What is Shatavari?

Shatavari is also known as Asparagus racemosus. Asparagus racemosus is a species of asparagus common throughout India and the Himalayas. It is a type of adaptogenic herb, which are said to help your body cope with physical and emotional stress.

What are the benefits of shatavari?

Ayurvedic practitioners use it for nervous disorders, inflammation and certain infectious diseases. A. racemosus is a well known Ayurvedic medicine to prevent the negative effects of ageing to increase longevity, impart immunity and improve mental function [i].

A nourishing adaptogen

As a nourishing adaptogen, fertility tonic, and nervous system restorative, it protects essential reproductive functions. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are largely associated with fluids that are connected to our yin energy. Herbs that nourish Yin energy balance the restless activity in our bodies. Shatavari naturally nourishes and rejuvenates our inward kidney Qi [ii].

A tonic

Shatavari is demulcent in nature, this means it offers soothing support for dry, inflamed tissue membranes in not only the kidneys but also the lungs, stomach and sexual organs [iii].

The roots are said to be a tonic and stimulate urination, this effect has been confirmed in animal studies [iv]. Increased urination may is useful for lowering blood pressure by lowering blood fluid volume. It may also be beneficial to the kidneys to reduce the toxic load. Shatavari also has ulcer healing boosting effects, though to be via strengthening the mucosal layer resistance and through protection of cells [v]. Such effects were seen in animal studies on stomach ulcers [vi].

Female health benefits

Shatavari means “who possesses a hundred husbands or acceptable to many”. It is considered both a general tonic and a female reproductive tonic [vii]. The two main texts on Ayurvedic medicines, list Asparagus racemosus as part of the formulas for women's health disorders [viii]
[ix]. It is also used to increase the flow of breastmilk in nursing mothers [x].

As a uterine tonic and menstrual regulator, shatavari helps support healthy menstrual cycles and helps to ease painful symptoms associated with menstruation muscle cramps[xi].

Antioxidant rich

Antioxidants help prevent free-radical cell damage. They also battle oxidative stress, which causes disease. Shatavari is high in saponins. Saponins are compounds with antioxidant abilities. A new antioxidant called racemofuran was identified within shatavari root. Two known antioxidants, asparagamine A and racemosol, were also found [xii]. Racemofuran acts similarly in the body as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors. These types of drugs are thought to reduce inflammation without serious digestive side effects [xiii]. Shatavari also helped prevent collagen breakdown due to the saponin content, collagen helps maintain the elasticity of the skin [xiv].

Balancing blood sugar

According to a 2007 study, shatavari may help maintain blood sugar levels. It is thought compounds within the herb stimulate insulin production, although the mechanism of why this happens is yet unclear [xv].

Typical use of shatavari

Shatavari is available in powder, tablet, and liquid forms. A typical dose of shatavari tablets is 500 milligrams, up to twice daily. A typical dose of shatavari extract is 30 drops in water or juice, up to three times daily. Talk to your doctor or a natural health practitioner before incorporating shatavari in your routine, especially if you take medications or have health problems. They can help you determine the right dose for you.

Precautions for use

Although shatavari is considered a quite safe and gentle adaptogenic herb, in instances of excessive mucus production and congestion in your system, shatavari could be avoided as it may aggravate symptoms.