Shatavari, known as Asparagus racemosus in Latin, is a powerful rejuvenating herb Ayurvedic herb. The plant belongs to the asparagus family. It has uniform pine needles and produces white flowers and blackish purple berries. Shatavari farming is very popular in India because it is one of the most powerful Ayurvedic medicines used for female reproductive health. It is estimated that 500 tonnes of Shatavari roots are used annually for preparing medicines in India.

Names for Shatavari

Some of the local names for Shatavari are Shatuli and Vrishya. However, the literal meaning of the word Shatavari means a “plant having a hundred roots”. Over the years the name has been loosely translated into “she who has a hundred husbands.” This is because of it being excellent for strengthening the female reproductive system.

Taste and effects on Doshas

The Shatavari plant has a bitter and sweet taste. It is said to be nourishing, cooling and soothing in nature. Among the doshas, Shatavari balances the Vata and Pitta Dosha. However, overconsumption of Shatavari can result in an increase of the Kapha Dosha in our body. So, those who have a predominant Kapha constitution need to be a little cautious while taking this herb.

Medicinal Uses of Shatavari

Shatavari has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for many years. It is said to be an adaptogenic herb. Such herbs help your body cope with physical and emotional stress. Let us understand the various medical uses of Shatavari.

• It has antioxidant properties: Shatavari has a high percentage of saponins. Saponins have antioxidant properties and they help prevent the damage by free radicals.
• Helps boost immunity: Again, the saponins in Shatavari are potent immunity stimulators. It stimulates the production of cells that fight immunity thereby reducing the overall population of infection causing cells.
• Improves digestive health: Shatavari is very effective in improving digestion. Consuming this herb increases the activity of digestive enzymes lipase and amylase. Lipase aids fat digestion and amylase in the digestion of carbohydrates.
• Helps maintain blood sugar: Shatavari is very beneficial for people suffering from Type 2 diabetes. It has been observed that intake of the herb helps maintain blood sugar levels in the body. This study published in the journal of endocrinology has studied how Shatavari helps in maintaining insulin levels.
• Acts as an aphrodisiac: Shatavari is said to be a natural aphrodisiac for women. For men, it works well when combined with Ashwagandha.
• Aids Male sexual health: In men, Shatavari increases testosterone levels, helps to increase sperm generation and reduces the inflammation in the reproductive system.

Shatavari and Female Reproductive System

Many Ayurvedic practitioners call Shatavari a woman’s “best friend”. Shatavari is said to support a woman’s reproductive health from menarche to menopause. It is again the saponins in Shatavari that have this effect. Saponins are potent oestrogen stimulators. Oestrogen, as we know, is crucial for reproductive functioning and regular menstrual cycle in a woman. The many ways that Shatavari works on the female reproductive system are:

• It regulates the menstrual cycle and is effective in managing (Menorrhagia is the term used for excessive blood flow during menstruation)
• It increases blood flow to the vaginal area and increases vaginal lubrication.
• It manages the symptoms of PMS and is also effective in reducing cramps during menstruation (dysmenorrhea).
• It increases the female libido.
• Helps in maintaining a healthy womb thereby preparing a woman for conception. Shatavari is also effective in preventing miscarriages.
• Shatavari can help increase the production of milk in lactating mothers.
• In women undergoing menopause, Shatavari helps to balance the hormones. It also helps relieve the symptoms like irritability, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats.
• Shatavari is said to aid the production of happy hormones thereby reducing the incidence of mood swings in women undergoing menopause.

A few clinical papers and studies elaborate on the various benefits of this queen of herb.

Shatavari from Vedi

Another trusted product from Vedi is the Shatavari tablet. The tablet comes in strength of 500mg and one is recommended to take 1 tablet twice a day after meals. The product is made from the best quality Shatavari that is harvested from the rural parts of India. We ensure that only the best product is made available to our valued customers.

Conclusion

In recent years, more and more women have complaints and problems related to their reproductive health. We take in medicines for rectifying the issues. But, instead of taking a chemical-based medicine, Shatavari is a healthier and safer option. So, stay fit and happy and choose this Ayurvedic remedy for a healthy reproductive system.