausea and vomiting.