To help a child gain weight, you should use, as found in the hadiths, fenugreek. This is very effective, and you can find it in the form of a jelly, compote, or jam combined with carob in particular.
Indeed, carob will also be a very good ally. It can be consumed with almond milk, which is very good for children's health. You will need a small spoonful of carob jam, a small spoonful of fenugreek seeds, and a tablespoon of honey, which should be mixed into the milk.
Slices of whole wheat bread can be spread with this jam.
In addition, omega fatty acids are of great importance in children's diets. They are found in cod liver oil in particular. It has indeed been proven that this is very beneficial for children and can open up their appetite. You can find it in the form of capsules or syrup. If the child is older than six, it is preferable to give them capsules, two per day, preferably in the morning.
What the science says: weight, breastfeeding
What published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context only — these studies deal with material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Weight
The Mediterranean diet (olive oil, vegetables, legumes, fish, few processed foods) is among the most effective and sustainable for weight according to network meta-analyses (Clin Nutr ESPEN, 2024) (BMJ, 2020); intermittent fasting contributes to it as well (BMJ, 2025). The hadith of "a third for food, a third for drink, a third for air" remains the best rule. Precaution: be wary of "fat burners" and very restrictive diets; unexplained weight loss should be investigated.
Breastfeeding
Fenugreek, fennel, and other traditional galactagogues have been evaluated by the Cochrane review and specialized journals: modest but real effects in some mothers, when nursing is frequent (Cochrane, 2020) (Ochsner J, 2016) (Biomed Res Int, 2014). Hydration, rest, barley (talbina), and dates support lactation. Precaution: check the compatibility of any plant or supplement with breastfeeding (mint and sage in high doses reduce it); when in doubt, see a lactation consultant.
