Q. Is it really possible to control my appetite through herbal medicine for weight loss? I'd like to know about the effects and things I should be careful about.
Yes, it is possible. Herbal medicine works by suppressing false hunger and boosting your metabolic rate, allowing you to naturally reduce your food intake.
📝 Detailed Answer
In reality, resisting appetite through willpower alone is nearly impossible. I understand that feeling well, as even I sometimes struggle with the temptation of late-night snacks. However, appetite is not simply a matter of will, but a matter of .
In Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), a state of excessive cravings or feeling hungry quickly is viewed as Spleen Deficiency (Bi-Heo), a condition where digestive functions are weakened, leading to poor nutrient absorption and energy efficiency. Because the body lacks energy, the brain continuously sends 'eat' signals, resulting in uncontrollable appetite.
💡 Approach of Herbal Weight Loss
Rather than simply starving the body, the focus is on increasing the metabolic rate to eliminate Dam-jeok (accumulated phlegm and toxins/metabolic waste) and maintaining a feeling of satiety.
However, please keep the following points in mind while taking the medication:
- Impact on Sleep: As metabolism is activated, you may experience difficulty falling asleep in the early stages.
- Dry Mouth: You may experience dry mouth due to an increase in internal heat.
- Increased Heart Rate: If you feel heart palpitations, the intensity of the prescription needs to be adjusted.
Therefore, rather than using strong medication blindly, it is essential to undergo a process of step-by-step adjustment tailored to your current vital energy (Qi) status.
Expert Verified
Dr. Yeonseung Choe
Chief Director
Last reviewed 2026.04.24