Shatavari is an amazing rejuvenating herb that we should get to know and it is especially very useful for women. The dried roots are used for medicinal purposes and traditionally it has been considered to have bitter sweet, cooling, aphrodisiac, emollient and rejuvenating properties. Shatavari treats all the ailments of women and it is a rejuvenation tonic for women like how ashwagandha is to men. It is useful in all the stages of women’s reproductive cycle, from regulating menstrual flow, increasing breast milk, preparing the womb for conception, preventing misconception, increasing lactation, acting as a postpartum tonic, increasing uterine strength and greatly reducing menopause symptoms, it is a real boon to women of all ages. Shatavari is also an amazing rasayana well known in Ayurveda for increasing longevity, improving immunity and vitality. Shatavari is a species of asparagus that can be commonly found all over in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. It is a bushy, climbing vine with leaves resembling pine needles. The tubers are long and white in the shape of radish. The leaves are spiky, flowers are white in color and are found in bunches. The fruits are pea sized and turn red when ripe. Shatavari has been used in all the three main branches of Indian medicine (Ayurveda, Unanai and Siddha) and especially it is regarded very highly in Ayurveda. Traditionally in Ayurveda it is popularly used for treating dyspepsia, stomach ulcers and for increasing breast milk. Though shatavari is one of the best herbs for women, it can beneficial for men too. It’s botanical name is Asparagus Racemosus. The word shatavari means “one who has hundred husbands” referring to it’s ability to increase fertility and vitality in women. It is called Indian Asparagus | Wild Asparagus in English (should not be confused with the asparagus vegetable), Shatavar| Shatavari in Hindi, Majjige Gadde | Ashadi in Telugu, Shatavari | Satavari in Marathi and Gujarati, Pinna Pichar in Telugu, Sadavari Kizhangu in Tamil, Chhota Keelu in Punjabi, Satawar in Urdu, Vari in Oriya, Sathavari in Malayalam, Shatmooli | Satamuli | Shatamuli in Bengali, Satomul in Assamese and Misri | Shakakul in Arabic. Chemical Constituents: The root contains several active steroidal saponins which are the precursors of steroids. Shatavarin and Shatavarosides are the two main bio active components of shatavari. It has anti spasmodic, anti inflammatory, analgesic, aphrodisiac, galactogogue, astringent, blood purifying, anti epileptic, anti stress, anti dysentery, anti ulcer, antitussive, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, anti neoplastic, anti urolithiatic (preventing stone formation), diuretic (at higher does), anti depressant, memory enhancing and anti hepatotoxic properties. Where To Buy Shatavari? Since shatavari is a very popular medicine, it is available in almost all the medical shops and many famous companies like “Himalaya“, Patanjali” sell shatavari, it is also available in many forms: 1. Shatavari Powder | Shatavari Churna: Shatavari root powder is the most popular form, it can be got in all the herb shops. Always try to buy organic shatavari powder, 250 grams costs around 350 Indian Rupees. 2. Shatavari Ghee: The medicated ghee made with a combination of shatavari, ghee and milk is sold in the shops under the name of shatavaryadi ghirta. 3. Shatavari Oil: Shatavari along with other herbs like ashwagandha is used to make oil for improving muscle strength. 4. Shatavari Tablets | Capsules: Organic shatavari capsules are available and you can buy them online too. 5. Shatavari Tea: Shatavari root is pounded and is sold as shatavari tea. 6. Shatavari Tincture: Though not common here in India, shatavari tinctures are also available. 7. Shatavari Extract: Shatavari extract with specific percentage of saponins are available. 8. Shatavari Gulam| Lehyam: Shatavari jam made with shatavari, jaggery and jam can also be taken for improving immunity. Ayurvedic Formulations Using Shatavari: Shatavari Kalpa Granules (for increasing Breast milk), Shatavaryadi Churna and Narasimha Churna. Shatavari Powder Dosage: Generally the daily suggested dosage is around 1 to 2 tsp in divided dosage. It can be had along with honey, milk or warm water. Studies for determining the dosage is done only on rats so there is no scientific evidence for determining the correct dosage. I would suggest consulting an ayurvedic practitioner for the precise dosage. Shatavari Side Effects: Shatavari is a safe herb and can be used safely for long term and even pregnant women and breast feeding mothers can consume it but should be cautious of the dosage. Shatavari has estrogenic properties and some women who have high estrogen will tend to experience breast tenderness while taking it…..
1. Shatavari For Fertility & Weight Gain:
Shatavari increases fertility in both men and women and is rightly called reproductive tonic. Shatavari supports healthy reproductive system in both men and women. In women it increases uterine strength and in men it increases the semen count, so it is very beneficial in increasing fertility. Like ashwagandha, shatavari also helps improve muscle mass and will help in healthy weight gain…
2.Shatavari For Menopause:
Shatavari is useful in all stages of women’s life including menopause. It helps women transition through different stages of life without much difficulty. Being a rejuvenating herb, during menopause it reduces hot flashes, dryness, mood swings and irritability. Shatavari also is popularly used for increasing breast growth but I couldn’t find any evidence supporting this use…
3. Shatavari For PCOS, Fibroids & Endometriosis:
All these above mentioned problems affect different parts of the female reproductive system and especially PCOS is increasingly affecting more women nowadays than ever before. It has adverse effects on many organ systems and usually leads to irregular periods, excessive body weight, unwanted facial hair growth, acne and difficulty getting pregnant. Shatavari cleanses, strengthens and nourishes the female reproductive organs so it will be beneficial for all these 3 problems.
4. Shatavari For Increasing Breast Milk | Lactation (Galactogogue):
Shatavari is very popular in India for it’s use in increasing breast milk. If you look at the ingredient list of medicines sold in the markets for increasing breast milk, almost 90 % of them will contain shatavari as an ingredient. It also improves uterine strength which is very essential for women. Usually shatavari powder is mixed with milk and given to mother to improve lactation. You can read the study that proves this claim here.
5. Shatavari For Cough:
Shatavari has wonderful antitussive properties and you can read the study that proves it here. Traditionally, shatavari decoction made by mixing the root powder in hot water will give good relief from cough. Shatavari also can be used to treat hoarseness of voice and dry cough too…
6. Shatavari For Stomach Ulcers:
Shatavari has been traditionally used for treating dyspepsia, intake of shatavari root powder is very effective for treating duodenal ulcers. Traditionally, a mixture of haritaki and shatavari root powder is given for treating stomach ulcers and both these wonderful herbs are very effective in protecting gastric mucosa and reduces gastric acid secretion.
7. Shatavari For Treating Kidney Stones:
Another wonderful use of shatavari is it greatly prevents kidney stone formation. You can read the study that proves it here. Shatavari when taken internally elevates the urinary concentration of magnesium which inhibits crystallization (formation of stones). Shatvari also reduces high serum creatinine levels very effectively.
8. Shatavari As an Aphrodisiac:
An other use of shatavari is it’s aphrodisiac properties. Like ashwagandha, shatavari also is well known for it’s aphrodisiac properties. Traditionally also it has been used extensively for it and this traditional use has been backed by research, you can read the study that proves it here.
9. Shatavari For Hair & Skin:
The major reason for hair fall in women is due to hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, stress and scalp problems. If the hair fall is due to hormonal problems, shatavari will greatly help prevent it as it is very effective in balancing the hormones. Since it helps balance the hormones, it will also greatly prevent skin breakouts like acne.
10. Shatavari For Stress, Depression & Learning:
Shatavari has some anti depressant properties. It also enhances memory and helps in learning, this is due to it’s antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. It also reduces stress. Interestingly, it is less effective in reducing stress than ashwagandha (both at 100 mg per kg) but it’s potency increases with dosage.…..
Hi I really like your blog!
How do women with menopause symptoms take Shatavari?
How to use this herb for pcos and menopause, mam? Also tell the dosage mam
Am 2 months baby's mom.. I feel my Brest milk is not enough. And am taking Galact granules powder twice a day. Shall I take shatavari and galact powder? If ok means, How to take shatavari… Pls help me madam.