Overview and Health Benefits
Soothing, nourishing and balancing, shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine, celebrated for its adaptogenic and rejuvenating properties. Traditionally known as a female tonic, it has been used for centuries to support reproductive health, hormonal balance, and overall vitality. The name “shatavari” translates from Sanskrit as “she who possesses a hundred husbands”: it has been described as the most important sexual and reproductive tonic for women in Ayurvedic medicine (Winston, 2019; McIntyre, 2019). Modern scientific studies have corroborated these traditional uses, highlighting its role in enhancing fertility, reducing menopausal symptoms, and boosting immune function.
Key Benefits:
- Supports reproductive health: Shatavari is known for enhancing fertility, libido and hormonal balance. It has been shown to promote the health of the female reproductive organs and balance hormone levels, making it beneficial for women experiencing fertility issues, or menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness (Winston, 2019; McIntyre, 2019; Sharma & Bhatnagar, 2011). Shatavari’s phytoestrogenic properties help maintain hormonal equilibrium and promote overall reproductive health (Saxena & Chourasia, 2001; Pandey et al., 2005; Winston, 2019).
- Eases menopausal symptoms: Shatavari helps alleviate common menopausal symptoms, providing relief from hot flashes and mood swings. Its cooling properties balance oestrogen levels, offering a natural alternative for managing menopausal discomfort (Sharma & Bhatnagar, 2011).
- Helps increase milk production in lactating mothers: Shatavari has been traditionally acclaimed for its galactagogue properties (ability to increase milk production and milk flow in lactating women), and clinical studies substantiate this (Sharma et al., 1996). Notably, a double-blind randomised clinical trial involving 60 lactating mothers demonstrated a significant increase in prolactin levels, a hormone crucial for milk production, following the administration of Shatavari. The research group exhibited a more than threefold increase in prolactin compared to the control group, correlating with enhanced lactation. Secondary measures, such as maternal and infant weight gain and maternal satisfaction with lactation, also showed significant improvements, confirming the galactagogue effectiveness of Shatavari without notable toxicity (Gupta & Shaw, 2011).
- Boosts immune function: This herb enhances the body’s natural defence mechanisms, making it useful in preventing infections and supporting overall health. It has natural antibacterial activity (Narayanan et al., 2011), it activates helper T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections (Gautam et al., 2009), and it protects cells against oxidative stress (Veena et al., 2014).
- Eases stress: As an adaptogen, Shatavari has a calming effect, alleviating stress and increasing energy, resilience and mental clarity (McIntyre, 2019). It is often prescribed for people with fatigue, poor appetite, anaemia, and chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome (Winston, 2019).
- Promotes digestive health: Shatavari acts as a soothing agent for the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly useful in conditions such as gastritis, acid reflux, and ulcers. The herb’s demulcent properties help to coat the stomach lining, reducing irritation and promoting healing (Sairam et al., 2003; Winston, 2019).
- Supports urinary health: Shatavari has been found to have antibacterial activity against multiple antibiotic-resistant uropathogens (Narayanan et al., 2011). It is a soothing, moistening and cooling mild diuretic, making it helpful in cystitis and urethritis (Winston, 2019; McIntyre, 2019).
Safety Profile
While Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is widely regarded for its therapeutic benefits and generally considered safe, it is important to approach its use with caution. Those experiencing diarrhoea and/or abdominal bloating may want to avoid it so as not to aggravate the condition (Winston, 2019). Studies detect no toxicity or change in organ activity with doses of 50mg/kg (Muralidhar et al., 1993; Rege et al., 1999). As with any herbal remedy, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before using Shatavari, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications.
