Herbs for Gaining Weight

A contributing factor for being underweight can be an inherited gene from one or both parents. Other causes may include undernourishment, health problems, lack of sleep, stress, or overexposure to toxins found in everyday pollutants. Herbs, along with a few other helpful actions, could be the answer to gaining weight in a safe and effective manner.

Herbs Used for Gaining Weight

• Most herbs have the ability to cleanse the body. They carry an array of nutrients that promote the growth of healthy organ tissue and muscle.
  Dandelion root is used for the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia and constipation. It rouses digestion by stimulating bile flow.
  Sarsaparilla root is a favorite among bodybuilders. Amino acids are the building block of proteins and sarsaparilla includes methionine, which is not synthesized within the body and must be ingested. It contains vitamins A, B-complex, C and D. Minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, copper, manganese, silicon, sodium and sulfur are also included in sarsaparilla's spectrum of building elements.
  Ginger is known as a digestive stimulant and used for treating the digestive system. Traditionally it has been used to treat stomach aches due to undigested food.
  Chen pi is a mild relaxant and digestive stimulant. It increases gastric secretion and peristalsis. This stimulates the appetite and relieves abdominal distension.
  Dr. Susie Cooper, a board-certified doctor of naturopathy, states, "To assist in digesting, or breaking down foods in usable form, sometimes we need help. In the herbal category, the traditional use of bitter herbs to prompt the liver and the secretion of digestive enzymes can be very effective."

Circulation

• Ginger is considered to be a circulatory tonic that increases blood flow. This augments carrying the vital supplies of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to cells and, in turn, propagates the building of healthy tissue. Proper fuel is derived from eating low-density, high-energy foods that are easily converted into macronutrients. These ingredients provide the working elements that are essential to gaining weight.

Cleansing

• Herbs relieve the burden of toxins in the body. The absence of waste allows the body to build without hindering the anabolic process with unnecessary cleanups. The elemental functions of gaining weight are reinstated. A few herbs responsible for detoxifying are milk thistle, slippery elm bark, mullein leaf, licorice root and echinacea.

Exercising

• Herbs have the ability to help relieve chronic joint pain. When partial movement is lost to debilitating diseases such as arthritis, participating in an exercise program can be out of the question. Loss of mobility deteriorates lean muscle and healthy body mass rapidly diminishes. Herbs such as menthol, camphor, shallaki, ashwagandha, ginger, and arthcare oil are all known to relieve arthritic pain. Without the obstruction of pain, performing an exercise routine three days a week for 30 minutes becomes possible. The body begins to restore the lean, healthy muscle mass necessary for gaining weight.

How to Use Herbs

• Herbs may be ingested several ways. Most herbs can be found in any health store that sells vitamins and minerals. These herbs are dried and packed into a gelatin capsule for easy consumption and digestion. Gelatin caps are not digested in the stomach where acids may corrode and break down the properties of herbs. The nutrients are preserved until they reach the intestinal tract and deliver the full benefits of their properties. Herbs such as ginger can be purchased at most grocery stores. Raw ginger may be diced into small sections and added to any salad. These herbs can be prepared and consumed with daily meals with little effort. Herbs such as sarsaparilla root and cilantro may be brewed into a warm tea. Heat activates the healing properties of herbs for quick absorption. Tinctures are an alcoholic extraction of an herb. Alcohol dissolves the active constituents out of the herb and acts as a preservative. The lifespan of a tincture can be several years before they are rendered impotent. Not all herbal remedies are consumed orally. Some may be applied topically in a stabilized cream form.