Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosus, has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to support the reproductive system, particularly for females. Shatavari is also known as Satavar, Satmuli or Sitavari. Shatavari is a plant-derived Estrogen (Estrogens are a group of hormones that play an important role in the normal sexual and reproductive development in women). This herb is known to increase Sattva (the healing power) inside the body. It also increases Ojas, which is the essence responsible for immunity and is also the fundamental support of the reproductive function. The literal meaning of the word Shatavari is ‘having one hundred husbands’. Shatavari’s name gives reference to its traditional use as a rejuvenating tonic for the female reproductive system. Following are some of the important Ayurvedic Uses and Benefits of Shatavari for females.
Ayurvedic Benefits of Shatavari:
- Increases Fertility in Females
- It is a Menstrual Regulator
- Maintains Healthy Levels of Breast Milk Production
- Calming Effect on the Nervous System
- Promotes Energy Levels and Strength
- Releases Stress
- Soothing Effect on the Digestive Tract
- Has Natural Antioxidant Properties
Increases Fertility in Females:
Shatavari has a unique ability to increase female fertility by cooling the uterus and vaginal inflammation, making it ideal for women who are planning to give birth later in life. Shatavari also increases female libido (sex drive), moistens dry tissues of sexual organs, reduces and cures inflammation of sexual organs, and enhances ovulation. Thus, Shatavari is very beneficial for female infertility. It also prevents female miscarriages and prepares the womb for conception.
It is a Menstrual Regulator:
Shatavari is a gynecological tonic which brings balance to the female menstrual cycle. It effectively treats both dysmenorrhoea (Painful periods) and menorrhagia (Menstrual periods with abnormally heavy or prolonged bleeding) and brings regularity to feminine rhythms in a completely natural way. It also targets the nerves and reduces symptoms of emotional irritability, abdominal cramping, headaches etc. Shatavari also helps during Menopause to balance the hormones, and relieve it’s emotional as well as physical symptoms like irritability, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, etc.
Maintains Healthy Levels of Breast Milk Production:
Shatavari root is used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicines to increase the production of breast milk in Lactating Mothers. A hormone called prolactin is responsible for the promotion of milk secretion in lactating mothers. Shatavari has a lactogenic effect because of the important components present in it called Steroidal Saponins. According to a scientific research (links at the bottom of the post), when Shatavari root powder was given to women with deficient breast milk production, it had a positive effect on prolactin hormone levels in lactating mothers. The increase in the prolactin hormone level was 3 times higher in lactating mothers who were given Shatavari root capsules as compared to those who were not on Shatavari. In addition to this, no side effects or toxic effects were observed in lactating mothers who were on Shatavari capsules.
Calming Effect on the Nervous System:
Shatavari is also useful in nourishing and calming the nerves, nourishing the brain and helping to support the brain and the body in regaining balance from vata disorders like spasms, pain, and insomnia.
Promotes Energy Levels and Strength:
It helps improve stamina, energy and endurance levels, particularly in women. It’s natural antioxidant properties help boost immunity, boost energy levels and reduce fatigue.
Releases Stress:
Shatavari is beneficial in the management of stress and inflammatory conditions. The anti-stress properties of Shatavari are due to the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, and saponins. They reduce the production of stress hormones and increase the production of hormones or chemicals that make one feel calm and happy. Hence, Shatavari can be used for managing mental depression and stress. Shatavari also has the general ability to promote normal physical functions and counteract the adverse effects of stress.
Soothing Effect on the Digestive Tract:
As a digestive aid, Shatavari coats and soothes the mucous membranes with its unctuous and sweet qualities, making this herb ideal for balancing the stomach acids. Shatavari also promotes a healthy inflammatory response in the intestines.
Has Natural Antioxidant Properties:
Research has shown that treatment with Shatavari improves antioxidant defenses, increases antioxidant enzymes and reduces the damage caused by free radicals. Hence it acts as anti-aging and also supports the immune system. Also, these antioxidant enzymes protect against the harmful action of free radicals. Free radicals attack the inner lining of the gastric region and thus cause the formation of ulcers.
Shatavari Benefits For Males:
Its unctuous ( Rich, Oily ) properties increase all the reproductive fluids in men. Supporting a healthy sperm count and energy levels. Shatavari can also help balance any excess pitta or vata in the male reproductive system.
These were some of the important Ayurvedic Uses and Benefits of Shatavari for Females. But Shatavari has a rejuvenating effect on both male and female reproductive system. Daily consumption of Shatavari will rejuvenate your body inside out by increasing Ojas. Ojas gives the body strength, vigor, and vitality, and overall juiciness of life! Shatavari is a healthy choice for women of all ages, from daughters to mothers, to grandmothers. Shatavari balances a woman through her life. Shatavari can be taken in either a Powder
. It can also be taken as a Liquid extract.
See if you can find some good quality Shatavari in your local stores. If not, these are some good options I found on Amazon, check them out:
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Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3869575/
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/25fc/e2caf8d5164f7ea15e1b440dc79ff2e7f599.pdf
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027291/
http://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2007/vol3/11_Dhingra.pdf
http://imsear.li.mahidol.ac.th/bitstream/123456789/145269/1/ijeb2012v50n6p419.pdf
