How to Treat Eating Disorders With Natural Remedies

Eating disorders are serious issues that require the help of a professional and should not be addressed by anybody on their own. Because they are psychological problems, rather than physical illnesses, they require behavior modification in order to be overcome. Still, those who are on the path to getting better can certainly improve their chances by looking into natural remedies to help them push forward.

Instructions

• 1

  Consider herbal tea. Ayurveda medicine recommends brewing certain herbs and drinking them regularly in order to deal with emotional distress, one of the main causes of eating disorders. Chamomile, Echinacea, Comfrey and St. John’s Wort are the most effective herbs for stress, although others can be effective--especially when combined.

• 2

  Punch up the flavor of your food. Because spicy foods are more difficult to consume in excess, natural doctors recommend adding spices such as cayenne pepper, cumin, chili and curry to foods eaten on a daily basis. This may help prevent overeating (associated with bulimia) and in turn keep the metabolism working at a much higher pace.

• 3

  Try yoga or massage. Both are effective in reducing stress and balancing out the energy of the body and mind. Meditation and breathing exercises are also helpful. Not only do these methods help deal with overall distress, they also keep the mind busy, away from the obsession of food.

• 4

  Try an appetite stimulant. People who suffer from anorexia eventually lose the desire to eat, causing them to skip meals completely. Some natural remedies are especially good for this, such as caraway seeds, thyme, horseradish and angelica. Both can be eaten on their own or added to salads or soups. Other herbs can be consumed as teas or bought as essential oils and used to massage the temples or chest. These include myrrh, chamomile, yarrow and lavender.

• 5

  Try ginger and garlic to increase appetite and cleanse the digestive system. Simply boil a few cloves or a medium root on water, let it cool and drink as a tea once a day, preferably in the mornings.