Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a well-known herb in Ayurveda, often referred to as the “queen of herbs” due to its numerous health benefits. It is found in tropical and Subtropical regions of India. It is a tall climbing shrub with weak stem. It has adventitious roots that are used for medicinal purposes.
It is recommended by Ayurveda acharyas to improve lactation, fertility in men and women, quality of sleep, immunity, and calmness of mind. It also soothes the stomach.
Texts of Ayurveda describe the properties of this wonder herb as follows
This herb is sweet (Madhura rasa) and bitter ( tikta rasa) to taste. After digestion (vipaka) retains a sweet taste. It is heavy to digest ( guru) and increases the moistness of tissues ( snigdha). It acts as a body coolant ( sheeta veerya). It Balances Vata dosha and Pitta dosha.
Here are some of the health benefits of shatavari, as explained in Ayurveda and also backed by research references:
Boosts Strength, Stamina, and Energy
Shatavari is praised as pushtida in texts of Ayurveda. It is Nutritious and improves the nourishment of body tissues. It helps to rebuild damaged body tissues. It helps to calm mind and reduce stress levels. This helps to slow down the aging process. A calm mind and low stress help people to be creative. Hence ayurveda acharyas address this herb as an intelligence enhancer or “medhya”.
Men with weak stamina, depleted body tissues, sexual strength, low body weight, anxiety, stress, and depression can use this herb along with other herbs. Since it nourishes body tissues and also acts as an antiaging, ayurveda practitioners recommend this for gym goers. It helps to relieve muscle tiredness and increases its bulk.
This herb is used along with other stamina and energy-boosting ayurvedic medicines like ashwagandha, Gokshura (tribulus), Vidarikand (Indian Kudzu), Kapikacchu, shilajit, etc to improve sexual functions in males. Rejunol capsule with shilajit is an Ayurvedic medicine to boost stamina and energy. This capsule contains the most potent stamina and energy-boosting ayurvedic herbs.
Improves Male Fertility
Ayurveda acharyas praise this herb as “Shukrala”, which means it Improves the quality and quantity of sperm and semen in men.
Supports women’s reproductive health:
Shatavari has been traditionally used to support women’s reproductive health. Studies have shown that shatavari can help regulate menstrual cycles and increase fertility in women (1)(2). Since it has pitta cooling properties, it helps to reduce acne and pimple that arise due to pitta imbalance during teenage, pregnancy, and menopause.
Relieves menopausal symptoms:
Shatavari is also known to alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness (3). It helps to reduce tiredness and insomnia (sleeplessness) in women who are experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Increases Breast Milk Secretion
Almost all ayurvedic preparations that are recommended for improving and increasing lactation contain Shatavari as the main ingredient. This herb helps the uterus to contract back slowly to its normal position after childbirth. Apart from boosting lactation it also helps to improve the quality of breast milk due to its nutritive value. This helps the baby to acquire nutrition and immunity.
Improves digestion:
Shatavari has been shown to improve digestion and relieve constipation (4). It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce gut inflammation and improve gut health (5). Excess Pitta causes a burning sensation in the digestive system and can cause indigestion. Since this herb is heavy to digest and has cooling properties, it helps to reduce excess pitta and soothe the digestive system.
Boosts immunity:
Shatavari has immunomodulatory properties, which means it can boost the immune system and help fight infections (6).
Has Anti-cancer properties:
Shatavari has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells (7).
References:
Sharma S, Archana U, Ramesh L, Ravi T. Effect of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) on Mammary Gland and Reproductive Organs of Female Rat. Indian J Clin Biochem. 2011 Oct;26(4):363-7. doi: 10.1007/s12291-011-0167-1. Epub 2011 Oct 29. PMID: 24426215; PMCID: PMC3780689.
Khedikar V, Subramanian P, Prasad GC. Clinical evaluation of the spermatogenic activity of the root extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in oligospermic males: a pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:571420. doi: 10.1155/2013/571420. Epub 2013 Apr 10. PMID: 23662146; PMCID: PMC3631852.
Mishra L, Singh BB, Dagenais S. Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug;5(4):334-46. PMID: 10956379.
Shukla A, Goyal PK, Singh NK, Singh SK. Anti-diarrheal and anti-ulcerogenic activity of Asparagus racemosus willd. roots. J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Sep;82(1):1-9. doi: 10.1016/s0378-8741(02)00156-5. PMID: 12169304.
Choudhary D, Bhattacharyya S, Bose S. Efficacy and safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) root extract in improving memory and cognitive functions. J Diet Suppl. 2017 Nov 2;14(6):599-612. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2017.1284970. Epub 2017 Feb 21. PMID: 28266134.
Prince PS, Menon VP. Antioxidant activity of Asparagus racemosus against damage induced by gamma-radi
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a well-known herb in Ayurveda, often referred to as the “queen of herbs” due to its numerous health benefits. It is found in tropical and Subtropical regions of India. It is a tall climbing shrub with weak stem. It has adventitious roots that are used for medicinal purposes.
It is recommended by Ayurveda acharyas to improve lactation, fertility in men and women, quality of sleep, immunity, and calmness of mind. It also soothes the stomach.
Texts of Ayurveda describe the properties of this wonder herb as follows
This herb is sweet (Madhura rasa) and bitter ( tikta rasa) to taste. After digestion (vipaka) retains a sweet taste. It is heavy to digest ( guru) and increases the moistness of tissues ( snigdha). It acts as a body coolant ( sheeta veerya). It Balances Vata dosha and Pitta dosha.
Here are some of the health benefits of shatavari, as explained in Ayurveda and also backed by research references:
This herb is used along with other stamina and energy-boosting ayurvedic medicines like ashwagandha, Gokshura (tribulus), Vidarikand (Indian Kudzu), Kapikacchu, shilajit, etc to improve sexual functions in males. Rejunol capsule with shilajit is an Ayurvedic medicine to boost stamina and energy. This capsule contains the most potent stamina and energy-boosting ayurvedic herbs.
