Herbal Remedies For Anorexia Nervosa

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Anorexia nervosa is a health malady that usually afflicts young women. It is underlined by a lurking fear in the person that eating would cause them to put on weight. The fear causes them to eat less or sometimes starve and in the process upsets their metabolic and hormonal processes. People suffering from anorexia nervosa tend to be abnormally thin and are underweight.

They are prone to frequent headaches, bouts of dizziness and drowsiness and are also lethargic. In spite of being underweight, people with anorexia nervosa think that they are fat. Some of them tend to over-exercise and take laxatives. It is very important that anorexia nervosa is treated in its early stage otherwise this eating disorder could manifest itself into diseases of the kidney, heart and also lead to osteoporosis. While a visit to the doctor is a must, here are some herbal remedies that could help.

Wheat-Grass Juice

Those suffering from anorexia nervosa eat very less which leads to a deficiency in vital nutrients in their body. This includes vitamins, proteins, magnesium, iron, calcium and iodine.

Consuming a glass of wheat-grass juice preferably on an empty stomach could help compensate this loss of nutrients. Wheat-grass juice is also an energy booster.

Chamomile Tea

It is a good idea to have a cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile is known to relax the nerves and induce sleep. It is also effective in improving appetite.

The healing properties of chamomile are due to the presence of the compound chamazulene and the alcohol alpha-bisabolol.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds have been an age-old remedy in curing loss of appetite. Anorexia nervosa patients tend to lose their appetite due to their consuming inadequate food and starving. Having around 250-500 milligrams of fenugreek seeds or powder would help alleviate this problem.

The bitter taste of the seeds help in secreting saliva, digestive juices and stomach acids and thereby improve appetite. Fenugreek should however be taken with care by diabetics because it lowers blood sugar levels.

Milk Thistle

In many cases, anorexia nervosa results in overproduction of liver enzymes. Having around 80-160 milligrams of milk thistle seeds every day could help in overcoming this problem. Milk thistle contains silymarin, a flavonoid that repairs liver cells that are damaged.

Ginseng

This popular herb especially the Siberian variety is also considered highly beneficial for individuals affected by anorexia nervosa. For one, it strengthens the immune system. Food is fuel for the body and therefore less food badly affects the immune system. Anorexia nervosa patients are overcome with fatigue and stress. Ginseng contains adaptogen which is a stress buster and it also relieves fatigue.

Ginseng is available in capsule form and as liquid extract. Dosage could vary according to the variety of ginseng. As capsule, the recommended dosage for Siberian ginseng would be 500-3000 milligrams and as liquid extract it would be a teaspoon or half of it once twice or thrice a day. A word of caution for diabetics! Ginseng is also known to lower blood sugar levels.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha which is also referred to as Indian ginseng is another herb that is recommended for those suffering from anorexia nervosa. It is an energy and appetite booster. Ashwagandha should be taken in the evenings. In capsule form, the recommended dosage is 1 or 2 capsules.

One could also make an infusion by using around 1 to 2 grams of dried and powdered ashwagandha root. An even more effective tonic can be made by boiling the leaves for 15 minutes in water and leaving aside for 10 minutes. Have a cup of this decoction.

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