Underweight: Ayurvedic Treatment, Herbal Remedies, Causes and Symptoms

Causative factors

It can be due to irregular eating habits, eating too cold and too rough foods and too much junk foods, malnourishment, or chronic diseases like Cancer. Vata constitution people are usually underweight. In new – born babies it can be a serious problem if the weight at the birth is below average. This is because during pregnancy the mother has not taken proper nutritious diet sufficient enough for herself and for the bady.

Symptoms

Lack of proper weight means, insufficient tissue development, which leads to low immunity. There is always vitiation of Vata hence various diseases of Vata may occur. Joint pains, weakness in muscles, insomnia, various types of neuralgic pains, fatigue after manual work are common symptoms.

Treatment

Tonification therapy is ideal for this condition. Oils that are advised for tonification are sesame, almond, olive, and avocado. Tab. Ashwagandha, or tab. Shatavari, or tab. Amalaki, or tab. Skapikacchu are useful. Any one of these can be given 500 mgm; twice a day for 1 to 2 months with vidari, curculigo orchidis, asparagus adsendus, and jeevanti. These herbs can be supplemented with the tablets in dose of 1 gm. A day for 1 to 2 months.

Tonics like chyavanaprasha or dhatupaushtika churna or musli pak (YC) or brahmi rasayana can be given in dose of 1 to 3 tea spoons 2 to 3 times a day for 3 months.

Diet

Anti – Vata diet is advised. Proper nutritious food, which is fresh and properly cooked , should be consumed at regular time. Ayurveda has advised whole grains like wheat, oats, and brown rice, meat, fish, eggs, ghee, honey, raw sugar. Nuts and seeds like almond, walnuts, cashews, coconut and lotus seeds are good for strengthening nervous system. Black gram, mung beans, and chick – peas are also good. Fruits like dates, raisins, figs, pomegranate, and grape juice is good. Oil enemas, sufficient rest, oil massage, warm and comfortable baths and comfortable life style. Excess sexual activity should be reduced. Proper combination of work and rest should be followed