Ayurvedic Treatment for Loss of Appetite

In ayurveda, Loss of appetite is compared with AGNI-MANDYA. Loss of appetite has several causes and generally, it is linked with anorexia nervosa. The most common cause is insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach, which results in appetite loss and malabsorption. The second most cause is liver malfunction. Third most cause includes other chronic or acute diseases, which affect digestive system or liver functions.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Loss of Appetite

The digestive stimulant and appetizers are used in ayurveda to treat loss of appetite. Trikatu and Mustak are excellent ayurvedic medicines for appetite stimulant characteristics. Here is treatment on basis of DOSHA and their symptoms.

VATA AGNI-MANDYA (Loss of Appetite)

Loss of appetite may be associated with one or more of the following symptoms in VATA DOSHA.

1. Gurgling sound in the abdomen
2. Intestinal gas
3. Abdominal distension
4. Bloating
5. Burping
6. Cramps or abdominal pain
7. Constipation
8. Stiffness in the body
9. Body aches
10. Dryness in the mouth
11. Weakness
12. Fatigue

If one has any of these symptoms, he/she may suffer with VATA type loss of appetite. In such case, following ayurvedic remedies are is beneficial.

Dried Ginger Powder

Taking 500 mg to 1 gram Sonth or dried ginger powder with honey or water helps stimulating appetite. It also combating excess VATA and reduces its symptoms.

Hingvastak Churna

Hingvastak Churna contains herbs, which works on appetite and increases secretions of gastric juices. It reduces VATA and its symptoms. It also improves liver functions and increase appetite. In VATA type appetite loss, 2 grams Hingvastak Churna should be taken with a half teaspoon of Ghee. It is more beneficial when one has symptoms like appetite loss, cramps, flatulence and abdominal distension.

Shivakshar Pachan Churna

Shivakshar Pachan Churna is an advance formula of Hingvastak Churna. It is best for people with constipation, bloating, appetite loss and abdominal distension.

Lavan Bhasker Churna

Lavan Bhasker Churna is also beneficial when constipation is also present. Salts also regulate the bowel movements and reduce VATA symptoms.

Indukantham Kashayam

Indukantham Kashayam in dosage of 60 ml or its tablets in dosage of 2 tablets twice daily 30 minutes before meal is given for improving digestion and pacifying VATA humor. It treats all symptoms of VATA aggravation.

PITTA AGNI-MANDYA (Appetite Loss)

Loss of appetite may be associated with one or more of the following symptoms in PITTA DOSHA.

1. Burning sensation in abdomen
2. Heartburn
3. Sour taste
4. Vomiting with sour vomitus
5. Excessive thirst
6. Vertigo
7. Sour burp
8. Excessive sweating
9. Anorexia

If one has any of these symptoms, he/she may suffer with PITTA type loss of appetite. In such case, following ayurvedic remedies are is beneficial.

This combination increases appetite and reduces the symptoms described above.

Sitopaladi Churna also helps in appetite loss with PITTA symptoms. In some cases, Praval Pishti is also beneficial when taken with Sitopaladi Churna.

Guluchyadi Kashayam

Guluchyadi Kashayam is highly beneficial in appetite loss associated with PITTA aggravation. It reduces burning sensation, increases appetite, improves digestion and digests AMA (toxins). People with sensitive certain medicines that increases burning sensation, Guluchyadi Kashayam is a great choice for them. The dosage of Guluchyadi Kashayam liquid is 60 ml or tablets is 2 tablets twice daily 30 minutes before meal with warm water.

KAPHA AGNI-MANDYA (Appetite Loss)

Loss of appetite may be associated with one or more of the following symptoms in KAPHA DOSHA.

1. Heaviness in abdomen
2. Feeling Fullness in the abdomen
3. Feeling heaviness in whole body
4. White coating on tongue
5. Dull pain in the abdomen – may be associated
6. Sweet taste in the mouth
7. Fatigue with feeling of heaviness in the body
8. Laziness

If one has any of these symptoms, he/she may suffer with KAPHA type loss of appetite. In such case, following ayurvedic remedies are is beneficial.

Trikatu Churna

Trikatu Churna is a great remedy in such case. It increases appetite by increasing gastric juices in the stomach and reducing excess KAPHA in the body.

Panchkol (Panchakola) Churna

Panchkol (Panchakola) Churna also works like Trikatu churna.

Ashta Choornam

Ashta Choornam is drug of choice in VATA and KAPHA type of AGNI-MANDYA, but it is most suitable in KAPHA dominant appetite loss. It should be given in dosage of 1/2 tsp. after food with warm water.