POOR APPETITE

BENEFICIAL HERBS

• To boost a sluggish appetite, try using alfalfa, blessed thistle, catnip, fennel seed, ginger root, ginseng, papaya leaves, peppermint leaves, or quassia. Cautions: Do not take aqueous extracts of sweet fern root, this has produced central nervous system depressant activity. Do not use ginseng if you have high blood pressure. Do not use blessed thistle during pregnancy.
• Other herbs that can improve the appetite include caraway, dill, and cayenne. Caution: Never give caraway seeds to infants or young children, use the extract.
• Holy thistle is a good appetite stimulant. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily. Caution: Do not exceed 2 cups a day. Large doses may result in vomiting due to the presence of low concentrations of irritant principles.
• Gentian is a useful appetite stimulant. It invigorates digestion, relieves gas, and reduces excessive stomach acid. Caution: Overdosing may produce nausea and vomiting. If collected in late summer or fall, the roots must be cured prior to use.
• Black currant tea stimulates taste buds

• Multi-vitamin and mineral complex: Use a high potency formula
• Vitamin B complex: 100 milligrams before meals.

In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications.  Such interactions can be dangerous.  Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled.  Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has
been scientifically proven.  Consult your physician.  Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking.  Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.