Herbs have been used as health medicines for a long time. Natural medicines are considered capable of treating every problem related to the body. In this sequence, we are going to give detailed information about a herb which is coined as ‘Queen of Herbs’ or Shatavari.
The herb is known as a general tonic and hormone balancer to raise libido and the health of females. The adaptogenic herb relieves humans not only from physical but emotional stress as well. It works the best for managing diabetes mellitus, in the prevention of high cholesterol, to treat bacterial and fungal infections, infertility in men and women, depression, and even cancer. So, let’s discuss this magical herb.
What Is Shatavari?
This traditional medicine that belongs to our country India hails from the family of Asparagaceae plants, which has its immense importance in Indian Ayurveda. In Sanskrit, Shatavari means ‘the plant having a hundred roots.’ The roots of this plant are infused with medicinal properties and are used to prepare Ayurvedic medicines. The properties of the plant benefit the health of women mainly; hence it is also known as “one with a hundred husbands.” The importance of Shatavari was mentioned in both Rig Veda and Atharva Veda.
Shatavari works mainly to promote fertility and benefit the reproductive system of females. In addition to this property, it is adaptogenic, which helps to regulate the system of the human body and becomes effectively resistant to stress.
The scientific name of Shatavari is Asparagus Racemosus. It is also known as Asparagus, Wild Asparagus, Asparagus Root, Kilwari, Shatapadi, Satamuli, Satavari, Shatavar, Shatamuli, Shatavarmul, and Shatavali.
Botanically, it was first observed in 1799 with extensive health benefits. Shatavari is native not only to India but China, Australia, and Africa too. The type of shrub grows up to the length of 1 to 2 meters. The plant grows in drained, fertile clayey-loam and sandy-loamy soil.
Justifying its name Shatavari, it is a remedy for at least 100 types of medical conditions. For women Shatavari benefits in regularizing their hormones, manages menopause, increases the production of milk in the mother, prevents blood clots, maintains a healthy heart, lowers depression down, and many more things.
Also Read: Health Benefits of Shatavari
Shatavari benefits on Health
Shatavari can treat a wide range of health conditions by taking it in the form of Shatavari powder, Shatavari churna, Shatavari tablets, or in liquid form. The roots of Shatavari offer several health benefits. As per researches, the following health benefits of Shatavari are:
It Improves Female Reproductive Health:
Treating female health conditions is the most common use of Shatavari and has been in practice for many years. It is called a female-friendly herb as it improves conditions such as hormonal imbalances and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). It treats endometriosis, i.e., inflammation of the uterus, and strengthens the reproductive system of females.
There is a very common disorder in women in which white and smelly discharge comes out of their vagina. Shatavari is a potent treatment of leucorrhoea.
By taking asparagus, kidney stones do not enter the urinary tract, which does not cause urinary tract infection. By taking asparagus, frequent urination occurs, it removes the filthiness of the body. Studies have shown that due to the antioxidants and vitamin C and vitamin E in asparagus, kidney stones do not enter the urinary tract.
Eating asparagus smells peculiar and rotten in urine, but it is quite common. Because by eating asparagus, the ammonia and sulfur present in it remove the filthiness of the body, due to which it smells.
Also Read: Hair Loss Treatment That Also Fixes Your Health
Reducing Symptoms Of Menopause
It may reduce the symptoms of the menopausal condition in women. A study had been conducted on 117 women. Women were asked to take A. Racemosus and three other herbs for 12 weeks. Women who took Shatavari showed a reduction in hot flashes and night sweats. However, there was no difference in their hormone levels or overall health.
It Has An Antioxidant Property
Free radicals cause harm to the human body, and it can be prevented by antioxidants. The free radicals are responsible for damaging cells and enhancing the chances of diseases, including cancer. Antioxidants also protect humans against oxidative stress.
It Has An Anti-anxiety Property
Humans can take supplements of Shatavari to fight against anxiety and depression. The plant has such properties. However, no research has been made on humans, though these effects are noticed in rats. As per the Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology study, Shatavari reduces anxiety in rats.
Research published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behaviour in 2009 suggests that Shatavari extract had antidepressant effects in rats.
Also See: Shatavari Nasal Grit
Breastfeeding and pregnancy
Galactagogue is a substance that is responsible for boosting milk production in women, and Shatavari is used to boost that substance. As per the review of authors of The Ochsner Journal, there is mixed evidence to support this fact. On the one hand, one study results in a positive outcome while another showed no such sign.
Research to ensure the claim is needed that a mother should take Shatavari as a supplement to boost milk production or not. Before taking supplements, consult a doctor.
Shatavari Kalpa is useful to boost the production of milk. An ancient ayurvedic concoction of Shatavari and elaichi that not only enhances the production of breast milk but also reduces pain, fatigue, and general weakness in the mother. Shatavari powder for breast milk is also available.
Also Read: Benefits of Shatavari for Women
It Keeps Cancer Away
Asparagus contains glutathione, which removes the filthiness of the body and ends carcinogens. Studies have shown that glutathione is very important for our health. Glutathione increases our immunity. By eating asparagus, we can avoid bone cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer.
All-round inflammation or long-term “oxidative stress” (imbalance of free radicals in our body and antioxidants created to reduce their side effects) are risk factors for many types of cancer. Both of these can be treated by reducing inflammation and using antioxidant-rich foods.
It Controls Blood Pressure
More than 1.3 billion people in the world are dealing with the problem of high BP. High BP is the main risk factor for heart diseases and stroke. According to the study, high BP is reduced by eating more potassium and reducing the amount of salt in the food. Potassium reduces blood pressure in two ways - relaxing the blood vessels and removing more of the salt from the body through urine.
Asparagus is a good source of potassium; eating half a cup of asparagus can provide 6% of your daily potassium requirement. Studies have shown that asparagus also has blood pressure-lowering properties. The researchers believe that this is because asparagus contains a substance that circulates blood vessels.
Medicinal Properties Of Shatavari Strengthens The Bone
Due to low amounts of vitamin K in the body, bones become weak and can also break. Asparagus is rich in vitamin K. One cup of asparagus fulfills half of your day’s vitamin K requirement.
Consumption of Vitamin K in plenty helps in the absorption of calcium in bones. It also reduces the amount of calcium released in the urine, which makes bones healthy and does not cause osteoporosis. Vitamin K does not cause a mineral deficiency in bones, and bones remain strong.
It Helps In Weight Loss
Asparagus helps women in reducing their increased weight during the menstrual cycle. Shatavari has many properties that can help in weight loss. It has very few calories; a cup of asparagus has only 20 calories. This means that you can eat a lot of Shatavari without worrying about calories. It contains 94% water. Studies have shown that eating low calorie and water-rich foods leads to weight loss. Asparagus is high in fiber. Eating more fiber also causes weight loss. Shatavari for weight gain also gives quite impactful results.
It Benefits Men’s Health
It is beneficial for the reproductive system of women as well as for the male reproductive system. The use of asparagus increases the reproductive fluids of men, the development of healthy sperm, and increases masculinity. It is the solution to men’s inflammation and sexual problems.
Shatavari Provides Relief In Diabetes
Shatavari regulates blood glucose levels and provides relief in diabetes. It has anti-inflammatory properties that cure diabetes as well as a chronic disease. It contains chromium minerals, due to which the blood sugar level in the body is balanced. Studies have shown that taking supplements keeps blood sugar levels balanced as well as increases the amount of insulin in the body, and prevents the effects of diabetes.
Shatavari treats the following additional health problems:
Anxiety
Bronchitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Indigestion
Irritable bowel syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome
Alcohol withdrawal
Pain relief
Useful Parts of Shatavari:
- The root
- Root preparation
- Leaves
- Paste
- Powder
Benefits Of Shatavari For Hair
Shatavari plants help in hair growth. There are the following ways by which it helps hair to grow.
- The anti-inflammatory property of Shatavari helps to soothe the scalp. It prevents skin irritation from increasing inflammation, and it promotes the growth of hair.
- Stress is one of the main causes of losing hair, and Shatavari being an Adaptogenic herb, deals with physical and emotional stress, which prevents hair loss.
- Shatavari also strengthens hair. It also helps to maintain the color of hair.
How To Use Shatavari
- Shatavari Juice/ Kashayam
You can take 2-3 teaspoons of Shatavari juice with water in the same amount. Then drink it without eating anything.
- Shatavari Churna/ Powder
You can take one-fourth to half a teaspoon of Shatavari churna and with milk or honey. It can be taken two times a day after lunch and dinner.
- Shatavari Capsule/ Vati
Shatavari capsules can be taken with water or milk two times a day after lunch and dinner. 1-2 Shatavari capsules can be taken.
- Shatavari Syrup
You can take 1-2 tsp of Shatavari Syrup one or two times a day after a small meal.
- Shatavari Tablet/ Vati
1-2 Shatavari tablets can be consumed with water or milk two times a day, taking lunch and dinner.
- Shatavari Paste/ Avaleha
Shatavari paste can be taken with water. One-fourth to a half teaspoon is sufficient.
The best way to take this herb is in powder form because by placing this herb on the tongue, digestion starts, and the body starts getting signals to start this process. It can be taken in tablet form and also in liquid form. Jams can also be made by mixing it in jaggery and can also be taken by adding ghee.
- Shatavari is one of the active ingredients used in Traya hair loss treatment.
Side Effects Of Shatavari
The research about Shatavari plants is not sufficient, and due to little knowledge, not many know the side effects of Shatavari. This ayurvedic medicine is related to asparagus, so humans allergic to asparagus should avoid this.
There are many benefits of Shatavari but use this herb with caution because if you are using diuretic medicines, then this drug can reduce the effect of those medicines. If this drug is consumed in excess, then it can cause heart and kidney disorders. This is the reason why the use of asparagus is recommended only after the doctor’s suggestion.
Shatavari can cause the following problems:
- Gas
It contains a carbohydrate called refinoz. Its yeast is made in the stomach to digest it. During this action, gas is produced.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
It balances hormonal levels and has been used for birth control for quite some time. Normal amounts during pregnancy and breastfeeding are considered safe. But to take it as medicine, first, consult a doctor.
- Allergies
People who are allergic to onion or its type may also be allergic to asparagus. And being allergic to it, the person may feel:
Breathing difficulties
Itchy skin
Itchy eyes
A rapid heart rate
Dizziness
- Kidney stones
Asparagus contains purine. Purine is the body that breaks down to form uric acid, which can increase the amount of purine in the body. People who have uric acid problems such as kidney stones or gout should not eat Shatavari. Such people should not eat purine-rich food.
The chemical components of Shatavari which bestow the medicinal plant its amazing properties are steroidal saponins or shatavarins, oligosaccharides, mucilage, sterols like sitosterols, isoflavones, alkaloids, flavonoids like rutin and quercetin.
