“Medicine is useless when food is incorrect. A healthy diet eliminates the need for medication.” – Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb
Most people think of Ayurveda only when it comes to detox or weight loss. But here’s a truth bomb: gaining weight can be just as difficult—and just as important—for many people.
In fact, a growing number of health-conscious individuals are turning to Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala India to address underweight issues not as a symptom, but as a sign of imbalance in the body’s constitution. This isn’t about getting bigger by eating empty calories or protein powders. It’s about gaining the proper way: feeding your tissues, increasing your immune system, and getting your body back in balance.
This blog will go into great detail about how Ayurveda can help you gain weight naturally by using diet, herbs, lifestyle changes, and therapies that are right for your dosha. You’ll also learn how an Ayurveda retreat in Kerala can provide the ideal environment to accelerate your weight gain journey through personalised care.
Let’s explore exactly what you need to do to build healthy weight and sustainable vitality, the Ayurvedic way!
Why You Are Too Thin Ayurveda says
Ayurveda uses the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to describe body types. Vata dominance is present in most underweight people. They are thin, have a rapid metabolism, are prone to worry, and generally don’t eat or sleep at regular times.
Being underweight in Ayurveda is more than a number on the scale—it’s a sign of insufficient nourishment (dhatu kshaya) or poor digestion (agni). So the key isn’t just eating more. It’s about improving digestion, absorption, and metabolism, so the body can utilize what you feed it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Gaining Weight with Ayurveda
1. Balance Your Agni (the fire in your stomach)
Strong digestion is the foundation of healthy weight gain.
- Good digestion is the key to gaining weight in a healthy way.
- Drink warm ginger tea or cumin-fennel tea half an hour before meals.
- Don’t drink cold drinks or eat raw salads.
- Eat at regular times, like three healthy meals a day.
Important herbs to improve agni include Asafoetida, Hingvastak churna, and Trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper, and long pepper).

2. Eat Foods That Make You Gain Weight The Right Way
Ayurveda says that instead of consuming random high-calorie items, you should eat foods that are high in nutrients, oils, and energy to boost Ojas (vital energy).
Ayurvedic meals that help you acquire weight:
- Fresh ghee (clarified butter) that is warm
- Kitchari made with moong dal and rice
- Almonds that have been soaked and dates
- Cardamom and nutmeg are two spices that go well with whole milk or almond milk.
- Fruits that are sweet, like mango, banana, and ripe papaya
- Root veggies such as yam and sweet potato
Tip: Drink Ashwagandha milk (1 tsp of ashwagandha in warm milk with a little ghee) before bed to help you gain weight and sleep better.
3. Establish Grounding Routines
Vata individuals often lack structure. Routine grounds the neural system and stabilizes weight.
- Wake and sleep at regular hours (10 PM latest bedtime).
- Avoid skipping meals or eating late at night.
- Practice Abhyanga—daily oil massage with warm sesame oil—to nourish tissues and calm the nervous system.
- Add mild yoga and pranayama to help with digestion and lower stress.
4. Use Ayurvedic Herbal Supplements Smartly
Rasayanas are a group of herbs that help create tissue, strength, and energy.
The best Ayurvedic supplements for gaining weight are:
- Ashwagandha: Helps tone muscles, sleep better, and feel less stressed
- Shatavari: Nourishes reproductive tissues and strengthens the immune system
- Vidari Kanda: A tonic herb that helps you gain strength and mass
- Chyawanprash: Classic jam that is full of antioxidants and nutrients that help you feel better.
Important: Before taking any herbal supplements, you should always talk to an Ayurvedic practitioner.
5. Consider an Ayurveda Retreat in Kerala for a Deep Reset
If your underweight condition is chronic or linked to stress, poor digestion, or post-illness recovery, consider visiting an Ayurveda retreat in Kerala like Back to Roots. Kerala is the birthplace of classical Ayurveda, and many centres offer specialised Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala India that focuses on deep nourishment and regeneration.
What a Kerala retreat offers:
- Customized diet plans based on dosha analysis
- Panchakarma or Basti are examples of rejuvenating therapies that might help reset digestion
- Yoga and meditation every day
- Herbal remedies and Rasayana therapy administered by qualified professionals
A lot of people say that after just two to three weeks in this kind of setting, their weight, energy, and emotional equilibrium have all improved a lot.

Things to Avoid When Using Ayurveda to Gain Weight
- Not eating breakfast: This is the most crucial meal for Vata types.
- Too many protein shakes or chilly smoothies: These make your agni less active.
- Snacking randomly: Instead of snacking at odd times, eat warm, greasy foods after meals.
- Not getting enough rest: If you don’t receive enough sleep and relaxation, your body won’t be able to renew tissues well.
Conclusion: The Right Weight Is a Balanced You
Ayurveda says that being “thin” or “heavy” doesn’t mean you’re healthy; it means being in sync with your body’s natural state. Ayurveda’s way of gaining weight is slow, steady, and deeply therapeutic. It nourishes your body, regulates your thinking, and revitalizes you from the inside out.
Ayurveda offers a clear, long-lasting technique to get stronger, get better after being sick, or just achieve harmony. You might want to think about going to an Ayurveda retreat in Kerala or looking into Ayurvedic therapy in Kerala, India, to help you on your path in a more complete way.Back to Roots is here for the right treatment.
Keep in mind that the best weight is the one that makes you feel most alive.
FAQ
If I have a rapid metabolism, can I gain weight with Ayurveda?
Yes! Ayurveda looks at the fundamental problem, which is bad digestion and absorption. Once your agni is stronger and your routine is in sync, you can gain weight and keep it off, even if you have a high metabolism.
How long does it take to get weight gain results?
Most people notice changes in their bodies within 3–6 weeks, but this depends on how often they do it, their present weight, how well they digest food, and their mental health. Going to an Ayurveda retreat in Kerala can speed up this process a lot.
Is Ayurvedic weight gain suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Absolutely. Ayurvedic principles are plant-friendly and customisable. You can gain weight using plant-based rasayanas, ghee substitutes like almond oil, and vegan kitchari meals.
Is it okay to take Ayurvedic herbs while getting Western medicine?
In general, yes, but it’s important to talk to a skilled Ayurvedic practitioner first, especially if you’re taking drugs for a long time or have a chronic disease.