Before we start this post, please note that home remedies are not the only solution for diagnosis and treatment of anorexia. Please consult a doctor for required physiological and psychological treatments and use home remedies only as support.

Anorexia is an eating disorder associated with sudden and extreme weight loss. Patients suffering from anorexia record unusually low and unsafe body weight and show fear of putting on weight due to worry of social pressure or body image issues. Anorexia can occur at any age, with anyone, and if not treated in time it can lead to further and more severe complications such as heart problems, anaemia, bone loss, kidney dysfunction among others.

Anorexia can be caused due to various factors including psychological, emotional, physical and social stress. When treating anorexia, making a few lifestyle changes is also important to nurture a supportive environment and boost the recovery process. For this, you can try a few of these home remedies.

1. Garlic

Garlic is a natural appetite stimulant and is used in many rehabilitation treatments when working with anorexia patients. The properties of garlic cleanse the systems and encourage healthy eating. You can consume a solution made by boiling garlic with water, adding lemon juice and a pinch of rock salt. You can also try natural supplements which boost health and increase the feeling of hunger. Find more information on the benefits of garlic here.

2. Herbal Tea

Herbal tea not only acts as a relaxing and calming agent, but it also stimulates the appetite and builds an interest in eating and enjoying food. Herbal teas such as chamomile or sage are excellent options to help fight stress, fatigue, and emotional anxiety while also improving the appetite. Drinking herbal tea regularly also improves mental focus which helps a patient stay positive and on track with the treatment. Drinking two to three cups of herbal tea is recommended to keep up the fluid requirement of the body and boost the appetite. You can find a variety of herbal tea options here. 

3. Ginger

Ginger is also an appetite stimulant and ensures that meals are not skipped. It also contains soothing properties which relieve anxiety and calm the nerves. Adding ginger paste to food, or mixing ginger powder with lemon juice and honey are easy ways to consume ginger and reap the benefits. You can also add the powder to warm water or herbal tea and drink it 2 to 3 times a day. You can find some excellent organic ginger powder here.

4. Oranges

Citric fruits like oranges are refreshing and effectively treat anorexia by increasing a feeling of hunger in the body. The high water content in the fruit along with Vitamin C also boosts hydration and keeps the body healthy after the physical stress of anorexia. In addition to this, it also cleanses the digestive system and uplifts the mood by fighting the feeling of depression and anxiety. The aromatic smell of the orange peel is often used to stimulate the nervous system and leads to a positive feeling. You can boil the peels in water and add a few drops of vinegar to enhance the fragrance. It is also advised to consume a few oranges or drink fresh juice few times a day to keep up the appetite.

     5. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy and massages are known to reduce tension and physical and emotional stress. The therapeutic movements and fragrances help to calm the nerves and reduce anxiety. It also releases the hormones, dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain which create a feeling of positivity with relation to oneself and one’s body image. Massaging the neck, back, shoulders, and feet help to relax the body and mind and relieve anxiety. You can use a combination of massage oils mixed with coconut or olive oil. You can also improve the atmosphere with relaxing fragrant oils. Find out more about aromatherapy options here.