Herbal Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

A disorder characterized by a disturbed sense of body image and marked anxiety about weight gain. And manifested by abnormal patterns of handling food, marked weight loss, and amenorrhea in women. Anorexia nervosa is a problem typified by self-starvation. It occurs most commonly among young women but is also observed in older women and men.

For unknown reasons, anorexia nervosa has become more common in recent years. And the incidence among young women in the United States may be as high as 1% to 2% (0.1% to 0.2% in males). The disorder may appear when the individual first leaves home or may develop in connection with mental depression, peer pressure to lose weight, sexual temptation, or the discontinuation of oral contraceptives.

At the outset, the patient either stops menstruating or simply refuses to eat. In the first case, the patient later stops eating; in the second, her menstrual periods eventually cease. In either case, she may lose weight to the point of life-threatening exhaustion.

In general, the patient will sleep poorly but, despite weight loss, will remain physically active, believing herself to be much fatter than she is. Body temperature may have to be very low. These symptoms suggest that anorexia nervosa may be associated with a disorder of the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that regulates menstruation, eating, body temperature, and sleep.

Herbal Treatment of Anorexia Nervosa

The herbal treatment must focus on toning the nervous system. But in addition, the digestive and reproductive systems will need aid. Bitters and hepatics are especially useful in supporting the liver and digestion.

Actions Indicated

Bitters are indicated because they stimulate both appetite and general metabolism. Nervine tonics are fundamental to any long-term change in the individual's ability to cope with life and transform what must be changed.

Nervine relaxants will alleviate associated anxiety. Hepatics will support the detoxification process and generally benefit the body. System tonics must be used to support any part of the body weakened by the condition or history of illness. In women, anorexia nervosa places the reproductive system under much strain.

Digestive support will be indicated if abdominal symptoms exist. Please refer to the sections on indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. Immune support may be necessary.  

Specific Remedies

Bitters are considered specifics here, but especially Verbena officinalis (vervain), a relaxing nervine with marked hepatic properties. Because it is strictly a problem

of modern culture. The herbal traditions provide no information about the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

A Prescription for Anorexia Nervosa

·         Gentiana lutea 1 part

·         Avena sativa 1 part

·         Hypericum perforatum 1 part

·         Verbena officinalis 1 part

Dosage: 5 ml of tincture 10 to 15 minutes before eating, three times a day.

Actions Supplied by Prescription for Anorexia Nervosa

·         Nervine tonic - Avena sativa, Hypericum perforatum, Verbena officinalis

·         Nervine relaxant - Hypericum perforatum, Verbena officinalis

·         Bitter - Gentiana lutea

·         Hepatic - Gentiana lutea, Verbena officinalis

Emmenagogues might be indicated if the menstrual cycle has been disrupted. If you feel sleep difficulties, please look to the treatment of Insomnia.

Broader Context of Treatment

As with depression, the whole gamut of issues must be addressed. As with depression, herbal therapy (or drug therapy) does not replace the fundamental need for competent and appropriate psychotherapy.