Appetite, Low

Poor appetite is a condition of low jatharagni (digestive fire). Low agni may be due to slow metabolism, or slow metabolism caused by low agni; each affects the other. Low agni creates not only poor appetite but also indigestion, bloating, ama (toxins) in the gastrointestinal tract, coating on the tongue, and bad breath. Lack of energy is also common.

The most effective treatment for this situation may surprise you: Don’t eat. A short fast will help to kindle the digestive fire. Skip breakfast, and don’t nibble anything. By noon your appetite will probably return, and you will be hungry and ready to eat.

Lack of appetite is often due to continual munching, combined with drinking cold drinks, which depress agni. For the sake of good digestion and long-term health, as well as reviving your appetite, both of these bad habits have to be stopped.

If you are not hungry even by lunchtime, take some fresh ginger, chop a little into small pieces, add some lime juice and a pinch of rock salt, and chew it up. That will kindle agni and stimulate the appetite.

Low appetite may also be due to emotional factors. If that is the case, make a tea of ginger, brahmi, and chamomile in equal proportions. Use 1 teaspoon of this mixture per cup of water, steep for 5 to 10 minutes, and drink.

Also, take ½ teaspoon of triphala in a cup of warm water every night

before going to bed. Pour boiling water into the triphala, and let it cool until it’s comfortable to drink.

These few simple measures should be enough to help you regain a healthy appetite. If you try them and still don’t feel like eating, see your doctor, as lack of appetite can be a symptom of a more serious illness.