Ayurvedic Medicine for Weight Gain

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Living in a country like India where topics around health are mostly centered around weight loss, the challenge of being underweight is largely ignored. Despite this, a large portion of the population still struggles with low body weight. This can often result in issues like low energy levels, weak immune strength and a poor quality of life. National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) estimates that around 17% of Indian women and 16.2% of Indian men aged 15–49 years are underweight.

There could be a variety of reasons why you may be unable to gain weight such as stress, digestive issues, fast-acting metabolism or appetite problems. If we look at the widely available treatment options then it can be noted that the majority of them focus either on eating more or relying on high calorie supplements. However, Ayurveda takes a different approach to this condition. In fact, Ayurveda concentrates on a holistic approach - balancing internal doshas, improving digestion, supporting metabolism and mental health. All of these factors significantly impact your ability to gain weight.

Let’s Understand the Ayurvedic Perspective on Weight Gain

Ayurveda believes that dominance of Vata dosha (responsible for movement, metabolism, and the nervous system) is the real cause of being underweight. Often when Vata is not balanced in the body issues like mental stress, digestive disorders, dryness can be commonly observed. Together, these factors make it hard for the body to gain weight.

"Karshya", referred to as undernourishment in Ayurveda, is described as a problem in which the body tissues (especially muscles and fat) are not getting the nourishment they need. Now, why does this happen? Ayurveda says that it could be because of weak Agni (digestive fire), which further leads to accumulation of Ama (toxins), restricting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

Also, it is important to note that Ayurveda strongly believes that everyone’s Prakriti (constitution) is very different and that plays a major role in how the course of treatment should be planned. Therefore, unlike modern medicines Ayurveda encourages balancing the doshas as per an individual's constitution.

Common Symptoms of Being Underweight and Related Issues

As obvious as it may sound but yes the primary symptom is inadequate weight relative to age, height, and frame. A lot of people often overlook the fact the inability to gain weight is often linked with a variety of other health issues as well such as:

• Fatigue or low energy levels
• Loss of appetite
• Weak immunity
• Poor digestion, bloating, or irregular bowel movements
• Dry skin and brittle hair
• Anxiety
• Poor sleep quality
• Hormonal issues in women like irregular periods
• Difficulty in muscle gain

Your symptoms may vary depending on the underlying doshic imbalance. For instance:

• Vata-dominant individuals may experience dryness, anxiety, and poor appetite
• Pitta types may struggle with appetite fluctuations and acidity
• Kapha types, though naturally heavier, may have metabolic issues despite being thin externally

What are the Common Modern & Ayurvedic Causes of Being Underweight?

Modern Causes

• Poor eating habits like skipping meals, insufficient nutrient intake
• Extreme physical activity without a proper diet
• High levels of mental stress
• Underlying medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or gastrointestinal issues
• Side effects of certain medications
• Excessive smoking or alcohol consumption

Ayurvedic Causes

• A Vata imbalance can result in a high metabolism and poor absorption of nutrients
• Low Agni can result in a weak digestive system and a lack of appetite
• Imbalanced Ama can block the flow of nutrients in the body
• Unhealthy lifestyle choices like missing meals, irregular eating times, inadequate sleep, and overexertion
• Chronic stress which can impact your digestion and doshic balance

Ayurvedic Medicines for Weight Gain

The following natural herbs are gentle on the body and work towards balancing the doshas in a holistic way -
Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (rejuvenator) that reduces stress, improves stamina, and promotes muscle growth
Shatavari: Nourishes all seven Dhatus, boosts digestion, and supports hormonal balance
Chyawanprash: Packed with over 40 herbs, including Amla it enhances immunity, digestion, and vitality
Yashtimadhu : Supports adrenal health, digestion, and weight gain
Pippali : Stimulates Agni and enhances nutrient absorption
Siddha Makardhwaj: A formulation used to strengthen tissues and boost overall vitality
Draksharishta and Ashwagandharishta: Herbal tonics that improve appetite and digestion

While all these herbs are generally safe for consumption, we highly recommend taking them under the supervision of an expert Jiva Ayurvedic doctor. After thoroughly diagnosing your Nadi Pariksha (pulse diagnosis), assessing your doshas, prakriti, and current health condition, they will be able to suggest the apt dosage and which of these herbs will suit you best.

Ayurvedic Therapies for Weight Gain

Some of these topical Ayurveda therapies can also be really beneficial in nourishing the body, soothing the mind, and supporting healthy digestion:
Abhyanga (warm oil massage): Performed using calming oils like sesame oil or Ashwagandha Bala oil, this therapy helps soothe the nervous system, improve circulation, and nourish tissues
Shirodhara (oil pouring on forehead): If emotional stress or anxiety is the major factor contributing to your weight loss then this method can be very useful
Basti (medicated enema therapy): An effective Panchakarma treatment for Vata disorders, it helps detoxify, regulate digestion, and rejuvenate the body
Swedana (herbal steam therapy): Aids in removing Ama and improving tissue nourishment
Nasya (nasal oil application): Balances Vata in the head and improves mental clarity and sleep

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

A well-planned Ayurvedic lifestyle can work wonders in achieving healthy weight gain. Here are some guidelines:

Diet Tips

Eat warm, nourishing, and light meals

• Go for healthy fats like ghee, sesame oil and coconut oil
• Include high-protein foods like moong dal, paneer, soaked almonds and lentils
• Add digestive spices like cumin, fennel, ginger, and turmeric in your meals
• Start your day with a glass of warm water
• Drink herbal teas (like ginger or fennel tea)

Lifestyle Tips

• Set a regular eating schedule for yourself.
• Do not skip meals or indulge in late-night snacking
• Practice yoga and Pranayama to calm your mind and improve digestion
• Try to get 7–8 hours of sound sleep allowing the body to repair itself
• Opt for strength training, combined with a nutrient-rich diet

Know When to Seek Help from an Ayurvedic Expert

Despite trying various home remedies and following a healthy lifestyle, if you are still experiencing the following then you must get in touch with an expert:

• Unexplained or rapid weight loss
• Chronic fatigue
• Digestive issues
• Poor appetite despite adequate food intake
• Irregular periods or reproductive issues
• Persistent anxiety
• Sleep problems

Conclusion

It can be clearly seen that unlike any modern approach that just targets calorie intake, our trusted Ayurveda dips deeper into the root cause of being underweight. By correcting internal imbalances and strengthening metabolism through time-tested herbs, therapies, and personalized diet, Ayurveda provides a natural, sustainable path to healthy weight gain.

However, we would like to highlight that self-medication can be risky and that Ayurvedic medicines and therapies should always be taken under expert supervision to ensure correct treatment. With the right guidance, Ayurveda doesn’t just help you gain weight - it helps you build strength, vitality, and resilience from the inside out.

FAQs

1. Can Ayurveda help someone who has always been naturally thin due to genetics?
Yes, Ayurveda takes into account each person’s Prakriti (individual constitution). If someone has a naturally lean Vata-dominant constitution, the goal isn’t just to gain weight unnaturally, but to help the body reach its optimal healthy state through better digestion, improved nutrient absorption, and tissue nourishment. Ayurveda aims for balance and vitality, not just body mass.
2. How does stress affect weight gain according to Ayurveda?
Stress aggravates Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system. Chronic stress can weaken digestion, suppress appetite, and disturb sleep—all of which are crucial for healthy weight gain. Ayurveda recommends calming practices like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and meditation to soothe the nervous system and create a healing environment for the body.
3. Which Ayurvedic herbs support healthy weight gain?
Ayurvedic herbs that promote healthy weight gain include Ashwagandha (for muscle growth and stress relief), Shatavari (for tissue nourishment and hormonal balance), Chyawanprash (for immunity and vitality), Pippali (to stimulate digestion), and Yashtimadhu (to support adrenal and digestive health). Herbal tonics like Draksharishta and Ashwagandharishta are also beneficial for improving appetite and digestion.
4. What Ayurvedic therapies help in gaining weight?
Therapies such as Abhyanga (warm oil massage), Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead), Basti (medicated enema), Swedana (herbal steam), and Nasya (nasal oil application) are commonly recommended. These therapies help balance doshas, reduce stress, enhance digestion, and nourish tissues - all contributing to healthy weight gain.
5. Are Ayurvedic weight gain remedies suitable for both men and women?
Yes, Ayurvedic remedies are holistic and tailored to individual needs regardless of gender. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Chyawanprash are commonly used by both men and women, though hormonal balance in women (especially with herbs like Shatavari) may also be specifically addressed. A personalized approach is always recommended.