A child’s boundless energy and curiosity are fuelled by proper nutrition, yet many parents struggle with a common concern, poor appetite. As parents, there’s nothing more concerning than watching your child refuse food. If mealtimes often feel like a battle, with your little one refusing food or showing disinterest in eating, you’re not alone. However, it is crucial for you as a parent to look after your child’s nutritional needs and healthy appetite. A reduced appetite can lead to inadequate nutrient intake, affecting growth, immunity, and overall well-being.
While it’s natural for children to have fluctuating hunger levels, a consistently low appetite might signal an underlying imbalance in digestion. Instead of resorting to force-feeding or processed appetite stimulants, you can go for a natural ayurvedic approach that gently nurtures digestion and restores hunger naturally.
A lack of appetite can result in nutritional deficiencies, which in turn may stunt growth. According to the National Family and Health Survey, around 38% of Indian children under five are stunted, 36% are underweight, and 18% are wasted. These statistics underscore the importance of addressing these challenges. To understand how Ayurveda can help in stimulating your little one’s appetite, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr Shishir Pande, Professor, Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nashik.
Ayurvedic Insight on Appetite
Dr Pande explains, “Children are naturally active and curious, but when their appetite dwindles, parents are often left concerned about their overall health and development. A lack of appetite, while common, can lead to nutritional deficiencies that may impact growth. Traditional sciences like Ayurveda offer profound wisdom in this regard."
In Ayurveda, the concept of Agni, or digestive fire, plays an important role in overall health. Agni is regarded as the foundation of life, responsible not only for digestion but also for the body’s ability to metabolise and absorb nutrients. When Agni is weak or out of balance, a child's appetite may diminish. Therefore, Ayurveda encourages the restoration of Agni through specific herbs, formulations, and practices designed to stimulate appetite.
Also read: Want To Detox Your Body Naturally? These Ayurvedic Herbs Can Help You
Ayurvedic Ingredients That Support Appetite and Digestion
Dr Pande helped us with a list of Ayurvedic ingredients that help in stimulating appetite and support digestion:
Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus): This herb is known for its powerful digestive properties. It helps soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and support gut health, which can significantly improve appetite.
Vidang (Embelia ribes) and Kutuki (Picrorhiza kurroa): Both these herbs have been used traditionally for their deworming effects, which can help address one of the common causes of appetite loss in children—intestinal worms.
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): Known for boosting immunity, Guduchi strengthens the body’s defences against infections. When the body is healthier overall, appetite and digestion tend to improve naturally.
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica): Rich in Vitamin C, Amla not only enhances the body’s immunity but also aids in better digestion. It is a go-to for revitalising a child’s appetite.
Jeera (Cumin) and Ajwain (Carom seeds): These kitchen staples are often used to stimulate appetite and soothe the digestive system. Both have carminative properties that help relieve discomfort and bloating, encouraging a child to eat more.
Pippali (Long Pepper): Known for its ability to enhance metabolism, Pippali stimulates digestive enzymes, improving digestion and boosting appetite.
Dr Pande said, “These herbs, traditionally available in powder or raw form, are now commonly found in Ayurvedic syrups, which are convenient and easy for children to consume.”
Also read: Here Are Top Ayurvedic Remedies For Ideal Bowel Health
Why Appetite and Immunity Go Hand in Hand
A child’s growth depends not only on the food they eat but also on how well their body absorbs nutrients. According to Ayurveda, a strong appetite is closely tied to the immune system. Dr Pande emphasises, “By nurturing digestive health, children are better equipped to fight illnesses and thrive physically and mentally.” When a child's digestive fire (Agni) is balanced, they can absorb nutrients more effectively, supporting both their growth and immunity.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Needs
In a world full of instant remedies, parents often look for solutions that are both safe and effective. Ayurvedic remedies, grounded in centuries of knowledge, provide a natural way to stimulate appetite in children. According to Dr Pande, these remedies are formulated to be gentle yet potent, offering a holistic approach to health and development.
While modern medicine has made great strides, Ayurveda brings a much-needed balance. For parents concerned about their child’s appetite and growth, Ayurvedic formulations provide an option that doesn’t rely on synthetic additives or chemicals. They harness the power of nature to support not just a child’s appetite but their overall well-being.