Shatavari For Women’s Health
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) has been used for centuries in Ayurveda as a tonic to support the female reproductive system as well as the digestive system. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. Shatavari literally translates to “one hundred [roots] below” but is also called “the woman who has a thousand usbands.” The shatavari plant thrives in many parts of tropical India and Asia. It is a thorny perennial with striated leaves, thin stems, and an abundance of white fragrant flowers. It also fruits red berries and has a vast network of unctuous roots.
Shatavari is said to have great rasayana properties, meaning it’s quite the rejuvenative plant!
Here are some benefits of the herb:
-Promotes a healthy reproductive system
-Gently soothes the digestive tract
-Soothes and supports the respiratory tract
-Promotes healthy energy levels and strength
-Supports the immune system
-Contains naturally-occurring antioxidants
-Possible PMS relief
Shatavari contains over 50 antioxidants, including saponins, glycosides, alkaloids, polysaccharides, racemosol, isoflavones, quercetin, kaempferol, and asparagamine. Antioxidants are good for fighting against free-radical damage and oxidative stress. This is what makes it also a great beauty enhancer for the skin! (Pro-tip: Applying shatavari powder paste with milk or honey on the skin helps to soothe the lipid layer and restore skin’s elasticity. It can also aid in wound healing when applied with coconut oil)
What Ayurveda has to say…
Energetics:
Rasa: bitter, sweet
Virya: cooling
Vipaka: sweet
Guna: unctuous, heavy
Dosha: VP-, K+
Reproduction
In ayurveda, shatavari is an anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, antibacterial, and an aphrodisiac, and an excellent tonic for female reproductive organs. It nourishes and strengthens the uterus and reduces inflammation of the endometrial walls. It is usually prescribed for those suffering from abnormal vaginal bleeding, yeast infections, painful intercourse, ovarian cysts & fibroids, and endometriosis.
In a study on guinea pigs and rats, researchers found that shatavari receptors can be used as an uterine sedative (Alek et. al, 2013). In other words, the extract of the herb gave relief to uterine cramps.
Shatavari is not only for the female reproductive system, but also male reproductive system. It helps with low sperm count as well as women infertility problems. The roots’ unctuous properties increase reproductive fluids, promoting successful conception and a strong uterus.
Bleeding & Inflammation
Shatavari is antispasmodic and is vasodilating making it great to fight cramps, bleeding, and inflammation.
In pitta imbalances, one might find that this causes excessive bleeding and inflammation due to too much pitta heat. With its sweet and cooling properties, Shatavari puts out that pitta flame and soothes inflamed mucous membranes as well as other conditions: Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, and dysentery. Shatavari’s demulcent properties also make it useful for curing bleeding ulcers and gastritis.
Bones
In a clinical trial, taking 6 grams of shatavari once a day for 10 weeks helped reduce bone loss in perimenopausal women and reduced the risk of osteoporosis (Gujarathi et. al, 2013). In another study, shatavari supplements improved muscle function in a group of post-menopausal women (O’Leary et. al, 2021).
Nervous system
Shatavari* supports the majja dhatu (bone marrow and nervous tissue) and is therefore useful to calm symptoms of anxiety. According to Ayurveda, the vata dosha represents the movement and actions of the body. An imbalance in vata can lead to excessive movement in the nervous system and cause anxiety. Shatavari helps to balance vata, promoting a more peaceful state and better sleep.
*Combine with Ashwagandha to make a great adaptogenic elixir
Way to Take Shatavari
Powder form– the most traditional form of taking the herb. It is usually taken with an anupan (carrier substance) to help bring its effects deeper into the tissue layers. Shatavari powder can be taken along with milk or honey twice a day to alleviate PMS symptoms.
With ghee – the herb can be lightly cooked with ghee
Tablets – can be taken for convenience for those who do not like the taste of the powder
Contraindications
It is suggested not to use shatavari if you have excess kapha, ama, or lung congestion. Anyone with an allergy to asparagus should avoid consuming shatavari in any way.
Sources
“Ayurvedic Medicine: The principles of Traditional Practice” by Sebatian Pole
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/pages/plants-shatavari
https://www.1mg.com/ayurveda/shatavari-37?wpsrc=Google+Organic+Search
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027291/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8708006/
Gujarathi, Jasmine & Gujarathi, Ritesh. (2013). Minimizing risk of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis through Shatavari – A clinical study. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2. 260-265.
8/7/24
Article by Alysha
