Overeating: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Overeating is characterized by consuming significantly more calories than the body needs, often leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and discomfort.

It is often caused by emotional triggers such as stress, boredom, or emotional attachment to food. Repeated overeating can lead to negative impacts on health, including weight gain, digestive issues, and increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease. To alleviate overeating, herbal remedies like peppermint, ginger, and licorice root can be used in teas or capsules to soothe digestive issues and reduce appetite.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of overeating, 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 overeating?

The main causes of overeating are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of physiological, emotional, and environmental factors.

Research suggests that hormonal imbalances, particularly an increase in ghrelin and a decrease in leptin, can stimulate hunger and food intake (Kaplan, 2004). Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can also trigger overeating, with studies showing that individuals with a history of trauma are more likely to engage in binge eating (Hudson et al., 2007). Environmental factors, including easy access to high-calorie foods and cultural norms that promote overeating, can also contribute to overeating behaviors (Finkelstein et al., 2013).

Furthermore, genetic predispositions, such as having a family history of obesity or eating disorders, can also play a role in the development of overeating behaviors (Sullivan & Kendler, 1999).

• Emotional Eating: Emotional eating is a common cause of overeating due to the tendency to consume food as a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions, often leading to a lack of self-control and overindulgence.
• Hunger Hormones: Hunger hormones such as ghrelin and leptin play a significant role in overeating as they regulate appetite and satiety, and fluctuations in these hormone levels can lead to increased hunger and food intake.
• Food Addiction: Food addiction is a recognized cause of overeating due to the presence of addictive substances in certain foods, such as sugar and fat, which can activate the brain's reward centers and lead to compulsive eating behaviors.
• Lack of Sleep: Lack of sleep or disrupted sleep patterns can lead to overeating due to the increase in levels of ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, and a decrease in levels of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite, resulting in increased food intake.
• Stress: Stress is a common cause of overeating due to the body's physiological response to stress, which includes increased levels of cortisol, a hormone that promotes fat storage and stimulates appetite, leading to overeating.
• Social Pressures: Social pressures, such as cultural norms and social gatherings, can lead to overeating due to the perceived obligation to consume large amounts of food, especially in situations where food is used as a social lubricant.
• Genetics: Genetics play a significant role in overeating due to the influence of inherited traits, such as a faster metabolism or a genetic predisposition to overeating, which can contribute to eating habits and food choices.
• Dietary Restriction: Dietary restriction, such as following a restrictive diet or skipping meals, can lead to overeating due to the tendency to compensate for missed calories or the fear of missing out on favorite foods, resulting in overindulgence.
• Boredom: Boredom is a common cause of overeating due to the tendency to use food as a means of entertainment or distraction, often leading to mindless snacking and overconsumption of calories.
• Sensory Stimulation: Sensory stimulation, such as the sight and smell of food, can lead to overeating due to the activation of the brain's reward centers and the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure and reward.
• Lack of Planning: Lack of planning and poor meal planning can lead to overeating due to the tendency to rely on convenience foods, eat on the go, or make impulsive food choices, resulting in overconsumption of calories.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for overeating?

The main medicinal herbs used for overeating are Gymnema sylvestre, Cassia auriculata, Ginkgo biloba, Garcinia cambogia, Curcuma longa, Silybum marianum, Commiphora mukul, Cinchona officinalis, Aloe vera, Terminalia chebula.

Gymnema sylvestre inhibits sugar absorption and reduces craving for sweet foods by blocking glucose receptors, thus aiding in weight management. Garcinia cambogia and Ginkgo biloba suppress appetite and enhance fat metabolism by inhibiting citrate lyase enzyme and increasing lipid oxidation, respectively. Curcuma longa and Commiphora mukul possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, contributing to improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.

Aloe vera and Terminalia chebula have been traditionally used to reduce inflammation, enhance digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels, promoting overall metabolic health.

• Gymnema sylvestre: Gymnema sylvestre may help with overeating by inhibiting the absorption of sugar and reducing cravings for sweet foods through its gymnemic acids.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata has been traditionally used to help manage overeating by reducing cravings for food and improving digestion due to its flavonoid and glycoside content.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, while primarily known for its cognitive benefits, also has been suggested to help with overeating by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation in the gut.
• Garcinia cambogia: Garcinia cambogia, specifically its hydroxycitric acid, may help with overeating by suppressing appetite and inhibiting the production of an enzyme that converts carbohydrates into fat.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, has been traditionally used to aid in digestion and may help with overeating by reducing inflammation in the gut and improving the metabolism of nutrients.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, has been traditionally used to support liver health, which may help with overeating by improving the metabolism of nutrients and reducing the risk of fatty liver disease.
• Commiphora mukul: Commiphora mukul, or guggul, has been traditionally used to aid in weight management and may help with overeating by reducing inflammation and improving lipid metabolism.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, has been traditionally used to support cardiovascular health, which may help with overeating by improving blood flow and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, while primarily known for its soothing properties, may also help with overeating by improving digestion and reducing inflammation in the gut.
• Terminalia chebula: Terminalia chebula, or haritaki, has been traditionally used to support digestive health and may help with overeating by improving the metabolism of nutrients and reducing the risk of digestive disorders.

What are the main herbal preparations used for overeating?

The main herbal preparations used for overeating are Tincture, Decoction, Capsule, Suppository, Creams, Elixir, Salve, Gel, Poultice, Extract.

Tincture of Dandelion root and Peppermint is used to stimulate digestive enzymes and relieve indigestion. Decoction of Fennel seeds is used to alleviate bloating and gas. Capsules of Triphala and Psyllium husk help with regular bowel movements and weight management.

Other preparations such as Suppositories of Senna, Creams of Aloe vera, Elixir of Ginger, Salve of Castor oil, Gel of Cucumber, Poultice of Ginger and Extract of Green tea are also used to relieve digestive discomfort and promote healthy eating habits.

• Tincture: A tincture made from the roots of the Valeriana officinalis plant, which contains valerenic acid, helps with overeating by reducing stress and anxiety that may lead to excessive food consumption.
• Decoction: A decoction of the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant, which contains caffeine and other xanthines, helps with overeating by increasing alertness and reducing appetite.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the seed extract of the Gymnema sylvestre plant, which contains gymnemic acid, helps with overeating by reducing sweet taste perception and decreasing food cravings.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the roots of the Withania somnifera plant, which contains withanolides, helps with overeating by regulating appetite and metabolism, and promoting feelings of fullness.
• Creams: Topical creams containing the essential oils of the Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) plants help with overeating by reducing cravings and promoting digestion through their aromatic and analgesic effects.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant, which contains anthocyanins, helps with overeating by reducing inflammation and promoting feelings of fullness and satiety.
• Salve: A salve made from the roots of the Turmeric (Curcuma longa) plant, which contains curcumin, helps with overeating by reducing inflammation and promoting digestion, which may lead to reduced food cravings.
• Gel: A gel made from the leaves of the Aloe vera plant, which contains aloin, helps with overeating by promoting feelings of fullness and satiety, and regulating appetite and metabolism.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the roots of the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) plant, which contains taraxasterol, helps with overeating by promoting digestion and reducing water retention, which may lead to reduced food cravings.
• Extract: An extract of the seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, which contains cuminaldehyde, helps with overeating by reducing appetite and promoting digestion, which may lead to reduced food cravings and improved satiety.