Shatavari - Asparagus racemosus

Shatavari, Asparagus racemosus, is a climbing plant which grows in low jungles areas throughout India. This sweet and bitter herb is particularly balancing to Pitta Dosha.

In India, Shatavari is considered the women's equivalent to Ashwagandha. The name translates to "she who possesses 100 husbands", referring to the herbs rejuvanitive effect upon the female reproductive organs. In Australia the herb is more often used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and as an external wash for wounds.

The healing qualities of Shatavari are useful to a wide array of ailments. It is well known for it effects on the female reproductive system. It is also effective in a number of other systems of the body and is therefore of use to both men and women.

Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus
Sanskrit: Shatavari
Hindi: Shatavari
English: Indian Asparagus, Hundred Roots , Asparagus roots
Chinese:Tian men dong
Family: Asparagaceae
Effect on the Doshas: Vata: - Pitta: - Kapha: +
Rasa (Taste) : Madhura (sweet) ,Tikta (bitter)
Virya (Energy): shita (cold)
Vipak (Post-Digestive Action): madhura

Parts Used
Roots (Rhizomes), Shatavari root powder and leaves.

Properties
Nutritive tonic, rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, galactogogue laxative antispasmodic, Antacid diuretic antitumor demulcent

Indications

• Shatavari is perhaps best known as a female rejuvanitive. It is useful for infertility, decreased libido, threatened miscarriage, menopause, leucorrhea and has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area. Dry membranes, such as those on the vaginal wall, are also brought into balance through the herbs demulcent action.
• Men may benefit from the herb as well in the treatment of impotence and general sexual debility. In addition to it's applications for reproductive organs, Shatavari is also quite effective for stomach ulcers, hyperacidity and diarrhea. Dry and irritated membranes in the upper respiratory tract are soothed by this herb making it useful in cases of bronchitis and chronic fevers. It is believed to bring into balance all of the body's fluids.

Medicinal Uses

• The most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for women
• Used internally for infertility, loss of libido, threatened miscarriage, menopausal problems. It both nourishes and cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs. It is a good food for menopause or for those who have had hysterectomies, as it supplies many female hormones. It nourishes the ovum and increases fertility. This herb is known to increase Sattva, or positivity and healing power. It also enhances the feelings of spiritual love, and increases Ojas.
• The male reproductive system will also benefit from Shatavari. It may be used in cases of sexual debility, impotence, spermatorrhea, and inflammation of sexual organs.
• Useful for hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, dysentery, and bronchial infections.

Shatavari Benefits / Benefits of Shatavari:

• Shatavari supports reproductive health by toning and nourishing the female reproductive organs
• Shatavari maintains healthy hormonal balance
• Shatavari treats PMS symptoms by relieving pain and controlling blood loss during menstruation.
• Shatavari supports normal production of breast milk for nursing mothers
• Shatavari relieves menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. By producing estrogens it makes up for low estrogen levels in women who are menopausal or have had hysterectomies or oophorectomies
• Used in India as a best-known and most often-used herb for women
• Shatavari supports normal function of the immune and digestive system
• Shatavari also increases libido