Shatavari (scientific name: Asparagus racemosus) has great importance in Ayurveda owing to its medicinal and herbal properties that make it very useful in improving female reproductive health. This Ayurvedic herb is a climbing plant that grows up to a stem height of around 4 meters and has shiny green pine-needle-like leaves.
The term “Shatavari” translates to “she who possesses a hundred husbands”, which indicates its importance in promoting longevity and overall wellness in women (source). The plant grows throughout India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the world like Africa and Australia.
Other common names of Shatavari are Shatamull, Satavar, and Buttermilk Root. This medicinal plant is classified as a “rasayana” in Ayurveda, which means it acts like a rejuvenation tonic for women. The most important part of Shatavari plant is its root, which contains different beneficial compounds, like steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
Also known as the “Queen of Herbs”, Shatavari brings numerous benefits to women’s health. Some of these are:
This powerful Ayurvedic plant has adaptogenic properties, which help women’s bodies adapt to stressful situations. As a result, when exposed to stressors, their bodies can restore normal physiological function and mental well-being.
When women undergo physiological stress, it induces oxidative stress, which in turn affects the physiology of the ovary, oocyte quality, and eventually their reproductive health. In Ayurveda, Shatavari is highly recommended to overcome stress-mediated reproductive health disorders.
Shatavari’s root contains phytochemicals (phytoestrogens) which are believed to balance hormones. Hence, this Ayurvedic herb is very useful for women with pre-menstrual symptoms, menopause, and also fertility issues. What’s more, this herb also helps boost libido (sexual desire) in women, making it a comprehensive women’s health supplement. This is possible because Shatavari is rich in compounds like shatavarin and sarsasapogenin, which are precursors to female sex hormones.
What’s interesting about Shatavari is that it adapts to what the body needs – it can help regulate estrogen whether levels are too high or too low. This shows the intelligence of Ayurvedic herbs.
Shatavari is also known to support healthy inflammatory response throughout the body. This herb is loaded with phytoestrogenic bio-active compounds. Thus, it is very beneficial in managing pain due to cramps, bloating, and other discomforts, such as mood swings, depression, insomnia, hot flashes, and sweating faced during menstruation.
Menopause and perimenopause are emotionally and physically draining for women due to high levels of hormonal fluctuations, which give rise to a range of symptoms that cause discomfort and poor health. Many Ayurvedic experts refer to Shatavari as a female rejuvenator as it helps women overcome difficulties faced during menopause and perimenopause.
Shatavari helps combat heat and dryness, which are quite common in these stages. Since this plant is loaded with phytoestrogens – a dietary form of estrogen, it is used to relieve symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Besides, it also helps manage physical stress and emotional stress that are also common during menopause and perimenopause.
Shatavari is considered to be a galactagogue (something that stimulates milk production) herb that helps new mothers in increasing milk production. This Ayurvedic herb is known to support the hormonal system in women who are in the stages of giving birth and improving breast milk production. So, women who are struggling with breastfeeding due to lower milk production can benefit from the use of Shatavari.
Shatavari is known to have mucilaginous (gel-like) properties that help in coating and protecting the mucous membranes present throughout your digestive tract. As a result, it helps in treating digestive health conditions like gastritis, heartburn, and ulcers.
The presence of inulin, a prebiotic fiber, in Shatavari helps nourish the good bacteria in your gut and thus, strengthens your microbiome. Plus, it also helps stimulate healthy hunger and improve the absorption of nutrients in your body, which is why it is also recommended for women with low appetite and weak digestive systems.
Shatavari is an Ayurvedic herb, rich in immunomodulatory properties, which help balance immune response, boost immunity, and also calm down the over-activity in your immune system when appropriate. Due to its anti-inflammatory and demulcent properties, Shatavari, when combined with honey, helps with various conditions such as dry coughs, bronchitis, and throat irritation.
Some of the less commonly discussed benefits of Shatavari are:
There are several easy ways to add this beneficial herb to your routine:
Note: Before you start taking Shatavari, make sure you consult with an Ayurvedic doctor to decide whether Shatavari is good for your current health and to know how and when to take it.
While generally safe, Shatavari isn’t suitable for everyone:
If you are a woman struggling with a health issue and thinking about taking Shatavari, make an appointment for Ayurvedic treatment in Bangalore to consult and create the best Ayurvedic treatment plan for you.
What many people don’t realize is that Shatavari’s effectiveness often increases when used consistently over time. In Ayurveda, the benefits of rasayana herbs like Shatavari are experienced after regular use for at least one season (about three months).
Shatavari works differently according to what it’s combined with. When taken with warming herbs like ginger, it helps reproductive function. When combined with cooling herbs like mint, its anti-inflammatory properties get improved.
Shatavari is the best example of the Ayurvedic principle that true health comes from gentle, consistent nourishment of the body’s fundamental tissues.
