How Ashwagandha is helpful in Weight Gain?

Ashwagandha

Abstract

Gaining healthy weight can be as challenging as losing it, especially for individuals with a fast metabolism, poor appetite, or chronic stress. This article focuses on natural and holistic ways to support weight gain, with special emphasis on nourishing the body, improving digestion, and reducing stress-related weight loss. It highlights the importance of building muscle mass, enhancing appetite, and supporting hormonal balance for sustained weight gain. Among the various Ayurvedic herbs, Ashwagandha is discussed for its supportive role in managing stress, improving strength, and enhancing overall vitality—all of which indirectly help in achieving healthy and balanced weight gain.

Introduction

Ashwagandha, commonly known as Indian Ginseng, is a well-known herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been used for centuries to promote overall well-being and balance in the body. Traditionally, it is valued for its ability to help reduce stress and boost strength. Due to its natural and adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha has gained popularity across the world. It is now commonly included in various health supplements and wellness routines. In this article, we will learn more about the many health benefits of Ashwagandha, how it works, and in which conditions it is most commonly used in Ayurveda for weight gain.

Description About Plant

Ashwagandha is a short, tender perennial shrub. It grows up to 35-75 cm (14-30 inches) tall. Its branches extend radially from a central stem. Leaves are dull green in color, which are usually up to 10-12 cm (4 to 5 inches) long. The flowers are bell-shaped and are of small size and green in color. The ripe fruit is orange-red in color.

Habitat

It is cultivated in the drier regions of India, and mainly found in Nepal, China,and Yemen. It prefers dry stony soil. To propagate it can be grown from seed in the early spring, or greenwood cuttings in the later spring.

Scientic ClassificationofF Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

It is classified as :-

Botanical Name – Withania Somnifera

Kingdom – Plantae

Family – Solanaceae

Genus – Withania

Species – Somnifera

Vernacular Names of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

It is known by following names :–

Hindi Name – Asgandha, Asgandh
Sanskrit Name – Ashwagandha, Vajini, Gandhpatri, Balada, Kamrupini
Kannada Name – Ashvagandhi
Telugu Name- Dommadolu Gadda, Penneru Gadda
Tamil Name- Askulang, Amukura
Malayalam name – Amukkura
Marathi name – Doragunj, Asandh
Gujarati Name – Ghoda Aakun, Aasandha
Bengali Name- Asvagandha

Ayurvedic Properties Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha possess the following Ayurvedic properties :-

Rasa (Taste) – Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent), Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Qualities) – Snigdha (Unctuous), Laghu (Light)
Virya (Potency)– Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post digestive effect) – Madhur (Sweet)

Effect on Tridoshas (Trienergies)

Balance Tridosha, especially Vata and Kapha Dosha.

Ancient Verse about Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Reference – Bhavprakashnighantu, edition of 2010: Verse 189-190, page no. – 393-394

Meaning – Ashwagandha has various synonyms – Hyahriya, Vrahkarni, Varda, Balda, Kusthgandhini, and Baji. It manages the emaciation problems. It is astringent and bitter in taste, energy provider, hot in potency and enhances the spermatogenesis. It is anti-aging, manages vata, kapha, inflammation, and leucoderma.

Part Used – The whole plant is useful but roots, leaves, and alkali are mostly used.

Ashwagandha Health Benefits

Its health benefits are :-

It improves semen quality and quantity.
It improves immunity and strength.
It is useful in cough and cold.
It improves the body nourishment.
It acts as anti-aging, elixir, improves life expectancy.
- It brings down the inflammation.
- It acts as an Aphrodisiac.
- It acts as a quick wound-healer.

Ashwagandha Uses

They are as follow :-

Anxiety, nervousness, nervous weakness, and depression.
In tuberculosis, to improve liver activity and to improve body strength, and appetite
Low immunity, recurrent fever, cold and cough
Sexual weakness, low libido, oligospermia and male and female infertility
Depression, anxiety, and insomnia
Autoimmune Hypothyroidism
Hemorrhoids
Epilepsy
Episodes of unconsciousness, fainting
Leanness, weight loss
Weak digestion

Ashwagandha Dosage

It is available in :-

1. Ashwagandha Powder – 3-6 gram per day

– For Weight Gain – Mix 3 grams of Ashwagandha powder with a teaspoon of ghee and take at night before meals for a month

2. Ashwagandha Capsule – 250-500 mg once daily/twice daily (Based on Doctor’s advice)

Phytochemistry – The main phytochemical constituents of Ashwagandha are withanolides, withanolides, withaferin, alkaloids, steroidal lactones, tropine, and cuscohygrine, withanolides, alkaloids, and numerous sitoindosides.

How Ashwagandha is Helpful in Weight Gain?

Withania somnifera is very helpful in gaining weight. Its property Kshayahara means that it increases the muscle mass and strength of the body. When it is used with foods like ghee, sugar, and milk, its nutritive value increases thus help in improving strength. Some people are very thin because their digestive gut bacteria are very weak which is the main cause of being under-weight.It also means that they have slow digestion. Due to this process, so many diseases can arise like – Constipation, Diarrhea, Irritable bowel syndrome. It may also lead to stress and anxiety. First of all, you need to improve your gut bacteria which will result in improving your digestion process. Drink a lot of water, Probiotics can be used. The best you can use is Ashwagandha which has no side effects and it will develop our stamina. This herb helps in solving digestive issues which will result in gaining weight. Many people take steroids, synthetic and protein supplements to gain weight which is a reversible process, once you will stop taking these products, you will start losing weight. But with Ashwagandha, once you will start using it, on discontinuing this product, you will not lose weight as it has stable results. This herb increases our overall body mass with bone mineral density. This is a very safe product so it can be used for a longer period of time. It has adaptogenic property, useful in making muscle building formulas and products. It is popularly known as Indian Ginseng. It mainly increases our testosterone levels, thus helps in increasing the stamina.

How to take Ashwagandha to Gain Weight ?

Ashwagandha is a powerful weight gainer. It can be taken to gain weight-

Mix the Ashwagandha powder or Capsule with milk, add sugar, and drink once or twice daily. This is the easiest method.
Ashwagandharista – It can also be used. It is a fermented preparation with jaggery and honey.
Boil the decoction of Ashwagandha with ghee and consume this ghee daily.
Its root on mixing with other herbs of dasamoola group, in a paste form by adding ghee and honey to make it as a lehya, can also be consumed. Sugar can also be added to this preparation.

Therapeutic Indiacations of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Cancer Support: Acts as an antioxidant and immune modulator; used as an adjunct in cancer therapy to reduce side effects.
Balya (Strength Promoting): Enhances physical strength and stamina; useful in general debility and fatigue.
Brimhana (Nourishing): Helps in weight gain, promotes muscle mass, and supports tissue nourishment in underweight or emaciated individuals.
Rasayana (Rejuvenative): Acts as a powerful anti-aging and rejuvenating tonic; improves longevity and vitality.
Medhya (Cognitive Enhancer): Supports brain function, memory, concentration, and mental clarity.
Nidrajanana (Sleep Inducer): Useful in insomnia and disturbed sleep due to its calming and grounding effects.
Stress and Anxiety Disorders (Anxiolytic): Reduces cortisol levels; effective in managing anxiety, stress, and depression.
Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac): Improves fertility, libido, and sperm quality in males; supports reproductive health in both genders.
Immunity Booster (Ojas Vardhaka): Strengthens the immune system and enhances resistance to infections.

Systemic Action of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Nervous System: Acts as a nervine tonic that calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and supports better sleep.
Musculoskeletal System: Strengthens muscles and joints, enhances stamina, and reduces inflammation.
Cardiovascular System: Supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and improving circulation.
Digestive System: Stimulates appetite, improves digestion, and helps in nutrient absorption.
Immune System: Boosts immunity and enhances the body’s resistance to infections.
Reproductive System: Enhances fertility, libido, and hormonal balance in both men and women.
Endocrine System: Regulates thyroid and adrenal hormones, especially helpful in hypothyroidism and stress.

Chemical composition of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) contains a wide range of biologically active compounds that contribute to its therapeutic effects. The major chemical constituents include:

Roots – Withanolides (e.g., Withaferin A, Withanolide D), Alkaloids (e.g., Anaferine, Isopelletierine), Saponins, Iron
Leaves – Withanolides, Flavonoids such as Kaempferol, Quercetin
Root Bark – Tannins, Starch, Glucose, Withanine
Fruits – Free Amino Acids, Triterpenoids, Glucose, Sucrose
Seeds – Fatty Oil, Amino Acids

Actions and Properties of Various Chemical Constituents

Withanolides (e.g., Withaferin A, Withanolide D): Adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and stress-relieving properties.
Alkaloids (e.g., Anaferine, Isopelletierine): Muscle relaxant, sedative, and hypotensive effects.
Saponins: Immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, and antioxidant properties.
Iron: Supports hemoglobin production and improves energy levels.
Flavonoids (e.g., Kaempferol, Quercetin): Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardio-protective actions.
Tannins: Astringent, antimicrobial, and digestive-supportive properties.
Starch and Glucose: Provide nourishment and energy.
Withanine: Calming and neuroprotective effects.
Free Amino Acids: Help in tissue repair, muscle growth, and metabolic functions.
Triterpenoids: Anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant properties.
Sucrose: Provides quick energy and nourishment.
Fatty Oil: Supports lubrication, skin health, and acts as a carrier for fat-soluble nutrients.
Amino Acids: Essential for protein synthesis and overall body strength.

Praactical Uses & Benefits of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

This herb is highly beneficial in managing anxiety, nervousness, and nervous weakness due to its calming and adaptogenic properties. It helps in stabilizing mood and supporting a healthy nervous system.
It is known to be effective in sexual weakness, low libido, oligospermia, and even in male and female infertility, thanks to its aphrodisiac and hormone-balancing effects.
Its nourishing and anabolic nature makes it effective in cases of leanness and unexplained weight loss, by supporting healthy tissue growth.
Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in various conditions, providing relief in chronic ailments.
In respiratory health, it assists in alleviating symptoms related to chronic cough and recurrent respiratory infections by strengthening lung function.

Parts Used of Ashwagandha (Withania Sominfera)

Roots, Leaves and Alkali..

Dosage of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha Powder: 3-6 gram per day

How Ashwagandha is Helpful in Weight Gain?

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) helps in healthy weight gain by increasing muscle mass and strength (Kshayahara property).
Weak gut bacteria and slow digestion cause underweight and digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and IBS.
Improving gut health with water, probiotics, and Ashwagandha aids digestion and weight gain.
Ashwagandha provides stable, long-term weight gain, unlike steroids or synthetic supplements.
It boosts overall body mass, bone density, and testosterone, improving stamina.

How to take Ashwagandha to Gain Weight ?

Dosage:

Take 500 mg to 1 gram of Ashwagandha powder or capsule twice daily.
Start with a lower dose and gradually increase if needed.

Timing:

Take it after meals to aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
Preferably morning and evening.

With Milk and Ghee:

Mix Ashwagandha powder in a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of ghee and sugar for better nourishment and to enhance its weight-gaining effects.

Consistency:

Use regularly for at least 2 to 3 months to see noticeable results.

Ashwagandha Products By Planet Ayurveda To Gain Weight

1. Weight Gain Formula

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Weight Gain Formula is a polyherbal capsule formulation especially prepared for weight gain. It contains powerful Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Vidanga (Embelia ribes). These herbs work synergistically to improve digestion, absorption, and nutrient assimilation, helping the body build muscle mass and strength. It also supports gut health and overall vitality.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily after 30 mins of meals.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules or Powder

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Ashwagandha Capsules or Powder is a single herbal formulation prepared with Ashwaganhda (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha helps in weight gain by enhancing muscle mass, improving digestion, and supporting nutrient absorption. Its adaptogenic properties reduce stress and cortisol levels, which can otherwise lead to weight loss. It boosts testosterone and stamina, promoting healthy weight gain.

Dosage: Powder: ½ to 1 tsp twice daily with ghee or milk after 30 mins of meals.

Capsules: 1-2 capsules twice daily with ghee or milk after 30 mins of meals.

CONCLUSION

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a time-tested Ayurvedic herb known for its Kshayahara (muscle-building) and Balya (strength-promoting) properties. It plays a significant role in healthy weight gain by enhancing muscle mass, supporting digestion, and improving nutrient absorption. Its adaptogenic and Brimhana (nourishing) nature helps manage stress-related weight loss, boost stamina, and maintain hormonal balance. Regular use of Ashwagandha, especially when taken with milk and ghee, not only improves gut health but also provides stable and long-term results. It is a safe and natural alternative to synthetic supplements and is highly beneficial for individuals struggling with leanness and chronic weakness.