In Ayurveda, Shatavari is a highly revered and versatile herb that has been used for thousands of years. Shatavari functions as an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body improve its resistance to stress. It can also help to build general strength and enhance well-being. Read on to learn more about Shatavari benefits in Ayurveda.
Essential Facts about Shatavari
Names
- Botanical: Asparagus racemosus
- Sanskrit: Shatavari
- Hindi: Shatavari
- English: Indian Asparagus, Hundred Roots , Asparagus roots
- Other: Due to the number of benefits it has for the reproductive system – particularly for females – it’s also known as “she who has 100 husbands” or “100 Spouses” as well as “Queen of Herbs” for its ability to promote love and devotion.
Energetics
- Rasa (taste): Sweet, bitter
- Guna (qualities): Heavy, oily
- Virya (action): Cooling
- Vipaka (post-digestive effects): Sweet
- Dosha (constitution): Pacifies pitta and vata, aggravates kapha (an adaptogen like ashwagandha root may be better for kaphas)
Habitat
Shatavari is found throughout Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas and prefers rocky soils high up in elevations of 1,300–1,400 m (4,300–4,600 ft).
Plant Description
Shatavari is a perennial growing 1-2 m or 3-7 feet with straight and curved spikes and white flowers and roots.
Parts Used
Roots and sometimes leaves.
Medicinal Uses of Shatavari Root in Ayurveda
Enhanced reproductive health (female)
Shatavari is an adaptogen, which generally helps fertility. It is most commonly used in Ayurveda to help provide a boost to the female reproductive system and to help combat symptoms of reproductive disorders. Shatavari can also be useful for helping to fight off symptoms of menopause.
Fights oxidation
Shatavari is a rich source of antioxidants and can be considered effective for helping to fight oxidative damage in the body.
Reduces anxiety and balances stress
One of the more common traditional uses for shatavari is helping to ward off anxieties and depression, and balancing stress. While scientific studies in the area are lax in this regard, positive responses have been reported by thousands of people.
Other reports of Shavatari benefits include helping to manage heartburn, digestive issues, UTIs, and immune response.
Usage and Dosage of Shatavari Root
Shatavari root is one of the most commonly used parts of shatavari, though the leaves are also used quite often in Ayurveda. Both the leaves and roots can be found in powder form, capsules, or some sort of liquid extract, like a tincture.
In Ayurveda, the most commonly prescribed form is the powder. This is because, when using powder, the herb itself comes into contact with your taste buds. Tasting a herb is the first step in the digestive process.
Shatavari powder is most commonly mixed with a glass of milk. Those who are not partial to the flavor could mix it with a bit of honey or ghee, both of which will help to carry the beneficial effects of the herb further into your body. You can also take the Ayurvedic tonic, Chyawanprash, which contains Shatavari root.
Reviewed by Dr. Jayant Lokhande, MD (Botanical Drugs), MBA (Biotechnology)
