Herbal Remedies

Herbs used in the treatment of appetite disturbances are utilized in many different ways. Chickweed, Alfalfa, Parsley, Red Clover, Fennel, Hawthorn Berry, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Slippery Elm, Orange Peel are all wonderful for appetite control.

Siberian Ginseng, Suma (Maca), Korean Ginseng, Panax Ginseng, Oatstraw, Alfalfa, Gota Kola, Schizandra, Ginger are all wonderful for appetite stimulant.

Dietary supplements and thermogenesis or “fat-burning herbs” are stimulants that reduce appetite and speed metabolism. Thermogenesis is the process by which the body generates heat or energy, by increasing the metabolic rate above normal. This rise in metabolic rate is referred to as the thermogenic effect, thermogenic response, or specific dynamic action (SDA). Thermogenesis is activated by a few different mechanisms, including supplements, nutrition, exercise, and exposure to cold.

For Appetite Control:

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Alkalizes and detoxs the body. Can act as a diuretic, balances hormones, eases inflammation, may lower cholesterol. Must be used in fresh raw form to provide vitamins. Contains an antifungal agent. Its high protein and vitamin content make it a good nutritional source. Medicinal uses of alfalfa include treatment of stomach upset, arthritis, bladder and kidney problems, boils, appetite control and irregular menstruation.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) The flowers of this plant are therapeutically used as an antispasmodic, expectorant, sedative, and vulnerary. They are valued for the delicate sweet flavor they impart to herbal teas; and they combine expecially well with dried rose hips, lemon, and mint. In central Europe, clover has been used to regulate digestive functions, to improve the appetite, and to treat liver ailments.

Hawthorn Berry (Fructus Crataegus oxyacantha) is especially popular in a number of herbal tinctures, herbal combinations and teas. The berries effects on the circulatory system have been researched in Europe. Certain chemical constituents in the berries seem to enhance enzyme metabolism, poor digestion, overweight as well as oxygen utilization in the heart muscle. The berries should be taken over a period of time for their full nutritional benefits to be realized. Hawthorn Berries contain vitamins C and B complex, crataegin, carotene, flavonoids and sugars.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus Fulva) is commonly used for colds or fevers and to soothe an irritated digestive system. The ‘Slippery’ part of Slippery Elm refers to the texture of the herb. This is because of the large mucilage content of Slippery Elm, which is also responsible for its wonderful healing and soothing action. In most herbal literature this is termed a ‘demulcent’ or an ’emollient’ agent, which means it is a soothing substance. It not only soothes and heals all that it comes into contact with, but is highly nutritious. Slippery Elm is a wholesome food for the weak and convalescent, from infants to the elderly.

For Appetite Stimulant:

Gota Kola (Centella asiatica) is commonly used to help protect and repair or heal the skin, blood and nervous system. It combats stress and improves reflexes. Antidepressant, improves memory and reduces mental fatigue. The nuts, roots, and seeds of this herb are used in cardiovascular and circulatory disorders, fatigue, kidney stones, poor appetite and sleep disorders.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale recen) is used for the prevention and treatment of various forms of nausea. These include motion sickness, the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), and post-surgical nausea. Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery, do not self-treat with ginger except under physician supervision. Ginger has been suggested as a treatment for numerous other conditions, including an appetite stimulant, atherosclerosis, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol, burns, ulcers, depression, impotence, and liver toxicity. Stops cough and stops vomiting. In traditional Chinese medicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first sign of a cold is believed to offer the possibility of averting the infection.

Schizandra (Schizandra chinensis) of the family Schizandraceae, is native to Northern China. As a traditional medicinal herb, Schizandra, called Wu Wei Zi in China, has been used as an astringent for a treatment for dry cough, asthma, night sweats, nocturnal seminal emissions and chronic diarrhea. It is also used traditionally as a tonic for the treatment of chronic fatigue. This adaptogenic property is said to “stimulate immune defenses, balance body function, normalize body systems, boost recovery after surgery, protect against radiation, counteract the effects of sugar, optimize energy in times of stress, increase stamina, protect against motion sickness, normalize blood sugar and blood pressure, reduce high cholesterol, shield against infection, improve the health of the adrenals, energize RNA-DNA molecules to rebuild cells and produces energy. Studies conducted on Schizandra’s effects have noted that the herb has a stimulating effect in low doses, but this effect disappeared with larger doses.

Herbal Combinations and Formulas

  Herbal tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts of the medicinal properties of herbs. Tinctures represent one of many different ways to prepare and use herbs. The terms tincture and extract are often used interchangeably.

Shake the tincture bottle well. As a dietary supplement, place 1 to 3 droppers (under the tongue, or in juice or water as needed, 2-3 times a day.

Blood Purifier: Pau D’ Arco, Red Clover, Yellow Dock, Burdock, Sarsaparilla, Dandelion, Cascara Sagrada & Buckthorn.

Circulation Support Hawthorn berries, Ginger, Angelica, Bayberry Bark, Hyssop, Prickley Ash bark, Cloves, Cayenne.

Mood Support St. Johns Wort, Chamomille, Schizandra, Oatstraw, Avena Sativa.

Digest Aid Peppermint, Dill seed, Chamomille, Gentian, Fennel, Ginger, Parsley.

Ginseng Energy American, Korean, Siberian & Tienchi Ginseng.

Women’s Balance Chaste Tree, Dong Quai, Red Raspberry, Dandelion, Blessed Thistle, Gota Kola, Kelp & Licorice.

Aromatherapy Remedies

 Aromatherapy can help regulate your appetite. Aromatherapy can help with loss of appetite due to stress or depression or disorders such as anorexia. Oils such as basil, black pepper, ginger…stimulate appetite, while bergamot, fennel, and patchouli can suppress it.

Digestive enzymes can help the stomach breakdown food. The stomach juices are loaded with enzymes that facilitate the digestion of the food we eat. As we age, we produce less of these. Supplementation can support the stomach. Bromelain and papain come from pineapple and papaya, and are useful in aiding protein digestion.

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum). This essential oil is a tonic and rubefacient, stimulates circulation, a tonic muscles. It balances digestive functions, treating constipation, sluggish bowels, diarrhea and flatulence. The herb/pepper is irritating to the bowel while the essential oil applied by massage is not.

Cinnamon Leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) A muscular and circulatory stimulant, digestive, carminative, stomachic. Best for constipation due to debility, nervous exhaustion and stress-related conditions.

Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) A circulatory stimulant, tonic and stomachic, depurative. It treats constipation, anorexia, colic and dyspepsia. It should be avoided in pregnancy.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) a digestive and circulatory stimulant and tonic, laxative and carminative. Can be used for loss of appetite.

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) A lymphatic and digestive stimulant, tonic. It treats muscle fatigue, nervous exhaustion and performance stress. Grapefruit enhances the digestive, circulatory, glandular, urinary, and nervous systems. It is an overall relaxer. A stimulating lymphatic massage of Grapefruit can promote the appearance of smooth, smooth skin, enhance circulation, and help regulate healthy body fluid levels. In addition, the aromatic influence of Grapefruit helps decrease appetite and balance emotional extremes.

Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) A digestive and circulatory tonic, treats colic and indigestion. Can be used for emotional factors like, anxiety, fatigue and nervous tension. It should be avoided during pregnancy.

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla) A digestive tonic, specific for colitis. The essential oil is expensive and should be reserved for inhalation or application by massage, the hydrosol can be taken internally as a tonic, several times a day from 4 p.m. on to bedtime. It is also relaxing.

Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana) A laxative, stomachic, tonic, hypotensive. It can treat constipation, colic, and flatulence. It is also a sedative, and can reduce anxiety, tension, and panic and childhood hyperactivity.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) stimulates circulation, a digestive, and stomachic and general tonic. It can treat debility and nervous exhaustion.

Sage (Salvia officinalis) A laxative, stomachic, tonic and digestive. Avoid during pregnancy.

Nutritional Advise

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Pure water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and hydrating of the system. It is also filling and a good substitute for soda or sugar-laden drinks. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, drinking water helps you burn fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake, will cause fat deposits to increase. Without water, the kidneys cannot effectively filter out the waste products and other chemicals which build up in the bloodstream and interfere with the liver’s ability to metabolize fat. As a result, you become more likely to store fat and less likely to burn it.

Ironically, drinking more water is the BEST remedy for water retention. When your body is low in water, you retain pockets of salt and water under the skin, as a defense mechanism. For your body does not know when it will get its next drink. This stored water and salt under the skin will create a puffiness and looks like fat. Drink plenty of distilled water or low sodium water and avoid high- sodium foods.

Appetite Loss:

Try eating small meals. Practice good nutrition. One should not view food as an enemy. Eating a balanced, proper diet won’t make you fat. It will make you healthy. If you eat right and exercise sensibly, this will stimulate appetite and serve as energy.

Supplements in a multivitamin/mineral that provides 100 percent of the Daily Values of all essential nutrients while people are relearning to eat real foods is recommended. Supplements of certain individual nutrients, particularly potassium, calcium (1500 mg in divided doses with 200 mg Vitamin D and 500 – 1000 mg magnesium), chromium (200 mcg), iron, zinc, vitamin E (200-400 IU) and the B vitamin comples (25 mg of each B vitamin). Experts warn that supplements cannot take the place of food. The body will not properly absorb and use vitamins and minerals without also receiving adequate calories.

Appetite Control:

Reducing fat in the diet is an important component of weight loss efforts. Foods with a high proportion of calories from fat, which should be eliminated or limited in the diet, include red meat, poultry skins and dark meat, fried food, butter, margarine, cheese, milk (except skim milk), junk food, and most processed food. Vegetable oils should also be restricted. So should nuts, seeds, and avocados (although these foods are healthy for people who have no weight problem). Instead, the diet should be based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy (and low-fat fish for non-vegetarians).

Eating more fiber can be an important component to weight maintenance. Fiber fills people up, so they eat less; some studies find that soluble fibers work best. While soluble fiber can be found in beans and fruit, it is also available as a supplement. Glucomannan and psyllium contain soluble fiber and have been reported to help appetite control efforts in some studies. Some researchers add 10 or more grams per day to the diet. Although the relationship between food sensitivities and body weight remains uncertain, according to one researcher, chronic food allergy may lead to overeating, resulting in obesity.

The FDA recommends limiting your intake of fat to 65 grams per day. By safely and carefully selecting your foods so that your fat consumption is about 30 grams per day, you can see a significant amount of weight loss, depending on your body mass index.

Your body expends a certain amount of calories upon digestion. Proteins are burned at the highest rate-20-25%, Carbohydrates 8-10%, and Fats only about 2%. This is known as the Thermic Effect of Food.

This fact cannot be stressed enough: EAT five or six small meals a day will prevent hunger pangs, provide constant energy, increase your metabolic effeciency, improving your fat lossing abilities and decrease your risk of heart attack.

Consme lean sources of protein such as skinless white meat poultry or fish, with fibrous water rich vegatables such as string beans, tomatoes, cucumbers. Protein shakes or meal replacement bars work well as one of your small meals. Be aware of the carbohydrates in most bars and shakes for they can be extemely high. Medium to low amounts of carbs 2-14 grams a bar is sufficient.

Reducing fat in the diet is an important component of weight loss. Foods with a high proportion of calories from fat should be eliminated or limited in the diet; these include red meat, poultry skins, dark poultry meat, fried foods, butter, margarine, cheese, milk (except skim milk), junk foods, and most processed foods. Vegetable oils should also be restricted, as should nuts, seeds, and avocados (although these foods are healthful for people who have no weight problem). Instead, the diet should be based on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and non-fat dairy products (and low-fat fish for non-vegetarians).

Hydrogenated oils are very bad, for two reasons. First reason is that hydrogenated fats are saturated fats, and saturated fats raise total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Second reason is that hydrogenation also produces what are called “trans” fatty acids. Although these are unsaturated, with one double bond, they act the same as saturated fats. Some margarines are now available without trans fatty acids, these are better. a lot of convenience foods are made with hydrogenated fat, like cookies, crackers, etc. This increases the shelf life of the product but is bad for human life. Good question. We need labels that show amounts of trans fat as well as amount of hydrogenated fat.

A reduction of 25% of total calories will usually promote slow, steady weight loss. For some, weight loss is easier by changing the dietary content. By this, I mean reducing carbohydrates by 25%-30%. In my opinion, for the long-term, it is important not to increase fat when decreasing carbs. Most people who restrict carbohydrates tend to maintain the same total daily calories by increasing dietary fat. Avoid all breads and pastas (flour-containing carbs) and unprocessed sugars.

Avoid artificial sweeteners and synthetic fat substitutes and the foods made with them. They are unhealthy and not conducive to the kind of good eating habits you need to form in order to slim down and stay that way. Stevia is a natural sweetener that is 300 times sweeter than sugar but contain NO calories. It is also safe for people with diabetes and hypoglycemics.

Eating adequate amounts of fiber is believed to be important for individuals wishing to lose weight. Fiber contains bulk and tends to produce a sense of fullness, which allows people to consume fewer calories. However, research on the effect of fiber intake on weight loss is conflicting. Some studies have shown that supplementation with a source of fiber accelerated weight loss in individuals who were following a low-calorie diet. In another study, supplementation with a bulking agent called glucomannan (1.5 grams before breakfast and dinner) promoted weight loss in overweight individuals who were not following a special diet. However, other researchers found that increasing fiber intake had no effect on body weight, even though it resulted in a reduction in food intake. Different types of dietary fiber are available from a variety of sources, and the amount recommended depends on the kind being used. Individuals wishing to use a fiber supplement should consult with a nutritionist.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners.

Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine, which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

 The spleen transforms the ingested food and drink to extract the Qi. The function of transformation and transportation is crucial in the process of digestion and the formation of Qi and blood. If this function is impaired there may be a poor appetite, poor digestion, abdominal distention and loose stools. The spleen separates the usable part of fluids from the unusable. If this process is impaired there can be an accumulation of dampness, phlegm, and/or edema. The Spleens ability to transform and transport can be adversely affected by the excessive consumption of cold drinks and raw foods. The action of chewing prepares food for the Spleen to transform and transport. If Spleen-Qi is abnormal, there may be an impairment of the sense of taste or the presence of an abnormal taste , lack of appetite and the lips may be pale and dry. If the Spleen has heat a person may complain of a sweet taste in the mouth and have dry lips.

The stomach transforms food and drink by the process of fermentation. This prepares the ground for the Spleen to separate and extract the refined essence from food. After transformation in the Stomach the food is passed down to the Small Intestine for further separation and absorption.

The Stomach together with the spleen is responsible for transporting food essences to the whole body, especially the limbs. If Stomach Qi is strong a person will feel strong and full of energy. Stomach Qi also ensures that the Qi of the organs reaches the pulse. A pulse with good stomach Qi is said to be neither weak or strong with yin and yang harmonized and it has a regular, slow beat.

The stomach is responsible for the coating on the tongue. A thin white coating on the tongue indicates the Stomach is functioning properly. The absence of coating indicates that the stomach’s function of digestion is impaired. A thick white coating reflects either cold or dampness and a thick yellow coating indicates heat.

Chinese Medicine takes a unique approach to weight loss! Diet, exercise and good quality sleep are the proponents of weight loss. Along with acupuncture and herbal medicine ~ loosing from 10-16 lbs the first month is a very common outcome. Of course, results depend on your body type and the effort you put into it. A gradual reduction method approach teaches you to reprogram your eating habits and helps you learn how to significantly improve your condition!

Acupuncture is used primarily to strengthen the endocrine and digestive systems.

Herbal medicine is an important component for working at the root of the problem. The theory behind this is simple. When stimulating the digestive system, the stomach and spleen can become more efficient at transforming and transporting the energy of the food we consume. This decreases appetite.

Acupuncture and Weight Loss

There is no substitute for diet, exercise and good sleep. Acupuncture has a great reputations for helping the body to stimulate circulation and assist the body in regulating appetite, cravings, and circulation, which are all keys to weight loss.

Ayurveda

The principle medical system of India is known as Ayurveda and is over 5,000 years old. This “Science of Life” is considered the art of living in harmony with nature. Developed from the ancient text of The Vedas, Ayurveda views the human body as a “homunculus” of our cosmic Universe, regulated by the balance between three primordial humours, call Dosha.

Your dosha are your Ayurveda mind and body type. There are three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We each have all three of the doshas in our physiology, just in different proportions, so your dosha is unique and personal; it is like your fingerprint.

From the Ayurvedic perspective,  Agni-Mandya (loss of appetite) has several causes.  It may be due to anorexia nervosa or insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, which also result in malabsorption. Liver malfunction or other chronic or acute diseases, can affect the digestive tract and its functions.  Depending on your dosha, different signs and symptoms emerge.

In the Ayurveda paradigm, being overweight tends to point toward an excess in kapha dosha. While kapha may not be the only factor at play in your struggle with excess weight, it is certainly an important player. One of the principles of Ayurveda is that like increases like and that opposites balance. Kapha and excess weight share many of the same qualities; they are both heavy, slow, cool, oily, smooth, dense, soft, stable, and gross. Therefore, being overweight can provoke kapha in the body, and excess kapha in the body can lead to being overweight. Conversely, a return to balance requires an increase in opposing influences—those that are light, sharp, hot, dry, rough, liquid, mobile, and subtle.

Emotional Aspect:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or “excess emotions” that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self are exceptional tools on your healing journey.  Here are some suggestions:

Guided Imagery

Do Visualization: See yourself in a comfortable and balanced state, by changing your mental behavior.

Reward Yourself Differently: Reprogram your brain to find comfort in people and positive social actions.

Use Imagery To Obtain Self Awareness: Become in tune with your feeling. Discover who YOU are and what satisfies you or dissatisfies you.

The power of visualization and guided imagery is one of our most powerful gifts! A healing tool we all have with in us – the “power of the mind!” Learning how to do Guided Imagery has many benefits.

Guided Imagery helps us to develop our imagination as a healing tool. The premise is to use “Mind Medicine” to connect the mind and body in order to free ourselves from pain due to ANY Medical Condition.

This concept allows us to deepen our abilities to fully relax, quiet the mental chatter, create restful sleep and invite a positive and productive thought process. Learn more about how guided imagery can work for you!

Yoga Therapy

Yoga poses can be good alternatives to “traditional” health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through it’s healing process.

Breath Work:

The Yogic breath exercise can be done without instruction, without danger, and with a good chance that your discomfort and stressful feelings will be reduced. Relaxation Breath is the most powerful tool for stress management.

Sit up, with your back straight in any position. Place your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise. Exhale completely through your mouth.

Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. Try to do this breathing exercise at least twice a day. You can repeat the whole sequence as often as you wish, but don’t do it more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. This exercise is fairly intense and has a profound effect on the nervous system.

Deep Diaphragm Breath

Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That’s it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breath, deep.

Also consider Breath Exercises, Child’s Pose, Cat, Head to Knee, Knee to Chest, Laying Down Twist, Standing and Seated Forward Bends, Standing Back Bends..

Crystal Reference

Crystals Associated with the Appetite

For meditation and contemplative purposes, these gems have a long standing association with the energy centers of the body associated with food and how we process our “thoughts about food”.  They also focus on healing emotional matters of the heart.

Weight Control

Allowing emotions to be expressed is the goal with crystal therapy. Crystals to consider for emotional expression include: Amethyst, Apatite, Fluorite, Iolite, Picasso Stone, Sandstone, Green Tourmaline. .

Excessive Appetite: Chrysoprase, Rutilated Quartz, Tiger’s Eye

Appetite Loss: Geodes

Pink Tourmaline is used for emotional and spiritual love, healing loss, emotional pain, fear and self-gentleness. Best in combination with counseling. Most powerful together with Kunzite or Rhodocrosite. This stone helps us with discovering self-love, compassion and releasing of old hurt. Use for trust.

Unakite is a fulfilling stone. We often think of the emotions as originating and residing in the heart, but another place where they live, often imprisoned, is in the solar plexus. As young children, discouraged away from the full expression of our emotions, we learn that shallow breathing helps us not to feel as much. The repression of feeling can become automatic, and life, while perhaps less painful, also has less joy. Unakite can soothe the Heart Chakra issues, along with issues of repression.

The Sacral Spleen Chakra, and Solar Plexus Chakra both deal with digestion and how we “choose to digest life”  The Chakra are a vast network of energies centered in the body. The Complete Chakra Kit  stimulates the seven main energy sources which govern all the major organs and psychologically alters and clears the body’s energy in order to allow healing to take place. A great stress relieving meditation tool!

Peacefulmind Remedy Bags are our fantastic prescription remedies for a multi-layered approach to treating specific disorders. These very special bags are a plan of care for treating problems such as arthritis, anxiety, stress or pain – just to name a few.  These bags features 3 of the crystals for treating a disorder, a sample herbal remedy, a meditation, an essential oil blend and acu-point self-massage techniques. Also with great tips and remedies for recovery. Choose from over 80 disorders.