How to Treat Lack of Appetite With Herbal Remedies

Severe infections, cancer and cancer treatments, and other diseases can cause loss of appetite. A dangerous problem, lack of appetite can add to the hindrance of immune system function, starving the body of the vitamins, minerals and nutrients it needs to heal. There are a number of expensive prescription medications that can help you to regain your appetite, but the least expensive method is through natural medicine and herbal remedies.

Things You'll Need

• Alfalfa capsules
• Alfalfa powder
• Sprouted alfalfa
• Zinc supplements
• Folic acid supplements
• Green tea
• Chamomile tea

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Stimulate appetite with green foods, particularly alfalfa, which is a nutritious herbal appetite stimulant. Used as an ingredient in many herbal remedies, alfalfa will help restore lost vitamins and minerals while helping you to regain the desire to eat. Take alfalfa capsules daily, add alfalfa power to juice and soup and add alfalfa sprouts to salads.

• 2

  Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can to increase your intake of vitamins A, C and E. Often poor digestion and lack of appetite is caused by a deficiency in these vitamins, so adding juice, fruits and vegetables to your diet can naturally restore your appetite.

• 3

  Take supplements of zinc and folic acid, minerals needed to stimulate taste and smell. Often lack of these important minerals in your regular diet can directly affect your appetite. Consult your doctor if you have been taking contraceptive pills for a long period of time, and ask about a new medication, as birth control pills often cause deficiencies of zinc and folic acid in women.

• 4

  Drink green tea at least 1/2 hour before meals to help stimulate appetite and restore vitamins and minerals your body needs. Green tea is recommended for many herbal remedies and has a number of natural curative elements. Bitter teas are proven to help increase appetite, while green tea is gentle on the stomach, rich in antioxidants and has a number of beneficial side effects.

• 5

  Make chamomile tea daily if your lack of appetite is brought on by stress or anxiety. Chamomile tea is readily available in tea bags, or you can make fresh herbal tea by boiling one cup of water and removing from heat. Add one teaspoon of fresh chamomile and allow to steep for five minutes before straining and drinking.