Fatigue and Appetite Supression
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Mary
Posted on: August 17, 1999

I’m looking for an herb that aids fatigue and helps as an appetite suppressant.

James Duke in "The Green Pharmacy" (St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010) states that the amino acid tryptophan in serotonin is responsible for the feeling of being full and notes that the seeds of Evening Primrose and walnuts are rich in tryptophan. Evening Primrose oil contains some tryptophan. Duke recommends taking half a teaspoon of the oil three times a day.

Thomas Bartram in "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" (Grace Publishers, Mulberry Court, Stour Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 1PS, England) recommends Fennel, Hawthorn, Wild Lettuce and Chickweed to decrease the appetite.

Fatigue may have an underlying cause, which can be determined by blood tests and diagnosed by your doctor. Common non-disease factors include a lack of balance in diet, exercise, work and social life.

Stimulating the metabolism to increase energy may require support to the liver, digestive organs and endocrine glands (glands that secrete hormones into the blood stream). Dandelion leaf and root support the liver and digestive system. Licorice (not to be taken in high blood pressure) and Ginseng support the adrenal glands, supporting endocrine function.

Your diet is important in providing the nutrients and enzymes required for energy and should be high in fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low on fatty and fried foods, sugar and white flour products. You might want to try the diet recommended in Dr. Dean Ornish’s book "Eat More, Weigh Less", (Harper Collins Publishers) which describes a holistic approach to losing weight, the benefits of a fat free diet and hundreds of delicious recipes.

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