What is the Sanskrit term for anorexia and its cause?

• A. Aruci
• B. Jwara
• C. Apathya
• D. Vishama agni

Answer: (A)

Aruci is the Sanskrit term for loss of appetite or anorexia. In Ayurvedic understanding, appetite arises from the balance and strength of agni, the digestive fire, and when agni is weak or disturbed, hunger diminishes, which is described as aruci. This term emphasizes the symptom of not wanting to eat, rather than a disease itself. A common contributing factor is apathya, or an inappropriate diet, which can suppress appetite by disturbing the digestive system. The other terms refer to different concepts: jwara means fever, and Vishama agni means an irregular or erratic digestive fire that can cause digestive upset but does not denote anorexia itself. So aruci is the best match for the Sanskrit term for anorexia.