Appetite exists in all higher life-forms, and serves to regulate adequate energy intake to maintain metabolic needs. Appetite is regulated by a close relationship between the digestive tract and the brain.

This is the only process that involves energy intake, whereas all other behaviours affect the release of energy.

Natural appetite involves the synergistic arrangement of healthy food intake, increased digestive secretions, proper stimulation from brain, synchronized GI movements and optimum absorption of nutrients to provide tons of energy (lot of energy).

Stress induced appetite :Higher cortisol levels are seen in patients with stress. It is proven that stressed people eat more than normal people but frequently the type of food is junk, spicy or tasty food. This results in obesity, abnormal weight gain and reduced levels of energy.

Drug induced appetite (eg. Cyproheptadine):Certain drugs work at brain levels and increase food intake. But this abnormal method may cause eating of junk food with less nutritive value and in fact may not provide optimum digestion and absorption as other digestive processes and GI movements are not tuned properly to proved high tone energy. Further these drugs have side effects like addiction and sleep induction.

Anorexia :Loss of appetite or decreased desire to eat

Common reasons of anorexia:

• Patients with functional or structural GI disorders
• Old age people
• Children
• Chronic infections
• Surgical procedures
• Patients taking certain medicines
• Cancer chemotherapy and radiation therapy
• Pregnant women

Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera- Indian ginseng or winter cherry ) :

• Enhances liver functioning and thereby improves fat assimilation and metabolism.
• Revitalizes as well as nourishes the body’s digestive tract

Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) :

• Carminative, digestive, gastric and nervous stimulant and rejuvenating.
• Stomachic , Stimulates appetite.
• Overcomes anorexia, flatulence, edema, piles, worms and hemorrhoids.

Ajwayan (Carum Copticum) :

• Adaptogen , increases appetite, aids digestion, stomachic
• Boosts energy and promotes longevity.
• Hepato-protective and liver stimulant
• Contains Chebulagic acid which has antispasmodic action
• Astringent – Reduces oral ulcers

Pipali (Piper longum) :

• Contains gingerols and shogaols.
• Gastrointestinal stimulant, sialagogue (increases salivary secretions) cholagogue (increases bile secretion), digestive and carminative

Nagarmoth (Nut grass – Cyperus Rotundus):

• Appetite stimulant and aids in the secretion of gastric juices. It is well known for its properties related to indigestion, stomach cramps, flatulence, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and colic.

Vidang (embelica ribes) :

• Anorexia, dyspepsia and indigestion
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• School going children with poor appetite
• Old age digestive troubles
• Chronic liver and kidney diseases
• Piles and worm infestations
• Stress induced obesity
• Post-surgery, chronic infections, drug therapy
• Cancer chemotherapy & radiation therapy