Shatavari is also known as Asparagus racemosus. It is a member of the asparagus family and is native to Africa, Australia, China, India and particular parts of Asia. It’s also an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogenic herbs are said to assist your body cope with emotional and physical stress.

Shatavari in Sanskrit means “the plant with hundred roots” owing to the roots of this natural herb that are enriched with medicinal attributes and are generally used in the production of diverse ayurvedic formulations.

Shatavari is considered a common health tonic to improve vitality, making it a key Ayurvedic medicine. Visualized as the “Queen of Herbs”, Shatavari has been used for centuries as a general tonic and a hormone balancer to uplift female health and libido.

Common Names

The herb is known by various names in different parts of the world. Some of the common names of Shatavari include Asparagus-fern,Indian Asparagus, Sataver White, Satawari, Buttermilk Root, Sparrow Grass, Water Root, Wild Carrot, Mang Tay andSataver Yellow.

Ayurvedic Synonyms

The integrated science of Ayurveda identifies the plant by the names Shatapadi, Satamuli, Indavari, Satavirya, Narayani, Bahusuta, Atirasa, Dveepika, Urdhvakantakaetc.

Chemical Components of Shatavari

Shatavari, the medication of hundred diseases, is blessed with a diversity of phytochemicals that not only secures your immune system but also protects your body against a huge number of infections and boosts your overall health and well-being. The active components present in Shatavari also help in aiding carcinogenic (having the potential to cause cancer) conditions. These favorable chemical components include steroidal saponins known as shatavarins, mucilage, alkaloids, isoflavones, flavonoids like quercetinand rutin, and sterols such as sitosterols.

Apart from the bioactive components, the plant parts are also inspired with an amazing source of healthy minerals and nutrients such as copper, manganese, cobalt, potassium, zinc, calcium, selenium and magnesium. Besides containing vitamins like Vitamin A and ascorbic acid, the plant also shows presence of essential fatty acids like gamma-linolenic acidthat hold high importance in aiding conditions like hypercholesteremia, depression, heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.

Health Benefits 

Antioxidant Features

Antioxidants help prevent free radical cell harm. They also tackle oxidative stress, which causes disease. Shatavari is rich in saponins. Saponins are components with antioxidant powers. According to a 2004 study, a new antioxidant called racemofuran was identified within Shatavari root. Two known antioxidants – asparagamine Aand racemosol– were also found.

Anti-Inflammatory Attributes

Racemofuran, which is found in Shatavari, also has potent anti-inflammatory abilities. According to the book Medicinal Cookery: How Can You Benefit from Nature’s Pharmacy, racemofuran acts likewise in your body as prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.

Supports Your Immune System

Shatavari is used in Ayurveda as an immunity booster. According to a research conducted in 2004, people treated with Shatavari root extract had higher antibodies to a strain of whooping cough when compared to untreated people. The treated people recovered faster and had elevated health overall. This suggested a developed immune response. 

Helps Relieve Cough

According to a research conducted in 2000, Shatavari root juice is a natural cough remedy in West Bengal, India. Researchers assessed its cough-relieving capabilities in coughing patients. They found Shatavari root extract stopped cough as well as the prescribed cough medicine.

May Assist Treat Diarrhea

Shatavari is used as a popular medication for diarrhea. Diarrhea may cause major problems, such as electrolyte imbalance and dehydration. According to a 2005 study review, Shatavari helped stop castor oil-incited diarrhea.

May Help Treat Ulcers

Ulcers are sores in your stomach, esophagus, or small intestine. They may be very hurtful. They can cause grave complications, such as perforation or bleeding.

According to a 2005 study review, Shatavari was efficient at medicating gastric ulcers.

May Treat Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys. As they pass through your urinary tract, they may cause intense pain. Most kidney stones are made of oxalates. Oxalates are components found in some foods, such as beets, spinach, and French fries.

In a 2005 study, Shatavari root extract helped prevent the formation of oxalate stones in humans. It also increased magnesium concentration in urine. Adequate levels of magnesium in your body are thought to help obstruct the development of crystals in the urine that form kidney stones.

May Help Maintain Blood Sugar

Type 2 diabetes is on the rise, as is the necessity more effective, safer treatments. According to a 2007 study review, Shatavari can assist maintain blood sugar levels. It is thought components within the herb stimulate insulin production. Researchers suggest that understanding how Shatavari impacts blood sugar may hold the key to the cultivation of new diabetes medications.

How to Use

According to an article published in the Journal of the American Herbalists Guide, these doses may prevent kidney stones:

• A tea made from 1 teaspoon powdered Shatavari root and 8 ounces of water, twice daily.
• 4-5 ml of Shatavari root tincture, three times daily.

Shatavari is available in tablet, liquid, and powder forms. A particular dose of Shatavari tablets is 500 mgs, up to twice daily. A typical dose of Shatavari extract is 30 drops in juice or water, up to three times daily. 

The Takeaway

Shatavari has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is safe to consume it in small amounts, and doing so will allow you to attain its antioxidants and immune boosting benefits.

Talk to your doctor or natural health practitioner before including Shatavari in your routine, especially if you have health conditions or take medications. They can help you designate the right dosage for you, as well as answer any questions you may have.