If there is an Ayurvedic remedy that promotes women’s health, this is undoubtedly shatavari. So much so that in Ayurveda it is known as the feminine tonic.
This asparagus-like plant is considered an adaptogenic herb and is used as a tonic to improve vitality, boost defenses or improve women’s health at different stages of life.
What is shatavari OR ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS
As you can guess from its scientific name of Asparagus racemosus, shatavari is a climbing plant of the asparagus family.
It is a plant native to India and other parts of southern Asia, Africa and northern Australia, can grow between 1 and 2 meters high and produces small white flowers and purple berries. But they are their roots which can measure up to 1 meter long and are rich in saponins, mucilage and alkaloids, what is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicinethe traditional medicine of India.
Currently, and due to both the destruction of the habitats where it grows and deforestation as well as destructive harvesting and overexploitation of this plant, it is considered a species endangered in their natural habitat.
What properties does Ayurveda attribute to shatavari?
Shatavari is a staple of Ayurvedic medicine, where it is used as a revitalizing tonic and to treat various health problems, especially in women. In fact, its name comes from Sanskrit and can be translated as “remedy for a hundred diseases.” And, in fact, numerous healthy properties are attributed to it:
- Stress relief: is considered a adaptogenic plantthat is, it can help the body regulate the hormones produced by the hypothalamic, pituitary and adrenal glands and cope with physical and emotional stress.
- Fertility– Used to treat reproductive disorders and increase fertility.
- Lactation: It is used as a galactagogue to promote the production of breast milk in nursing mothers.
- Menstruation: It is believed to help regulate menstrual cycles and control the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Relieves menstrual pain and controls heavy bleeding.
- Symptoms of menopause: It is used to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Shatavari contains antioxidant substances such as saponins, asparagamine A, racemofuran and sprays that can help fight cell damage caused by free radicals and prevent diseases.
- Strengthens defenses: It is considered an aid to stimulate the immune system and help fight infections.
On the other hand, it is also believed that it can help regulate blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, reduce the risk of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, treat gastric ulcers or control diarrhea.
It should be said that, still There is a lack of research in scientific studies in humans to confirm all the benefits that are attributed to the shatavari.
How to take shatavari
Shatavari is usually consumed in the form of a powder made from its dried and crushed roots. The shatavari powder has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and there are different ways to take it:
- Mixed with water, milk or fruit smoothies: Just add a teaspoon (or the amount recommended by the manufacturer) and mix it.
- In infusion: Adding a teaspoon to a cup of boiling water and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkled on plates: soups, stews or other savory or sweet dishes.
The shatavari can also be found in the form of nutritional supplement in capsules, tincture or syrup form.
You should keep in mind that if you have an allergy to asparagus, you most likely also have an allergy to shatavari and you should avoid it.
On the other hand, before taking any type of supplement, and especially if you take medications or other supplements or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor to determine if it is appropriate in your case and in what quantity.