When it comes to women’s health, the balance of hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) is essential. When hormones are out of balance, they affect mood, energy, libido, the brain and more.
In Ayurvedic medicine, shatavari has traditionally been used as a rejuvenating tonic to help women find health and balance through the various stages of their lives especially when it comes to their hormones.
Traditionally, shatavari is known as the plant of one hundred roots. The name translates to “she who has hundreds of husbands” or “curer of one hundred diseases” because it confers so many healing benefits, especially for women.
What is shatavari?
The botanical name for shatavari is Asparagus racemosus; it’s also known as wild asparagus. This plant is found mostly in India, Asia and northern Australia. Whilst a member of the asparagus family, what makes it different from the asparagus we usually eat is the roots, where most of the medicinal properties are found.
Attached to the stem of this delicate plant is a cluster of roots, also known as tubers. These long, succulent tubers have been known to grow 30–100 cm long and 1–2 cm thick.
Shatavari in Ayurveda
Shatavari is wonderful for pacifying vata and pitta doshas (constitutions). Its rasa (taste) is tikta (bitter) and svadvi (sweet). Its action is cooling.
It’s also regarded as a:
1. Rasayana, a rejuvenating herb that boosts immunity and vitality, protects against stress and slows the ageing process;
2. Balya, which means a strength promoter;
3. Stanya, which means ”galactagogue”, a substance that helps to produce breast milk; and
4. Medhya, the term for plants that increase intelligence and promote learning and memory.
The compounds found in shatavari
The major active constituents of shatavari include steroidal saponins (Shatavarins 1- IV, Recemosides A,B,C), isoflavones, antioxidants (asparagamine, racemosol, racemofuran), polysaccharides, mucilage and vitamins (like calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium) and minerals (like zinc, manganese, copper and cobalt).
The steroidal saponins in shatavari are phytoestrogens. This means that they’re able to mimic or modulate the actions of oestrogen (found in the body) by binding to oestrogen receptors. In other words, they’re able to induce a similar biological response as oestrogen.
What are its therapeutic actions for women?
Shatavari has numerous health benefits for women:
- It restores hormonal imbalances.
- It regulates menstrual cycles.
- It improves symptoms related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- It reduces menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, irritability, irregular memory and vaginal dryness.
- It gently soothes the digestive tract.
- It increases the flow of milk during breastfeeding.
- It builds the immune system.
- It helps with mood issues such as stress and anxiety, especially as they relate to hormonal imbalances.
- It acts as a mild diuretic, especially for water retention during menstruation.
- It increases fertility by helping to nourish the ovum.
- It displays anti-candida and anti-bacterial activity.
How to use
In Ayurveda, powder is the preferred way to take this herb. It’s traditionally prepared by mixing the powder with room temperature water. It can, however, also be consumed with a milk or even blended in a smoothie.
It can also be taken as a tincture or in capsules.
Safety issues
Shatavari is considered a safe herb that is well tolerated for long-term use, yet it should be avoided in certain circumstances.
Due to its moistening properties, it’s not recommended in conditions where there is excess mucous.
People allergic to asparagus or Liliaceae family members like onions, leeks, garlic and chives may experience an allergic reaction to shatavari.
It’s always advisable to consult a physician before consuming during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It may also interfere with medications such as diuretics and drugs that lower blood sugar.
Conclusion
It’s for no small reason that shatavari is held is such high esteem as a rejuvenator and woman’s tonic. There’s enough ancient wisdom and modern research to confirm its many benefits for a woman as she transitions through her various life stages.
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Shatavari Powder – 100gR87.00
References Used
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2. Patil, Bhagyashree & Tipre, Priya & Kakade, s & Suchita, Dr & Gupta, V. (2019). Selection of a suitable drying model for drying Shatavari Roots (Asparagus Racemosus). 7. 1782-1790.
3. https://www.purushaayurveda.com/articles/2017/8/13/shatavari
4. Sharma, Komal & Bhatnagar, Maheep. (2011). Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A Versatile Female Tonic. International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives. 2. 855-863.
5. Mfengwana, P. H. , Mashele, S. S. . Medicinal Properties of Selected Asparagus Species: A Review. In: Rao, V. , Mans, D. , Rao, L. , editors. Phytochemicals in Human Health [Internet]. London: IntechOpen; 2019 [cited 2022 Mar 20]. Available from: https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/67855 doi: 10.5772/intechopen.87048
6. Mishra, Jai & Verma, Navneet. (2017). ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS: CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS AND PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES-A REVIEW. European Journal of Biomedical AND Pharmaceutical sciences. 207.
