Ayurvedic Herbs for Muscle Gain (Natural Supplements for Muscle Growth)
Published on Aug 10, 2021
By Dr. Surya Bhagwati
Chief In- House Doctor
BAMS, DHA, DHHCM, DHBTC | 30+ Years of Experience
Discussions of nutrition for athletes and bodybuilders invariably lead to the subject of supplementation. Of course, the first supplements that come to mind are whey protein, creatine, and anabolic steroids. Like many fitness enthusiasts, you might be averse to taking steroids and other pharmaceutical products because of the risk of side effects.
So where does this leave you? In case you didn’t already know, there are a number of Ayurvedic herbs for muscle growth that can support your workout routine and maximize your gains.
With completely natural ingredients, these Ayurvedic herbs are generally regarded as safe if used in the right dosages. Ayurvedic herbs for muscle growth are generally regarded as the most effective and safe natural bodybuilding supplements, but we’ll take a look at a broader selection including some herbs from as far apart as China and the Amazon!
Table Of Contents
- Ashwagandha
- Shatavari
- Eleuthero
- Gokhru
- Bitter orange
- Safed musli
- Salab Punja
- Echinacea
- Jiaogulan
- Guarana
What is Lean Body Mass?
Lean body mass is the measure of all the non-fat tissue in your body. This includes muscle, water, bones, and organs. Lean body mass is often used as an indirect measure of muscle mass. The higher your lean body mass, the more muscle you have.
How to gain muscle mass?
If you're looking to gain muscle mass, there are a few things you can do to make it happen.
- First, you need to make sure you're eating enough calories. You can do this by tracking your intake and making sure you're consuming more calories than you're burning.
- Second, you need to focus on lifting heavy weights. This will help you build muscle quicker.
- Finally, make sure you're giving your body enough rest. Recovery is key when it comes to gaining muscle mass.
If you follow these tips, you'll be on your way to gains in no time! You can also take Herbobuild to help boost protein synthesis for faster growth of muscles.
Top 10 Ayurvedic Herbs for Muscle Growth
1. Ashwagandha for Muscle Growth
Whether or not you’re familiar with natural muscle growth supplements, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard of ashwagandha before. The most popular of all Ayurvedic herbs, ashwagandha is often used in men’s health supplements and in natural substitutes for synthetic supplements.
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that is considered to be one of the most potent rasayana (rejuvenator) herbs in Ayurved. It is known for promoting health and longevity while revitalizing the body.
Extensively researched for its therapeutic potential, the herb has been shown to promote improvements in performance, strength, and cardiorespiratory function. Studies show that the herb also works as an adaptogen, reducing cortisol levels, while it also boosts testosterone which promotes muscle growth.
2. Shatavari for Muscle Growth
Shatavari is another Ayurvedic herb for muscle growth that is also categorized as a rasayana or rejuvenative. Commonly used in reproductive health formulas, Shatavari is also valuable as a natural muscle growth supplement because of its positive influence on energy levels and strength.
Steroidal sapoins in the herb are also known to raise testosterone levels, while high levels of the amino acid asparagine can help with protein synthesis.
Dr. Vaidya's Herbobuild contains purified Shatavari extract and is only Rs. 499/-
3. Eleuthero for Muscle Growth
Like ashwagandha, eleuthero is also a type of ginseng, but it comes from Siberia. Similar to its Ayurvedic cousin. This herb is an adaptogen that lowers stress levels and improves exercise or sports performance. This is because of a demonstrated effect of increasing VO2 max levels and endurance in studies.
Eleuthero may also help improve performance through reduced recovery time as it helps in the breakdown of lactic acid, which accumulates during workouts to cause muscle soreness.
4. Guarana
An exotic herb that is native to the Amazon, guarana is notable for its high content of caffeine, which is used to fight fatigue and increase alertness.
What sets the herb apart from coffee is that caffeine from guarana is released slowly. This means that it works as a steady and sustainable stimulant, which is why it is now used in some nutraceutical products for athletes. It is claimed that the herb can increase fat burning and raise energy levels for improved athletic performance.
5. Bitter orange for Muscle Growth
One of the biggest concerns for athletes and bodybuilders is fat burn without muscle loss. While anabolic steroids can ensure such results, they pose a serious risk of liver damage.
Bitter orange extracts can help get you shredded without that risk thanks to the presence of natural plant alkaloids that are proven to reduce fat buildup without muscle loss. These results are attributed to its effect of naturally raising the metabolic rate, which increases calorie burn.
6. Safed musli for Muscle Growth
Like many of the other herbs for muscle growth, Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) has long been used in Ayurved to treat a range of male sexual disorders, especially if related to low testosterone levels like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. As a natural bodybuilding herb, safed musli however does more than raise testosterone levels.
Some clinical investigations have shown the herb to help raise human growth hormone (HGH) levels. Considering the role of HGH in muscle mass increases, this is one ingredient that you’ll want in any Ayurvedic medication for muscle growth.
Herbobuild contains Safad Musli and costs Rs. 499
7. Salab Punja for Muscle Growth
Salab Punja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea) makes it to our list only because of its efficacy and importance in traditional Ayurved, but you won’t find it in any supplements that are sold legally. This is because the herb is seriously endangered due to habitat loss and there are strict laws to protect it.
Although primarily used in the treatment of digestive disorders and sexual dysfunction, some research has also shown it to be as effective as conventional treatments to raise testosterone, promoting muscle mass increase and higher energy levels.
8. Echinacea
Echinacea is familiar to most naturopaths, as it is widely used in traditional medicinal systems to boost immunity and treat minor infections. From more recent research, it has been suggested that the herb may also help boost athletic endurance, making it a valuable natural supplement for athletes.
The improved physical performance is linked to an increase in erythropoietin (EPO) levels, which is helpful in the regulation of red blood cell production. Improved red blood cell health and production ultimately boost endurance as it results in increased oxygen supply to muscle tissue.
9. Jiaogulan
Jiaogulan or gynostemma is native to Asia and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, which shares a similarly rich history to Ayurved. Part of the cucumber family, jiaogulan may help improve performance endurance and reduce exercise fatigue because of a strengthening effect on cardiovascular function.
As demonstrated in studies, the herb encourages the release of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and improves cardio output.
10. Gokhru for Muscle Growth
Gokhru is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat a number of conditions including kidney disease, diabetes, and female reproductive disorders.
However, in recent years the herb has become popular with competitive athletes and bodybuilders because of its proven effectiveness at raising levels of the male hormone testosterone without violating anti-doping laws and causing side effects.
If you’re part of any sports or athletic community, you’d probably hear of it as Tribulus Terrestris – its botanical name. Aside from boosting testosterone levels, research suggests that the herb may also increase anaerobic muscle power.
You can now buy Herbobuild with Gokhru (Tribulus Terrestris) for just Rs. 399
Key Vitamins and Minerals for Muscle Growth
There are a few key vitamins and minerals that are essential for muscle growth. Without adequate levels of these nutrients, your muscles will not be able to grow as effectively.
- Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins for muscle growth. It helps to promote collagen production, which is necessary for the construction of new muscle tissue. Vitamin C also helps to reduce inflammation, which can lead to muscular soreness and fatigue.
- Magnesium is another mineral that is critical for muscle growth. It helps to regulate calcium levels in the body, which are necessary for muscle contraction. Magnesium also helps to increase energy levels and endurance, both of which are important for an effective workout.
- Zinc is another mineral that plays a role in muscle growth. It helps the body to synthesize protein, which is necessary for the growth and repair of muscle tissue. Zinc also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce post-workout soreness.
These are just a few of the most important vitamins and minerals for muscle growth. Be sure to include them in your diet if you want to see optimal results from your workouts.
Final Word
When it comes to some of the more exotic herbs, you should remember that although they are promising, finding genuine herbs is very difficult. Instead, the better option is to buy Ayurvedic Muscle Gain Supplements that source quality ingredients (including the Ayurvedic herbs provided above).
You should also speak to an ayurvedic doctor before you begin supplementation, especially if you suffer from any pre-existing health condition.
FAQs
What helps muscles grow faster?
There are a few things that can help muscles grow faster. First, make sure you are eating enough protein. Protein is the building block of muscle, so you need to make sure you are getting enough in your diet. You can try Herbobuild to improve protein synthesis and gain muscles faster. Second, lift weights regularly. This will help to build and maintain muscle mass. Finally, get plenty of rest. Sleep is when your muscles recover and grow, so make sure you are getting enough rest each night.
Can supplements help build muscle?
Yes, supplements can help build muscle, but not all supplements are created equal. Some supplements are more effective than others at promoting muscle growth.
What protein builds muscle faster?
If you're looking to build muscle fast, you'll need to make sure you're getting enough protein. Protein is the key nutrient for building muscle, so it's important to consume enough of it if you're trying to bulk up.There are a few different types of protein, and some are better for building muscle than others. Whey protein is one of the best types of protein for muscle growth, as it's quickly absorbed by the body and provides a high level of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle tissue. Casein protein is another good option, as it's slowly absorbed and provides a sustained release of amino acids, making it ideal for taking before bedtime. Soy protein is also a good choice for vegans or those with dairy allergies aim to consume 0.7-1 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day. If you're very active or trying to build a lot of muscle mass, you may need even more protein than that. You can get your protein from whole food sources such as chicken, beef, fish, eggs, and dairy products, or from supplements such as whey or casein protein powder.
How can I tell if I'm building muscle?
If you're wondering how you can tell if you're making progress with your workout routine and building muscle, there are some key indicators that you can look for. First, check your weight and body composition. Are you gaining weight? If so, this could be a sign that you're building muscle mass. You can also measure your body fat percentage to see if it's decreasing. If it is, this means that you're losing fat and gaining muscle.Another way to tell if you're gaining muscle is by measuring your strength. Are you able to lift more weight or do more reps than when you started working out? If so, this is a good sign that you're getting stronger and building muscle. Finally, take a look at your physical appearance. Are your muscles starting to look more defined? If so, this means that you're developing more muscle tissue.If you're seeing these positive changes, then congratulations! You're on your way to building muscle and achieving your fitness goals!
How can I increase my energy in Ayurveda?
Are you eating foods that are easy to digest? Heavy, greasy, or processed foods can tax the digestive system and leave you feeling sluggish. Instead, focus on light, nourishing meals that will give you sustained energy throughout the day. Second, make sure you’re drinking enough water. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and low energy levels. Drink eight glasses of water per day, and add in extra fluids if you’re sweating or urinating frequently. You can take Ayurvedic medicines like Herbobuild to improve energy levels and boost your metabolism.
References
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- Ambiye, Vijay R et al. “Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAMvol. 2013 (2013): 571420. doi:10.1155/2013/571420
- Lancha, A., Recco, M., Abdalla, D., & Curi, R. (1995). Effect of aspartate, asparagine, and carnitine supplementation in the diet on metabolism of skeletal muscle during a moderate exercise [Abstract]. Physiology & Behavior, 57(2), 367-371. PMID: 7716217
- Kuo, Jip. “The Effect of Eight Weeks of Supplementation with Eleutherococcus Senticosus on Endurance Capacity and Metabolism in Human.” The Chinese Journal of Physiology, vol. 53, no. 2, Jan. 2010, pp. 105–111., doi:10.4077/cjp.2010.amk018.
- Milasius, K., Dadeliene, R., Skernevicius, J. (2009). The influence of the Tribulus terrestris extract on the parameters of the functional preparedness and athletes’ organism homeostasis. Fiziolohichnyi Zhurnal, 55(5):89-96. PubMed PMID: 20095389.
- Stohs, Sidney J et al. “A review of the human clinical studies involving Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) extract and its primary protoalkaloid p-synephrine.” International journal of medical sciences vol. 9,7 (2012): 527-38. doi:10.7150/ijms.4446
- Alleman, Rick J Jr et al. “A blend of chlorophytum borivilianum and velvet bean increases serum growth hormone in exercise-trained men.” Nutrition and metabolic insights vol. 4 55-63. 2 Oct. 2011, doi:10.4137/NMI.S8127
- Thakur, Mayank, and V K Dixit. “Aphrodisiac Activity of Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soo in Male Albino Rats.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 4,Suppl 1 (2007): 29-31. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem111
- Tanner, Miles A., et al. “The Direct Release of Nitric Oxide by Gypenosides Derived from the Herb Gynostemma Pentaphyllum.” Nitric Oxide, vol. 3, no. 5, 1999, pp. 359–365., doi:10.1006/niox.1999.024
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
BAMS (Ayurveda), DHA (Hospital Admin), DHHCM (Health Management), DHBTC (Herbal Beauty and Cosmetology)
Dr. Surya Bhagwati is an established, well-known Ayurvedic expert with over 30 years of experience in treating and consulting in the field of Ayurveda. She is known for the timely, efficient, and patient-centred delivery of quality health care. The patients under her care receive a unique holistic treatment comprising not only medicinal treatment but also spiritual empowerment.