For millennia, Ayurvedic medicine has been famous for using plants. Today we are going to learn more about Shatavari, a particular herb that is defined as a “friend of women” as it acts on many typically female problems. Primarily, reproductive and hormonal problems, as well as menopausal and menstrual disorders.
Here’s what you need to know about this health plant.
Shatavari: plant
Shatavari (scientific name Asparagus racemosus ) is a plant of the Asparagaceae family. Native to India, Africa, Australia and some parts of China, it grows mainly in temperate and tropical regions. It is a climbing plant that features woody stems and leaves that resemble pine needles.
It is an adaptogenic plant, that is, it helps the body to better deal with physical stress. Its tuberous roots are the most vital part of the plant itself: it is precisely there, in fact, that its therapeutic properties are concentrated.
Shatavari and Ayurveda
Shatavari has a long tradition in the Ayurvedic field.
Ayurveda medicine, in fact, uses this plant to increase, respectively, ” Sattva “, which means healing energy , and ” Ojas “, the essence of all vital fluids responsible for health, strength, vitality, immunity, longevity, emotional well-being and spiritual growth.
Considering these characteristics, the Shatavari root would therefore be able to invigorate body and mind, instill strength and resistance to the tissues as well as protect the health and vitality of the cells, thus positively influencing all body functions and various physiological processes.
In Ayurveda, Shatavari is particularly used as a remedy for reproductive problems, especially female ones.
It is also indicated during menopause as, by regulating the delicate hormonal balances, it helps the transition from fertile age to menopause.
Shatavari – dust
Also known as “shatamull”, Shatavari powder – obtained from the roots of Indian asparagus ( asparagus racemosus ) – is mainly recommended as a natural support for enhancing female fertility.
It can be taken every day, dissolved in water (or other drinks) or as a spice in dishes.
Shatavari: ownership
According to the Ayurveda tradition, shatavari is considered a rasayana herb, that is, with an invigorating power. The root, once carefully processed and dried, is in fact used as a uterine tonic to increase the production of breast milk. Traditionally, it is recognized as having a beneficial and rebalancing influence on female hormones. But not only that: shatavari is also known for its ability to assist in the treatment of gastritis and ulcers, and is also an excellent digestive. As we will explain further below, it also has useful and effective effects on the nervous system.
In summary, here are the properties of Shatavari:
- rebalancing of female hormones
- galattogogo
- invigorating tonic
- digestive
- regulator of intestinal transit
- adaptogen
- antihepatotoxic
Active principles
Of the Shatavari, the root is mainly used in which the following active ingredients are present:
- Asparagine
- Saponins (shatavaroside A, shatavaroside B, filiasparoside C, asparinin B)
- Isoflavones
- Flavanoids-glycosides, including quercetin, rutin and hyperoside
- Glycosides
- Oligospirostanoside
- Vitamins A and C
- Essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid
- Polycyclic alkaloid-Aspargamine A
- furan-racemofuran compound
- polysaccharides
- mucilage
- minerals, including zinc , copper, magnesium , potassium , manganese , calcium, cobalt , and selenium
Shatavari: benefits
Let’s now analyze in detail what are the beneficial effects that this plant has.
Fertility
In traditional use, Shatavari has been mainly used to treat typical symptoms affecting the female reproductive system and to support fertility as it prevents conditions that cause PCOS.
Libido
Furthermore, according to Ayurvedic medicine, it is an excellent remedy to increase sexual desire in women, and also in men
Period
It counteracts the irregularity of the cycle and the typical menstrual pains such as dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia.
Menopause
Thanks to phytoestrogens and the ability to rebalance hormone levels, Shatavari is very useful for women who are facing the classic side effects typical of menopause, such as hot flashes, depression, irritability and mood instability.
Menstrual disorders
Shatavari is a useful supplement for relieving diseases affecting the female reproductive system, such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary.
Breast milk
It increases the production of breast milk as, thanks to the presence of steroid saponins, the Shatavari root has a galactogenic effect.
Invigorating tonic
Also according to Ayurvedic Medicine, Shatavari root is a natural rejuvenator that gives strength and vigor to the body, also increasing energy levels and reducing the sense of fatigue.
Immunostimulant
In Ayurveda, shatavari is also used to support the immune system. A study then highlighted that the roots of this plant are able to increase the production of antibodies, thus improving the immune response.
Anxiety and stress
The presence of flavonoids , polyphenols and saponins reduce the secretion of cortisol and corticosteroids (stress hormones). It therefore follows that Shatavari is useful in managing stress and all related disorders, such as insomnia and anxiety states.
Antioxidant
Various studies have highlighted the antioxidant activity of Shatavari, especially due to the presence of saponins. But not only that, a study found, inside the root, the presence of 3 other antioxidants (racemofuran, asparagamine A and racemosol) that are not found in any other plant.
Thanks to these properties, shatavari therefore prevents damage to cells by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory
Racemofuran (mentioned above) is an antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, it would act positively especially in case of inflammation of the digestive tract.
Digestive system
It is an excellent remedy for diseases and disorders related to the digestive system. It is used for example for the treatment of gastric ulcers. In addition, it also serves to stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
Natural diuretic
In Ayurveda, this plant is also used as a diuretic supplement. Its diuretic activity, in fact, acts on the body without causing side effects such as the elimination of mineral salts or other important nutrients.
Furthermore, it would be beneficial to the entire urinary tract as it would help keep the urinary tract clean, also preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Glycemia
It would seem that the intake of this plant stimulates the production of insulin. Although the mechanism of action is not well understood, according to some studies it could help in cases of type 2 diabetes.
Shatavari, estrogen
By producing estrogen, Shatavari compensates for the low levels, typical of women in menopause or who have undergone hysterectomies or ovariectomies.
Due to its isoflavone content, Shatavari is used in Ayurvedic medicine to regulate menstruation and relieve premenstrual symptoms such as breast tenderness and pain in one or both breasts. It also acts on other symptoms such as irritability and water retention.
Shatavari: how to use it
Shitavara is found in the form of powder or tablets. The recommended dose is 2 teaspoons (or 2 capsules) per day. The powder can be mixed with water, fruit juice, smoothies, smoothies, milk (animal or vegetable) or other drinks.
In Auyurveda medicine, Shatavari powder is often combined with Ashwagandha and Brahmi to treat menopausal disorders.
It can also be used as a spice, to flavor foods and dishes.
Where to buy
The extracts, in powder or tablet form, can be found in herbalist’s shops and natural product stores. Of course, Shatavari can also be bought online.
Shatavari: meaning
In Sanskrit, the term “Shatavari” means “she who has a hundred husbands”. Clear reference to the rejuvenating properties of the female reproductive system and its ability to improve fertility.
Shatavari: contraindications
Shatavari is considered a plant with no particular side effects.
However, acting as a muscle tonic, it is absolutely to be avoided during pregnancy as it could cause early contractions.
Furthermore, since it also has diuretic effects, it should be avoided if you are already taking diuretics or if you suffer from kidney and / or heart diseases.
Also to be avoided if you are taking drugs for blood sugar control, in case of cystic fibrosis and disorders caused by estrogens.
Side effects
In rare cases it can cause anxiety, dizziness and fatigue, stomach pain and flatulence.
Rare cases of allergy reported.
