The herb Sathavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a Ayurvedic rejuvenation herb that benefits women’s heath & fertility. Shatavari is helpful in a wide range of feminine disorders from menstrual disorders, to fertility and uterine imbalances. It is also used as a nerve tonic, antiseptic, immuno-stimulant, emollient, diuretic, rejuvenative, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, and anti diarrhoeal.
Origin
It is also known as sathamula because it contains hundreds of roots. This plant grows wild and is cultivated in Asian countries like Sri Lanka, India and African countries. It is a climber growing up to 2 metres in height and extensively branched. Dark green coloured leaves are like needle like, narrowed. The stem is pale grey or brown in colour and arm with strong spines. The roots are tuberous, bearing numerous fusiform, succulent tuberous roots 30-100cm long and 1-2cm thick. Flowers are tiny, white in colour, branched racemes.
The parts used in natural remedies are the roots and leaves.
Properties
Sweet, bitter, heavy, cold and unctuous
Pacifies pitta and vata, promotes kapha
Uses & Properties
- Asparagus roots are mainly used to promote milk secretion and to treat infertility.
- Additional usage include impotence, menopausal symptoms, leucorrhoea, herpes, bleeding, miscarriage, stomach uclers, cough, hyper acidity, nervous disorders, tumours & cysts, burning sensation, chronic fevers and general debility.
- The leaves are used as a leafy gruel for children, pregnant mothers and lactating mothers.
- With regards to menstrual disorders it is helpful with painful, heavy, irregular and no menstruation (amhenorrhea)
- It enhances breast development and increases breast milk production by regulating hormonal balance. Shatavari is a natural herb so it doesn’t cause any harm to the child.
- By pacifying pitta, shatawari is useful in the treatment of auto-immune disorders. It also helps reduce acid reflux, gastritis and other pitta imbalance disorders.
- It is an effective herb in bleeding disorders like bleeding through nose, throat, anus or urinary tract.
- Nourishing for the brain, it helps improves memory and concentration power. Shatavari also support our nervous system and reduces stress.
- By balancing hormones Shatavari can aid in fertility issues as it helps nourish both the foetus and the mother. It may help in cases of miscarriages, abortions and stabilizing pregnancy.
- Shatavari is also benefits men by regulating testosterone levels.
- As a rasayana herb, Shatavari builds immunity and helps maintain a healthy weight.
- Shatavari is high in saponins which are high in antioxidant abilities.
Shatavari Contraindication
Hormone Replacement Therapy. History of oestrogen sensitive cancer: breast or cervical cancer/oestrogen suppressant.
Other herbs that support women’s health and fertility :
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) which help with
- Rejuvenating the reproductive system
- Enhancing fertility
- Enhancing breast milk
- Clearing the reproductive system (avoid during 1st trimester)
Nigella seeds (Nigella sativa)
- For difficult deliveries and to stimulate delivery
- To purify and maintain the good health in the reproductive system after delivery
- Menstrual disorders in particular dysmenorrhoea
- Aphrodisiac: boosts male and female infertility
For dosage and prescription please consult a certified ayurvedic doctor or practitioner.
