Have you been pumping iron and eating healthy but still not gaining muscle mass? If yes, then you are not alone.
Many people face problems developing muscle strength, especially in the first few weeks or months of bodybuilding. This is precisely why many bodybuilders turn to mass gainers, steroids, and other drugs to accelerate muscle growth and increase body mass. However, most of these products are fraught with risks, and some are even illegal.
Fortunately, Ayurveda has you covered. There are many incredible Ayurvedic herbs that can help you gain muscle strength naturally. Let’s have a look at these herbs in this article.
Ashwagandha for Muscle Strength
This incredibly healthy wonder-herb is heavily engrained in Ayurveda’s practices, and has been used for thousands of years for a plethora of benefits it provides to both the body and the mind.
This herb also happens to be classified as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body naturally manage stress and adapt to stressful situations.
Research has revealed Ashwagandha to be effective in reducing symptoms in people with anxiety disorders and chronic stress. However, in addition to all of these benefits and more, Ashwagandha is also known to be an effective supplement for increasing muscle mass and improving muscle strength.
In fact, research has also shown that in addition to strengthening muscle activity, Ashwagandha also helped to decrease total body fat percentage in participants. Other research has revealed that Ashwagandha significantly increased testosterone level in male participants, contributing to the muscle strength improvements experienced by this group.
Taking Ashwagandha for Muscle Strength: Take 600 milligrams per day with food, either mixed into hot water or by capsule.
Shatavari for Muscle Strength
Shatavari is another herb that is known to have adaptogenic properties, and has also been used for thousands of years in ayurvedic medicine. This herb actually belongs to the asparagus family, and the powder extract is commonly taken orally in capsule form or mixed into hot water and enjoyed as a tea.
Studies have shown that Shatavari contains powerful antioxidant compounds that help prevent cell damage from free radicals. Like Ashwagandha, this herb is also known to provide significant anti-inflammatory benefits, which aids in overall bodily wellness.
Other benefits range from boosting the immune system and treating ulcers, to maintaining low blood sugar and helping to treat kidney stones. Shatavari has also been studied for its ability to improve muscle strength and endurance. One study observed that the supplementation of shatavari increased participants’ time to exhaustion by 40% by increasing the capacity of the muscle to utilize free fatty acids and spare glycogen. This presents the potential that shatavari not only helps improve muscle strength by improving efficiency, but reduces fatigue and improves endurance.
Taking Shatavari for Muscle Strength: mix one teaspoon of shatavari powder into hot water and enjoy with food every evening
Gokhru for Muscle Strength
Gokhru has historically been used in the Ayurvedic system to help treat cough, kidney problems, and asthma, but is also known to have other benefits as well, ranging from enhancing sexual libido to improving endurance levels. It does so by increasing the oxygen supply within the body’s blood circulation, allowing muscles to be used more effectively and efficiently. Research has linked the consumption of Gokhru with the reduction of athletic fatigue and an increase in muscular strength.
Gokhru intake is also tied to the conservation of the musculoskeletal system and metabolic rate, which means that similar to shatavari, this herb is an ideal remedy for athletes who need a supplement that can increase strain tolerance and reduce fatigue when exercising.
Taking Gokhru for Muscle Strength: take 200 milligrams twice a day, preferably with food
Amla Berry (Indian Gooseberry) for Muscle Strength
Powder from this plant is made from the ground-up leaves and has been used in Ayurvedic practices for thousands of years, similar to ashwagandha and shatavari. It is generally regarded as an all-around beneficial herb for overall wellness, providing significant anti-inflammatory benefits and vital nutrient delivery to bodily cells. Many people also use Amla for hair regrowth –Research has shown that the topical application of the herb has the ability toa increase the rate of hair growth.
With regard to muscle strength, studies have also shown Amla to be effective at inhibiting muscular hypersensitivity and inflammatory responses, producing the potential for this herb to help the body workout harder and sustain more intense workouts.
Taking Amla Berry for Muscle Strength: mix one teaspoon of Amla powder into hot water every morning with breakfast
Safed Musli for Muscle Strength
This Ayurvedic remedy is a rarer herb that grows in tropical environments in the Indian subcontinent.
Safed Musli is also an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body adapt to stressful situations in a natural and sustainable way. Safed Musli supplements are used to help treat a number of conditions, including boosting sperm count and its use as an aphrodisiac. Many health professionals also associate supplementation of Safed Musli with increased testosterone, which is why it is a popular herb used to improve muscle strength. Research has also linked Musli with increased human growth hormone (HGH) production, making it an ideal herb for muscle growth and recovery.
Taking Safed Musli for Muscle Strength: take 200 milligrams two times per day with food
Saleb Punja for Muscle Strength
Finally, the last Ayurvedic staple commonly used to promote muscle endurance and strength is Saleb Punja – an herb that is known to speed up the synthesis of muscle tissue (which reduces the amount of time it takes to recover from workouts). According to research, Saleb Punja does so by naturally aiding in the increase of testosterone production, which in turn improves energy and strength levels.
However, in addition to those benefits, it is also commonly used to increase libido, treat male infertility, and even stimulate the regeneration of skin cells (which can help repair bodily wounds and scrapes).
Taking Saleb Punja for Muscle Strength: talk to your medical professional or ayurvedic treatment specialist about appropriate dosage of Saleb Punja.
Although we may have mentioned this before, it bears repeating – no matter how effective these herbs may be at supporting muscle growth and improved fitness, they are not a substitute for exercise and healthy eating. Ayurveda is not magic, but is a holistic medical science that recommends balance in every aspect of life. To get the desired results from supplementation with these herbs, make sure that you’re getting enough protein and other essential nutrients, and of course, that you are working out adequately.
