Amazing Shatavari Health Benefits for Women

High in the Himilayan mountains of India grows a lovely plant with delicate white flowers. It’s unique roots are said to have near-miraculous anti-aging, rejuvenation, and health-giving properties for women. 

The Shatavari root has been an Ayurvedic staple to support women through every stage of their lives. Traditionally, the Shatavari root has been used to support a healthy menstrual cycle, manage the symptoms of PMS, and ease the transition into menopause with its estrogen-mimicking properties (2).

For thousands of years, the Shatavari root (known as Asparagus racemosus to the scientific community) has been a staple in the Ayruvedic medicine cabinet. 

Traditionally,  it’s primary use has been to support women’s reproductive health.  But the benefits of Shatavari for women go way beyond that which is why it is often referred to as the ”Queen of Herbs” in Ayurvedic medicine.

Shatavari actually offers a very wide array of benefits for the entire body.

Throughout the centuries, the herb has been traditionally used to:

• Maintain youthfulness (including youthful skin)
• Increase strength and stamina
• Support the immune system
• Relieve stress and anxiety
• Enhance cognitive abilities, intelligence and mental clarity
• Soothe the nervous system and create calmness
• Reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body
• Relieve depression
• Alleviate both constipation and  diarrhea
• Support functioning of the respiratory system 
• Balance all the body’s hormones
• Relieve ulcers
• Nourish and bring homeostasis to the entire body

While Ayurvedic doctors say the plant restores balance to the body due to its innate qualities, scientists are now beginning to study the tremendous benefits of the shatavari roots. Here are some of the benefits of Shatavari that are supported by modern science.

Perhaps one of the most studied benefits of A. racemosus has to be its impact on female reproductive health throughout every stage of life which includes: supporting a healthy menstrual cycle, healthy pregnancies, and  easing the transition into menopause and beyond.

The roots of the Shatavari have been found to contain phytoestrogens which help to balance female hormones and relieve PMS, as well as the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain. (5)

Shatavari has also been shown to improve polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (5).

2. Healthy Stress Response

As a stress-modulating adaptogen herb, Shatavari helps improve the body’s resistance to all types of stress.  Traditionally, Shatavari was also used to combat anxiety and depression, and modern science has since verified its anti-anxiety effects (5).

Shatavari may also help alleviate symptoms associated with stress such as fatigue and exhaustion and increase your ability to withstand both physical and psychological stress. (4)

3. Antioxidant Properties and Immune Boosting Benefits

Shatavari is rich in antioxidants particularly racemofuran, asparagamine A and racemol (6). These antioxidants can help prevent free-radical cellular damage by combating oxidative stress.

 As a result, this amazing plant can help combat aging and the diseases of aging.

4. Kidney and Bladder Health

Shatavari, like its relative asparagus, is a safe and a natural diuretic (1). Diuretics help your body eliminate excess fluid. 

Shatavari has also been shown to have benefits for urinary tract problems. In addition shatavari may prevent and reduce the size of kidney stones (9)

5. Prevention and Treatment of Ulcers

Shatavari may assist in the treatment and prevention of ulcers. Shatavari does this by strengthening and prolonging the life of mucosal cells, (8)

6. Support of  Healthy Digestion and Relief from Diarrhea

Researchers have discovered that Shatavari is a natural remedy for diarrhea. Flavonoids in Shatavari reduce the frequency of stools and may help slow dehydration. (8)

Shatavari is a great source of phytochemicals that can promote good health and strengthen immunity. The plant also has an abundance of zinc, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.  In addition, Shatavari contains a good quantity of essential fatty acids and vitamin A.

As a result of its strong nutritional profile,  Shatavari may aid in the treatment of arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease (1).

In its powdered form, Shatavari can easily be blended into your smoothies, or mixed into a warm cup of milk or other liquids.  However, due to it’s not-so-pleasant taste, many people prefer  to take it in capsule form. 

For best results and increased effectiveness, it is suggested taking Shatavari in combination with other adaptogen herbs. Doing so will allow your body to more readily reap its abundant antioxidant, adaptogenic, and immune-boosting benefits.

If you happen to be allergic to asparagus, it’s best to avoid Shatavari.  

• Powerfully supports women’s reproductive health
• Known for its soothing, nourishing and rejuvenating properties
• Balances female hormones, reduces PMS
• Helps the menopause transition, reducing hot flashes & night sweats
• A natural diuretic; helps prevent urinary tract problems & infections
• Helps the body deal with stress, has anti-anxiety effects
• Has antioxidant, anti-stress and anti-inflammatory benefits

References

1. Alok, Shashi, et al. "Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A review." Asian Pacific journal of tropical disease 3.3 (2013): 242-251.
2. Sharma, K., & Bhatnagar, M. (2011). Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): a versatile female tonic. International journal of pharmaceutical and biological archives, 2(3), 855-863.
3. Selvaraj, Kalaivani, et al. "Asparagus Racemosus-a review." Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 10.1 (2019): 87-89.
4. Kumar, S., Mehla, R. K., & Dang, A. K. (2008). Use of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) as a galactopoietic and therapeutic herb–a review. Agricultural Reviews, 29(2), 132-138.
5. Pandey, Ajai K., et al. "Impact of stress on female reproductive health disorders: Possible beneficial effects of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)." Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 103 (2018): 46-49.
6. Wiboonpun, N., et al. (2004). Identi?cation of antioxidant compound from Asparagus racemosus. Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives, 18(9), 771-773.
7. Goyal, R. K., J. Singh, and Harbans Lal. "Asparagus racemosus-an update." Indian journal of medical sciences 57.9 (2003): 408-414.
8. Sarasyati Ayurveda: https://www.saraswatiayurveda.com/blog/2019/9/8/shatavari
9. Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027291/