Gaining weight is not always easy. For some people, eating more is not enough to get fat. Besides, so many things can get in the way. Stress. Poor digestion. Fast metabolism. You name it. This is where herbs and natural remedies often come into the conversation. Herbal systems like Ayurveda have used plant-based remedies for centuries to weight-gaining, support appetite, and improve digestion. These factors play a direct role in healthy weight gain. While modern research focuses more on weight loss, there is a growing interest in whether certain herbs can help people gain weight safely.
So, can herbs actually help you gain weight?
Short answer: Yes. Traditional herbs such as ashwagandha, shatavari, safed musli, vidarikand, and licorice are believed to nourish the body, improve nutrient absorption, and support recovery from physical or mental stress. According to the National Institutes of Health, herbs largely assist in weight control. Also, adding them to food increases fiber and expands the dietary plant base. But herbs don’t help you gain weight in the same way a protein-filled diet does.
How Herbs May Support Weight Gain
Herbs don’t add calories directly. Instead, they help the body use calories and nutrients more efficiently. Some improve appetite, others boost digestion, and a few support muscle and tissue growth. Traditional herbs like shatavari and vidarikand are well-known in Ayurveda for their appetite-boosting properties.
Other herbs improve digestion and nutrient absorption. They ensure that your body gets the most out of the food you eat. Ginger and licorice, for example, support gut health and digestive efficiency. Think of them as the transmission fluid in your digestive system. When the digestive system works optimally, your body can extract and store more energy and nutrients.
Herbs can also influence hormones and stress, which are very important factors in weight management. Ashwagandha, a well-studied adaptogen, helps reduce cortisol, the stress hormone that can suppress appetite and hinder weight gain. Some herbs, like safed musli, are considered anabolic in traditional systems, supporting muscle and tissue growth.
Most Studied Herbs for Weight Gain
If you’re looking for herbs to help you gain weight, where do you start? Several herbs have been traditionally used and studied for their potential to support healthy weight gain. One of the most common herbs for weight gain is Ashwagandha. Known as an adaptogen, it helps reduce stress and balance cortisol levels. Lower cortisol can improve appetite and support muscle retention. Ashwagandha may also increase lean body mass when combined with resistance training, says Banner Health.
Shatavari is another herb commonly recommended. It improves digestion and stimulates appetite, which can make it easier to consume more calories naturally. Similarly, herbs like vidarikand have been used to strengthen the body and promote tissue growth. Even though clinical studies are limited, traditional use supports its role in weight gain.
Can Herbs Help You Gain Weight? (What the Research Actually Shows)
Scientific evidence on herbs for weight gain is still limited, but growing. Most studies focus on individual herbs like ashwagandha, safed musli, and shatavari. But these studies focus on stress, metabolism, and muscle growth rather than direct weight gain. As I mentioned, ashwagandha shows it can reduce cortisol and improve strength.
Herbs such as shatavari, vidarikand, and safed musli are used to stimulate appetite, nourish tissues, and enhance digestion. However, these uses are rooted in experience rather than modern trials. But even so, isn’t it interesting that they align with emerging research showing that supporting appetite, digestion, and hormonal balance can help the body gain weight naturally?
So, yes. Herbs can help you gain weight. One thing you should keep in mind is that herbs alone rarely cause significant weight gain. Herbs are most effective when paired with a calorie-rich diet, adequate protein, and regular exercise.
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