Asparagus racemosus, commonly known as Shatavari, is a versatile and highly revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Belonging to the Asparagaceae family, this perennial climbing plant is native to India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of Southeast Asia. The name Shatavari translates to “one who possesses a hundred roots” or “she who possesses a hundred husbands,” highlighting its extensive root system and its profound connection to female health and vitality.
The herb’s roots are the primary part used in medicinal formulations, containing a wealth of bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids
Latin Name: Asparagus racemosus
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Shatavari
- Bengali: Shotmuli
- Tamil: Thanneervittan kilangu
- Telugu: Pilli gaddha
- Kannada: Majjige gida
- Malayalam: Satavari
- Marathi: Shatavari
- Gujarati: Shatavari
- Punjabi: Shatavari
Sanskrit Name: शतावरी (Shatavari)
The name Shatavari translates to “she who possesses a hundred husbands,” symbolizing its ability to nourish and support the reproductive and hormonal health of women.
Asparagus Racemosus Ayurvedic Description
Satawer also known as shatavari holds a revered place in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative tonic (Rasayana) that balances all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), with a primary focus on calming Pitta and Vata. It is especially prized for its effects on the reproductive, digestive, and respiratory systems.
Rasa (Taste):
- Madhura (Sweet)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Virya (Potency):
- Shita (Cooling)
Vipaka (Post-digestive Effect):
- Madhura (Sweet)
Guna (Qualities):
- Bhari (Heavy)
- Snigdha (Unctuous)
Benefits of Asparagus Racemosus-Shatavari
Hormonal balance and Reproductive Health
Shatavari is a versatile herb with wide-ranging benefits for the body and mind. Its adaptogenic, nourishing, and balancing properties make it a valuable addition to holistic health care.
- For Women: Shatavari supports menstrual health, eases premenstrual and menopausal symptoms, and enhances fertility. Its estrogenic properties make it a natural remedy for hormonal imbalances.
- For Men: It improves sperm quality, count, and overall reproductive health.
Digestive Support
Shatavari soothes the digestive tract and alleviates conditions such as acidity, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its cooling nature helps to pacify Pitta-related digestive issues.
Immunity & Vitality
This herb strengthens the immune system by promoting white blood cell activity and acts as a general tonic to increase energy and vitality.
Respiratory Health
Shatavari is beneficial for managing respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, cough, and colds, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
Mental Helath & Stress
Shatavari has adaptogenic properties, helping the body cope with physical and mental stress. It calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and supports cognitive functions.
Skin and Hair Health
The herb is known to nourish the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote hair growth. Its antioxidant properties help combat free radical damage.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
Shatavari contains saponins, which exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, making it useful in managing chronic inflammatory conditions.
Medicinal Qualities of Shatavari
Vrushya : Asphoridisiac gives nourishment to the body
Kshayjit : Helpful in chronic respiratory problems such as tuberclosis.
Asrajit : Useful in blood disorder.
Vyasthapni, Rasayanvara : One of the best ayurvedic medicine which is having anti-ageing property.
Shukral : Improves quality of semen, sperm and ovum.
Medhya : Improves memory and concentration.
Chakshuya : Helps to improve eyesight and useful in eye disorder.
Garbhpradha: Relieves infertility.
Shophajit : Reduces swelling and inflammation.
Atisarjit: Useful in managing diarrhea
Sprouts of Asparagus Racemosus- Shatavri Ankur
Shatavari ankur are bitter in taste, asphiridisiac,light and useful for heart health.
These sprouts (ankur) are helpful in balanacing tridosha that is Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
Useful in diseases like Vatarakth (Gout), Arsh( Piles), Kshay ( Tuberclosis) and Sangrahani ( IBS).
How to use Satawar
Shatavari can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Satawar Powder (Churna): Mixed with milk or warm water, often with a pinch of cardamom for taste.
- Capsules or Tablets: Asparagus racemosus capsules or tablets are convenient for daily supplementation.
- Liquid Extract: Taken as per dosage instructions for concentrated benefits.
- Decoction: Prepared by boiling the asparagus racemosus satawar root in water, useful for digestive or respiratory issues.
Cautions And Contraindications
While Shatavari ( asparagus racemosus)is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause:
- Indigestion or heaviness in individuals with weak digestion (Kapha dominance).
- Allergic reactions in rare cases.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does shatavari take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly shatavari work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been adviced with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Home Remedies of Shatavari
To Increase Breast Milk : Take cow milk 100ml add water 100ml and Shatavari root 10gms to it. Boil this milk till it reduces to half ( 100ml). Drinking this milk daily helps to enhance milk production in the breast for feeding.
In Hyperacidity : Shatavari root powder 2 gms and add 10 ml of ghee ( clarified butter) to it .Consume this mixture before meals two times daily helps to relieve hyperacidity.
Unlock the Ayurvedic secret to treat acidity permanently
For Blood Purification : Take fresh shatavari root 100gms add 4 liter of water to it and boil it till it reduces to one liter. Now add 900 grams of mishri ( candy sugar) to it and make Sharbat ( sweet juice) from it. Now add herbs like nutmeg ( jayphal), mace spice ( javitri), cardomen powder , nagkeshar powder to this sharbat.
Consuming this sharbat in 20ml quantity along with cow’s milk for 42 days will help to overcome skin problems like acne, rashes, urticaria .
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is main ingriedients in following medicines
Shatavari ghrut : A medicted herbal ghee used in treating gastritis of vata-pitta origin. Also helpful in urinary tract infection and stone.
Shatvaryadi churna : A combination of herbs with asparagus racemosus as main herb. It is used in stress, fatigue and weakness.
Narasimha churna : A herbal powder mix useful in increasing sperm count, low libido and chronic respiratory diseases.
Conclusion
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, revered for its rejuvenative and balancing properties. Whether for reproductive health, stress relief, or overall vitality, Shatavari continues to be a trusted herb for promoting health and well-being in a natural and holistic way.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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