Benefits of Shatavari, its uses, side effects, and more

Shavatari can be defined as a rasayana, herb, or healing agent that our ancestors have used for healing and wellness purposes for thousands of years and more. Loaded with many healthy properties, it can be used in several ways. Shatavari powder (churna), juice (rasa), syrup, face masks, extract, tablet, or capsule are some of the common ways of using it.

What is Shatavari?

Shatavari, in simple language, can be defined as a climbing plant that holds high significance in Ayurvedic preparations, herbal remedies, and medicine formulations. Although used as a prime ingredient in healing mixtures in ancient times, Shatavari’s importance was getting hidden in the modernized world. However, with rising awareness and online sources uncovering the Shatavari uses, benefits, and its usage, people worldwide have started to incorporate this magical herb into their daily lives once again.

Shatavari Scientific Name & Synonyms

The scientific name of Shavatari is Asparagus racemosus. But in English, we commonly call it Indian Asparagus or Asparagus. In India, it is known by different names according to the different regions and languages. A brief about the other popular names of Shatavari in India is given below:

Source of Shavatari

Shatavari is sourced from the dried, finger-like tuberosus roots of the Asparagus racemosus plant, also called the Shatavari plant. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found in regions across Asia and Africa, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, and Australia.

The roots covered with soil are dug and, thereafter, completely washed off. In the whole plant of Shatavari, these roots are the actual medicinal parts. Now, the washed root’s outer layer is peeled off and then separated to dry under direct sunlight for a few days. Once they are completely dried, they become ready for consumption.

Significance of Shavatari in Boosting Female Reproductive Health

Shavatari is called the “queen of herbs,” and it has wonderful female health-boosting effects and healing properties. It would not be wrong to call it the “herbs of the queen”. Here’s a brief about the benefits of Shatavari for female health betterment:

1. Hormonal balance: Shatavari plant contains phytoestrogens. These are the compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body and help regulate hormone levels.  

2. Strengthens the uterus: Shatavari benefits by acting as a uterine tonic, which assists in the nourishment and strengthening of the uterine lining. This helps to increase the possibilities of conception and prevent miscarriages.

3. Regulates menstruation: Being Pitta-Shamak in nature and a good source of anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, Shatavari helps to regulate irregular menstrual cycles. Additionally, its usage can also be beneficial to manage heavy bleeding, cramps, bloating, and mood swings etc.

4. Supports postpartum recovery: Well, if you are a new mother or have recently given birth, then Shatavari can help you regain your lost energy and vitality. Additionally, Shavatari for female health betterment also includes using it as a natural remedy to increase breast milk production in nursing moms.

5. Helps with menopause: The ideal usage of shavatari helps mitigate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Also, it combats vaginal dryness by nourishing and moisturizing the mucous membranes.
   
   

When should ladies avoid taking Shatavari?

1. If they are allergic to asparagus or shatavari.

2. If they are dealing with hormone-sensitive problems, such as uterine fibroids.

3. If you are on any kind of medications or health supplements that contradict shatavari consumption.

4. Lastly, avoid it if you are pregnant.

Health Benefits of Shatavari

Doubtlessly, Shatavari is a wonderful female health-boosting agent. But don’t underestimate it, as the list of Shatavari benefits is quite wide. Below is a brief description of the potential benefits of Shatavari as shared by the experts at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda:

1. Boosts the immune system: Shatavari, after getting inside your body, works as a natural adaptogen that helps your body cope with stress. It stimulates the immune cells inside your system, which eventually enhances the production of healthy antibodies.
   

   

   This increased and strengthened immune system enables your body to fight harmful external toxins that might have entered the body via viral infections or bacteria.

2. Supports hormonal balance: Hormonal fluctuation is the prime factor responsible for female problems, such as PCOD, PCOS, mood swings, pimples, facial hair growth, etc. In such conditions, Shatavari is believed to be a panacea.
   

   

   Shatavari powder uses its inherited adaptogenic and phytoestrogenic properties to balance hormonal levels (especially estrogen). Additionally, it is also helpful for managing stress-induced hormonal imbalances and nourishing the overall reproductive system.

3. Enhances fertility & strength: Shatavari root benefits both men and women who are dealing with infertility issues. Firstly, it is helpful for hormonal regulation, which is a crucial aspect for reproductive health.
   

   

   Additionally, Shatavari also ensures smooth ovulation and creates a favourable environment for a fertilised egg to implant. In men, it’s intake improves the sperm quality, quantity, and overall health. Lastly, it also helps them to regain their lost libido, energy, vitality, and physical strength.

4. Relieves digestive issues: Well, Shatavari is quite cooling in nature. An appropriate dosage of Shatavari powder benefits your digestive health in several possible ways. Firstly, it delivers healthy enzymes that soothe your digestive tract, and further, it also prevents possible inflammation, irritation, and infections.
   

   

   If we go by Ayurvedic textbooks, then Shatavari also strengthens the paachan agni (digestive fire), leading to better digestion without any kind of pitta aggravation. Furthermore, the shatavari plant can also help if you are dealing with diarrhea, stomach ulcers, or hyperacidity.

5. Helpful for your respiratory system: Shatavari powder uses its anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-bacterial properties to enhance the respiratory health of an individual.
   

   

   Firstly, it will work as a natural expectorant that removes the phlegm and mucus from the respiratory passages, providing relief from congestion. Additionally, cooling, soothing, and healing effects can help with problems such as cold, cough, sore throat, or irritation, etc.

6. Assist weight management: Taking Shatavari churna or tablet alone can not be called your perfect weight loss partner. However, by targeting the actual root causes of obesity, such as poor digestion, hormonal imbalance, and stress, Shatavari can significantly contribute to your entire weight loss journey.

   

   Being rich in dietary fiber, Shatavari will keep you feeling full for longer and prevent you from unnecessary cravings, munching, or overeating. Additionally, this herb has diuretic traits that flush waste and excess fluids, and toxins throughout the body.

7. Natural stress buster: Shatavari, with the help of its adaptogenic effects, delivers calming and positive effects on your nervous system. Those who are dealing with stress, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, or any other cognitive issues can surely add shatavari to their routine.
   

   

   The individuals who have incorporated it into their daily regimen have also admitted that they feel better and way more energetic than before, and their sleeping pattern has also improved a lot.

Ways to consume Shatavari

Well, you can use the Shatavari herb in multiple ways. Some individuals prefer taking Shatavari powder with warm water, while others add the extract of this herb to make Shatavari herbal tea. Others
simply add it to their routine meals, juice, or smoothies. Below are some possible ways in which you can use Shatavari:

1. With warm milk or honey: Add 1 tablespoon of Shatavari churna to a glass of warm milk and add ½ spoon of honey, optional. Drink it before bedtime. 

2. Make herbal tea: Boil 1 cup of water and add Shatavari powder to it. Now, let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. After that, strain the undissolved powder and add a bit of honey or lemon to it. Your herbal tea is ready.

3. Mixed with ghee: In certain cases, Ayurvedic practitioners may also advise you to combine Shatavari powder with ghee (clarified butter). This is mainly done to enhance absorption and promote overall nourishment.

4. With warm water: Well, you can also have 1 spoon of Shatavari powder with lukewarm water daily on an empty stomach. On one side, Shatavari benefits by supporting detoxification, and on the other, it resolves digestive discomfort.

5. Shatavari Capsules: These days, the market is filled with Shatavari tablets and capsules. You can also try them. However, to prevent the risk of possible side effects due to chemical involvement, we suggest you opt for home-prepared Shatavari churna or extract.

Side Effects of Shatavari

Besides many benefits, there are also some side effects of Shatavari that most people remain unaware of. But in this blog, we aim to provide you with all the positive and negative aspects associated with Shatavari. Below is a brief explanation of the Shatavari side effects that you must know:

1. Gastrointestinal problems: It is possible for some people to experience mild digestive issues such as abdominal pain, discomfort, gas, bloating, or diarrhea due to excessive Shatavari usage.

2. Weight gain: Despite being helpful in weight management, if you take Shatavari in excess or not as per the guidance of an expert. It will even result in weight gain in some individuals.

3. Allergic reactions: Some people may also encounter certain allergic reactions as a result of Shatavari consumption or even contact. Symptoms may include watery eyes, itchiness, rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, etc.

4. Dehydration: Shatavari contains high diuretic effects through which it significantly increases the output of urine, which sometimes may lead to dehydration.

5. Low blood sugar: The herb Shatavari helps to lower blood sugar levels. That’s why diabetic patients who are on any medication to manage blood sugar should be careful while using Shatavari to avoid hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar).

Necessary Precautions

Besides the side effects and benefits of Shatavari, there are also some necessary precautions specified by the experts that individuals should take care of. It mainly includes:

1. Avoid using Shatavari if you are allergic to asparagus or any similar plants.

2. Ladies who are either pregnant or breastfeeding should add Shatavari to their diet after consulting with the doctor only.

3. If you have any heart-related problems, then also avoid using Shavatari without any medical guidance. Otherwise, it may adversely affect your blood pressure or heart rate.

4. It is also possible that Shatavari may stress out your kidneys. So it is better not to use it if you are already dealing with any kidney concerns.

5. Lastly, gastrointestinal issues are also possible as a result of improper or excessive consumption of Shatavari.

Seek Guidance

If you wish to incorporate this magical herb, Shavatari, into your daily regimen for its amazing health benefits and healing properties. Then, we highly advise you to consult an Ayurvedic doctor, a dietitian, or a healthcare professional regarding its ideal dosage and appropriate timing of consumption.

Takeaway

Whether Shatavari is helpful or not depends on how, when, and in which way you are using it. When used as per the suggested precautions, it can act like a panacea for many health concerns. On the contrary, if you use it in excess or not as per the instructions provided, then you are likely taking steps to exacerbate many health issues yourself.