Ashwagandha has often been recommended to people who are looking for ayurvedic medicine for weight gain. Ashwagandha has been classified as an adaptogen, and research suggests that it has immense stress-management properties.
Does ashwagandha increase weight?
Ashwagandha is a herb to cure many problems. However, it must be noted that Ashwagandha has no direct action on weight gain. However, it helps by addressing the root cause that is preventing you from gaining weight. Many people have difficulty gaining weight due to stress, improper digestion, weak immunity system and poor gut health.
Ashwagandha lehyam boosts metabolism, improves digestion and manages stress. Studies have shown that this humble herb is full of antioxidants. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Proven research has suggested that Ashwagandha considerably improves body mass and increases strength.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Weight Gain
These are a few of the significant benefits of Ashwagandha that aids in weight gain.
Ashwagandha helps in managing stress
Research has reported that Ashwagandha helps in managing stress considerably. In some first trials, it was observed that the herb blocks stress pathways by controlling chemical signalling in the nervous system.
It also helps in reducing symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorder. Stress is directly related to unexplained weight loss. Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels of the brain and prevents that.
Ashwagandha reduces insomnia
A few studies indicate that Ashwagandha can help in alleviating insomnia. People dealing with stress and depression often miss out on sound sleep that impairs healthy weight gain.
Ashwagandha improves sleep and hormone balance. Reduction in stress helps in improving sleep quality. Subsequently, the body can recover muscle mass during the night, resulting in weight gain.
Also read: Ashwagandha to treat erectile dysfunction
Ashwagandha Boosts immunity
A weak immunity results in infections and prevents healthy weight gain. Ashwagandha lehyam has anti-inflammatory properties, according to research. It is also rich in iron that improves blood circulation. All these properties make Ashwagandha an Ayurvedic immunity booster that assists in managing a healthy weight.
Ashwagandha improves digestion and gut health.
Inefficient digestion and slow metabolism result in health problems like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. For healthy weight gain, it is essential to improve digestion.
Numerous studies have shown that Ashwagandha has antimicrobial properties that help in treating unhealthy gut bacteria. You can also use ashwagandha powder for weight gain along with probiotics to promote healthy digestion.
How to Use Ashwagandha for Weight Gain?
Ashwagandha is challenging to consume raw due to its strange smell for some. People often mix it with milk, honey or ghee to make it more palatable. This also increases the nutritional value of Ashwagandha and helps in weight gain. These are the few ways in which you can use Ashwagandha -
Ashwagandha leaves
- Wash ashwagandha leaves properly and put them on a tray.
- Let the leaves sun-dry over the next two days.
- Once the leaves are dried, you can grind them easily to get a fine powder.
- Mix half a teaspoon of this powder with a cup of warm water or milk. Drink this mixture twice daily.
Ashwagandha Powder for weight gain
Ashwagandha is available as an ayurvedic weight gain powder. Mix the powder with water, milk or ghee. Mix one tsp of the powder with a warm cup of water or milk. You can add some honey to this mixture for a better taste. Stir the mixture well and consume it once or twice a day to see effective results.
To experience ashwagandha powder with ghee benefits, boil the powder with pure ghee. Take 2 tsp of ashwagandha powder and mix it into the ghee as it melts.
You can add a pinch of cardamom for better taste and more nutritional value. Strain this ghee through a muslin cloth. Store this in a jar and have one tbsp of this ghee daily.
Ashwagandha Tablet
Take 1 or 2 tablets every day and swallow them with water for weight gain.
Ashwagandha Churna for weight gain
Take 1 tsp of ashwagandha churna daily with water or milk for a month to see effective weight gain.
Ashwagandha Lehyam for weight gain
Ashwagandha lehyam is a semi-solid preparation. Mix ashwagandha along with sugar or jaggery and ghee. Heat the mixture. You can take six grams of ashwagandha lehyam daily with milk. Have it one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal every day.
Ashwagandha and Shatavari for weight gain
Along with Ashwagandha, studies also encourage the use of Shatavari for weight gain. Shatavari helps in digestion and increases hunger. After a workout boosted by Ashwagandha, Shatavari helps you consume more food and digest it. This provides your body with sufficient nutrition to build muscle mass and gain weight.
Ashwagandha side effects for weight gain
Ashwagandha is a natural, Ayurvedic herb. Hence, it has little to no side effects. However, incorrect dosage or excessive consumption may lead to the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Liver issues
Also read: Ashwagandha for height
References
Abhishek Nagar, Neeraj (2020) Influence of dietary supplementation of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder on feed intake and body weight performance in caged broilers
(Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies) https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345996206_Influence_of_dietary_supplementation_of_Shatavari_Asparagus_racemosus_and_Ashwagandha_Withania_somnifera_root_powder_on_feed_intake_and_body_weight_performance_in_caged_broilers
Jeremy Mikolai, Andrew Erlandsen (2015) In vivo effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on the activation of lymphocytes (PubMed) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19388865/
Narendra Singh, Mohit Bhalla (2011) An overview on Ashwagandha: a Rasayana (rejuvenator) of Ayurveda (National Library of Medicine) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22754076/
Kieran Cooley, Orest Szczurko (2009) Naturopathic care for anxiety: a randomized controlled trial ISRCTN78958974 (PubMed) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19718255/
Mahmood Ahmad Khan, Mythily Subramaneyaan (2015) Effect of Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) root extract on amelioration of oxidative stress and autoantibodies production in collagen-induced arthritic rats (PubMed) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25803089/
Sachin Wankhede, Deepak Langade (2015) Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial (PubMed) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
K Chandrasekhar, Jyoti Kapoor (2012) A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults (PubMed) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23439798/
