While some individuals struggle with weight loss, other individuals struggle with weight gain. Chyawaprash can be an excellent supplement for weight gain and weight management as it helps balance the doshas, improve agni, and rejuvenate and strengthen the body.
Chyawanprash for Dosha Imbalance
In Ayurveda, our prakriti (constitution at conception) holds a predetermined code for how our balanced selves will manifest: sometimes rounder, sometimes taller, sometimes shorter, sometimes smaller! Most individuals who struggle with decreased weight and size are Vata predominant individuals.
However, we can also struggle with losing or gaining weight when we experience an imbalance with our vikruti (current constitution). In instances of moderate imbalances, Chyawanprash can be helpful to balance the doshas. When your doshas are balanced, you will be healthier, more vibrant, and less likely to suffer from weight problems.
(In instances of more severe imbalances, it’s important to consult with your physician or Ayurvedic practitioner to ensure your weight loss is not due to more extensive reasons.)
Chyawanprash for Improving Agni
Chyawanprash also helps ensure our Agni (digestive fire) is functioning properly. When taken 15 minutes before a meal, Chyawanprash can help increase appetite, stimulate enzyme production, balance gut microflora, and improve nutrient assimilation. Ultimately, when your Agni is balanced and working correctly, your body’s natural metabolism will begin to function more regularly, resulting in the needed or desired weight gain.
Chyawanprash for Rejuvenation and Strength
Along with regulating the body’s natural system for ideal metabolic function, Chyawanprash specifically contains herbs and ingredients that are rasayanas (rejuvenating) and balyas (strengthening). These botanicals aid cellular growth and strengthen all systems of the body to promote healthy muscle and bone mass.
The elements of Chyawanprash for weight gain (which contain rasayana or balya properties) include:
- Ashwagandha – A tonifying herb that helps regulate blood sugar levels, ashwagandha also assists in reducing anxiety and depression, which can contribute to unhealthy eating habits. Ashwagandha can also boost muscle and body mass.
- Shatavari – Notorious for balancing the woman’s hormonal system, Shatavari balances blood sugar levels and strengthens the immune system. The balancing of the female reproductive system reverberates to other systems of the body as well, as the proper functioning of the endocrine system is essential in health and well-being.
- Saffron – An underrated and powerful antioxidant, saffron can help build the tissues, regulate hormone levels, and regulate appetite, especially if one suffers from a lack of appetite or lessened appetite. Saffron also nourishes the tissues, and can help clear the skin!
- Indian Tinospors Stem (Guduchi) – A powerful antioxidant rich herb that balances blood glucose levels, Guduchi is a superpower plant that helps balance the tissues and aids in organ regulation. Guduchi is also fabulous at helping to strengthen the immune system.
These are a few of the reasons you may want to use Chyawanprash for weight gain and weight management.
Ceanna Saatsaz is a Licensed Master Esthetician, Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Certified Professional Herbalist from Seattle, WA.
Photo by @nabalo
