Shatavari Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Shatavari

Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus
Family Name: liliaceous

Description:

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a climbing plant which grows in low forest areas throughout India.

The name "Shatavari" translates to "a woman who possesses 100 husbands", referring to the Shatavar rejuvenation effect in female reproductive organs.

A much branched spinus under-shrub with tuberous, short rootstock bearing numerous fusiform, succulent roots.

Shatavari has been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like the Charak Samhita and Susruta Samhita, and Astanga Samgraha. In the Kashyap Samhita, has evidently stated that shatavari promotes maternal health and noted its meticulous use as a galactagogue (enhances breast milk secretion in lactating mothers). Shatavari actually literally means "having a 100 spouses" and ayurvedic texts accurately claim that shatavari strengthens a woman to the point where she is being capable of producing thousands of healthy ova.

Ayurveda has called Shatavari the Queen of herbs and is the primary herb recommended for female health. Among the three Ayurveda Doshas of 'Vata', 'Pitta' and 'Kapha', Shatavari efficiently helps in balancing 'Pitta Dosha'. Shatavari's rasas are sweet "madhura" and also in nature bitter "tikta". It is a natural coolant.

Part Used: Roots

Indication for taking Shatavari:

Shatavari helps in treating for these disorder

Infertility

Irregularities in ovulation

PMS symptoms such as those excessive bleeding, cramps, pain, bloating

Menopausal and other post menopausal symptoms

Reduced breast milk secretion in the nursing women

Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Leucorrhea and pelvic inflammatory diseases

Decrease in the libido

Healing power and curative properties:

The healing qualities of Asparagus racemosus are useful to a wide array of ailments. The plant has been used in Ayurveda for various conditions. Its main use has been as a galactagogue to increase milk secretion during lactation. One of the well-known major therapeutic potential of Asparagus racemosus is its beneficial effect on the female reproductive system.

Female diseases and lactation:

Shatavari is well known for its effects on the female reproductive system and to increase milk secretion in a lactating woman. Being a rejuvenating herb, it's restorative action is beneficial in woman's regular complaints. It can be used for balancing hormonal system of women, regulating menstruation, improving lactation, decreasing morning sickness, infertility, menopause, leucorrhoea, inflammation of sexual organs and general sexual debility.

Shatavari is exceedingly effective in improving fertility. It tones and nourishes female reproductive organs and greatly regulates ovulation. Shatavari treats PMS symptoms just by relieving pain and controlling blood loss.

Shatavari relieves the menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. By producing estrogens it overly makes up for low estrogen levels in women who are in menopausal or have had hysterectomies or oophorectomies

The male reproductive system will also benefit from Shatavari. Shatavari may be used in cases of sexual debility, impotence, Spermatorrhoea, and inflammation of Sexual organs.

Shatavari increases the white blood count and almost stimulates macrophages which helps to combat candida.

Dyspepsia (Amla Pitta):

The powdered dried root of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) is used in Ayurveda for dyspepsia (Amla Pitta or acid regurgitation).

Gastric Ulcers:

Asparagus racemosus is recommended in Ayurvedic texts for prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers.

Other Uses:

However, Shatavari is also effective in a number of other systems of the body and is therefore of use to both men and women. This cooling and bitter herb is also known for it's anti-inflammatory qualities and may be used in infections such as cystitis and dysentery. Shatavari's mild diuretic action addresses the need in bladder infections, an antacid and demulcent. Satavari is effective in ulcers and hyperacidity and its cooling action works on chronic fevers, rheumatism, inflamed membranes of the lungs, Stomach, Kidneys and Sexual organs. It also used as a nervine tonic.