Top 5 Ayurvedic Herbs for Weight Gain

A person who is thin and lean wants to gain weight but sometimes get lured by the certain advertisements that promises to gain weight rapidly but there are no results in the end. It must be remembered that there is no short cut for weight gain or weight loss. It is a natural process which depends upon the metabolism and body type of an individual. One must not get lured by such advertisements that ensures weight gain in just few days. To gain weight, there must be strong digestion power, diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and a little bit of fat must be included and intestines must be cleared from worms.

Weight gain according to Ayurveda

Weight gain is described in Charak samhita ( textbook of Indian medicine ). According to Ayurveda , if a person has weak digestion strength but he is taking nutritious diet, there will be no gain in weight. Ayurveda explains the digestion strength as "Agni". The way the ancient seers looked at human physiology is quite different than the modern perspective. According to the ancient Ayurvedic Masters, as wind, light, heat and water control the nature, Vata, Pitta and Kapha control the human body. Tridosha controls all the parts of the body, so they also control the Agni ( digestion power ). Wherever there is a processing with fuel like running of a motor engine, there is an element of fire involved. Hence, in the process of digestion where food is used as a fuel by the body to burn and generate energy, there is a predominant involvement of fire. So, Pitta is the main component of Agni (fire ). But as we know, fire alone cannot burn a mass.

It requires some amount of air as well. Proper quantity of oxygen rich air helps to keep the fire alive. Wind is co-related with "Vata" in Ayurveda. Hence, the process of digestion also involves "Vata". For the digestion process to work and run smoothly, Vata should also be in a healthy state. Ayurvedic treatment includes strengthening of digestion fire as well as air element in the body by prescribing medicines followed by medicines/ diet which helps in gaining weight. Antaragni ( internal fire ) empowers digestive fire to digest food. Then, the food is taken at Dhatu level ( level of body tissues - blood, muscle, bone tissue etc. ). Here, the food is subjected to "Dhatu Agni" ( digestive process that converts particular part of food into native Dhatu ). The essence part Rasa ( taste ) and the waste part ( Mala ) of the food nourishes the body tissues and body waste products and thus the proper portions of the tissues and waste products are maintained in balance according to the shape and size of the body. Thus, it is imperative to maintain digestion strength in order to gain weight.

If a person is born with dominant "Vata" dosha, then person will be thin from his birth and there are minimal chances of weight gain.

If thin body is governed by hereditary factor, then there are less chances of weight gain.

What are the causes of weight loss /thin body?

• Excess physical exercise
• Excess fasting
• Skipping meals
• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Frequent diarrhea, IBS, ulcerative colitis
• Heredity

Complications of thin body for a long period of time

• Depletion of digestion power
• Depletion of immunity
• Depletion of muscle mass, skin complexion
• Person becomes prone to repeated infections
• Debility
• Constipation
• Joint related disorders due to increase in "Vata" dosha.

Diseases caused by severe weight loss

• Reduction in the power of digestion
• Reduction in strength
• Reduction in immunity
• Reduction in muscle tissue
• Pain in chest
• Anorexia
• Pain in cardiac region
• Obstruction in passage of stool, urine
• Pain in thigh, calf and lumbar regions
• Cracking pain in fingers, bones and joints.

Top 5 Ayurvedic Herbs for Weight Gain

Ayurvedic body building and muscle toning supplements have been famous since ages.

1. Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera )

It is also known by the name "Indian ginseng". It is one of the most powerful gifts of nature to mankind. It has been used since ages for weight gain, muscle strength, body building , sexual stimulant and so on. For weight gain, Ashwagandha root powder 3-6 gm must be taken daily with warm milk.

2. Shatavari ( Asparagus racemosus )

This is a wonderful herb which is also considered as best friend of females and also acts as a tonic to maintain overall strength of the body. According to Charak, it is among the group of herbs which provides strength and promotes immunity, it is also considered as an anti-aging group of herbs . Only wet roots of Shatavari should be used in making herbal products in preparing water decoction ( Kashayam ). This rule does not apply when it is used in powder form. Because of its nutritive properties, anti-aging effect, cooling effect, it is an excellent gym supplement as it helps in relieving tiredness quickly and also improves muscle mass.

3. Safed Musli ( Chlorophytum borivilianum )

It is a potent aphrodisiac as well as an adaptogenic herb. It provides strength to the muscles as well as induce spermatogenesis. Ayurveda has a concept of nourishing therapy treatment which includes herbs that increase body endurance and improve strength and physical performance. This herb is beneficial in various conditions like- osteoarthritis, reduced vitality, diabetes in weak people, body building , fatigue.

4. Amla ( Indian gooseberry )

Amla is the most used Ayurvedic ingredient. It is considered as the most important herb for rejuvenation and is the most important ingredient of Chywanprash. This little fruit is stuffed with innumerable health benefits. According to Charak, it is among the anti-aging group of herbs that can be taken on daily basis. Inclusion of Amla powder in diet improves protein concentration in the body and also helps in maintaining weight.

5. Vidarikand ( Pueraria tuberose )

Vidarikand herb is a good choice for people for those who wish to improve muscle strength and gain body weight. It supplies right amount of nutrients to the body cells and also improves overall health naturally.

Eating rules that may help to gain weight

• Eat only when you are hungry.
• Do not drink water before or after taking food.
• Drink water while taking food
• Do not distract yourself with mobile phone or TV while eating.

So, don't get lured by the attractive advertisement for gaining weight. Weight can be gained naturally by following Ayurvedic tips along with living a stress free life.