What is Shatavari?

Shatavari or Asparagus racemosus is an Ayurvedic medicinal herb, plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of physical and emotional stress. It is an important ayurvedic medicine, known for vitality and other important health benefits. It may be taken in powder, liquid, tea, and tablet forms. If Ashwagandha is considered as the “ King of Ayurvedic herbs” in the same way Shatvari is known as “Queen of Ayurvedic herbs”. Besides other benefits, it is good for the overall health of the reproductive system. Shatavari is comprised of two words: Shat means  ‘hundred’ and avar means below. Its literal meaning is a hundred roots.

 10 Wonder Benefits of Shatavari

1.     Packed with antioxidants: Shatavari is having antioxidants like Saponins, Asparagamine A, and recemosol. All these antioxidants help to prevent free radicals and also fight against oxidative stress thereby prevent from diseases and disorders.

2.     Anti-inflammatory: Shatavari contains racemofuran, which is an anti-inflammatory biochemical compound, helps to reduce inflammation in the body without disturbing the digestive process.

3.     Boosts immune system:  Shatavari is used as an immunity booster in Ayurveda since ancient times. The eating of the medicinal herb helps to increase the antibodies in the body thus helps you to protect from cough, cold, flu, and other seasonal viral and bacterial diseases.

4.     Effective diuretics: Diuretics help to flush out excess fluid from the body. In many research on mice, it has been confirmed that the use of Shatavari is good to remove excess water from the body, especially fluid around the heart. Thus, it acts as a diuretic agent.

5.     Treats ulcers: A study conducted on rats wherein it has been confirmed that Shatavari was effective in treating gastric ulcers like ranitidine.

6.     Helps to treat kidney stones: Kidney stones are comprised of oxalate, which is found in spinach, beets, and french fries. While releasing these compounds through urine, causes excess pain. Shatavari root extract helps to prevent the formation of oxalate in rats.  Simultaneously, it helps in the formation of magnesium, which reduces the chances of accumulation of stones in the kidney. 

7.     Lowers sugar levels: Because of the presence of certain compounds, Shatavari stimulates insulin production thereby helpful in maintaining sugar level in the body.

8.     Treats anti-aging: The use of this ayurvedic medicinal herb is quite effective in treating anti-aging. It contains phytochemicals called saponins, which fight free radicals thus prevent your skin from wrinkles and pimples. The herb root also prevents the breakdown of collagen thus beneficial in maintaining skin elasticity.

9.     Treats depression: The antioxidants present in Shatavari have powerful impacts on minimizing the impact of depression as seen in rodents. Thus, it is used as antidepressant drugs. They also affect neurotransmitters, which are linked with depression.

10.  Improves female reproductive health: A studies published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy in 2018 wherein it has been shown that it improves the conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOD) and hormonal imbalances.

 10 amazing medicinal uses of Shatavari

1.     It is an excellent medicinal herb for women.

The use of it helps in menopause by reducing hot flashes and night sweats.

3.     It helps to combat diarrhea.

4.     It is used to increase breast milk production.

5.     It also helps in the production of sperm.

6.     It is used as nervine sedative to calm the nervous system.

7.     It is used to lessen anger and irritability thereby calming the body and mind.

8.     It is used as demulcent, which brings moisture to the body organs.

9.     It is used to apply topically to soothe the sore joints.

10.  It is used to have a balance in Vata and Pitta constitutions.

 How to use Shatavari?

Though, many scientific studies have been conducted on mice and rodents for the health benefits of Shatavari or Asparagus racemosus. As far as human beings are concerned, the standardization of drugs needs to be established. However, 4-5 milliliters of Asparagus racemosus may be taken trice a day as per the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor. Similarly, tea may also be recommended to be part of medicinal benefits. The medicinal herb is available in powder, tablet, and liquid forms. A normal dose of Shatavari tablet is 500 milligrams, twice a day. It is better to have a consultation with a health expert to include Shatavari in the dosage.

 Side effects of Shatavari

Though, its use is safe, however, some precaution should be taken in regards like

1.     Pregnant women should avoid it.

2.     Breastfeeding mother shouldn’t use it.

3.     If you have allergy, it is better to skip Shatvari or its products.

4.     Asthmatic patients should also avoid it.  

5.     Since it is diuretic, therefore shouldn’t be clubbed with other diuretic drugs.

6.     Diabetes patients should also take it after the consultation of a physician.