Herbs That Stimulate Muscle Mass Growth

Building muscle mass cannot be achieved by utilizing herbs alone. To build and tone muscles, you have to weight train and adopt a healthy diet. However, certain types of herbs work great to complement any bodybuilding regimen. These herbs contain components that stimulate muscle tissues to grow and support the body’s stress response. Below are 5 herbs that could help you shape up and grow muscle mass.

Amalaki

The amalaki tree is common in subtropical regions and is traditionally used to stimulate muscle growth. Known for its reddish wood, gray bark, and bright green fruits, parts of the amalaki tree is used in tonics and other preparations to promote better health, boost energy, improve liver function, normalize digestive acids, and restore the hair’s luster. Amalaki also helps in enhancing protein synthesis, promoting the growth of lean muscle, improving muscle tone, and boosting muscle strength.

Ginseng

A popular health food, ginseng is a type of perennially growing plant with fleshy roots. It’s prized in Asia for its medicinal properties and is often used in various tonics and beauty products for its many health benefits.

One of the main benefits of ginseng is that it helps minimize stress, boost energy levels, and give a sense of well being. It’s also a popular health food among body builders because it allows them to cope with rigorous strength training while minimizing fluctuations in mood, appetite, and sleep.

Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a popular herbal medicine commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to restore health and normalize body functions. Fenugreek also stimulates muscle growth because it contains amino acids, the building block of protein.

Apart from being a rich source of tryptophan amino acid and 4-hydroxyisoleucine, fenugreek also contains niacin, choline, potassium, and vitamin C — all compounds that promote strong muscle tissues, boost energy and endurance, as well as protect the body from free radical damage.

Flax Seed

Flax seed contains concentrated level of protein, an important compound in building muscles. Apart from its amazing amount of protein, flax seed also contains potassium, zinc, iron, vitamin E, and magnesium. It’s also packed with alpha linolenic acid that boosts insulin sensitivity in muscles. Pro athletes take flax seed because it helps enhance energy, allows for faster recovery time, and improves oxygen utilization in the body.

Rose Root

Also known as rhodiola or golden root, roseroot contains natural compounds that enhance the secretion of enzymes and RNA — both of which are vital for muscle growth. This herb also stimulates muscle protein synthesis and anabolic activity, resulting in muscle growth and improved strength. Because roseroot contains potent ingredients, people with heart problems or hypertension are discouraged from taking this herb.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a small evergreen shrub that’s native to India, Africa, and the Middle East. This herb is traditionally used in building resistance to stress. Ashwagandha contains high levels of antioxidants that improve energy, boost stamina, and cut back recovery time. Professional athletes take Ashwagandha to help cope with the stress of intensive training for extended periods as well as to increase muscle mass.