Shatavari is considered the premier herb for women of all ages in Ayurveda, and is referred to as the “Queen of Herbs”. Shatavari’s botanical name is Asparagus racemosus and it is indeed related to the common asparagus, where we eat the steam, however, with shatavari we use the tubers that grow in clusters under ground up to 3 ft in length. When fresh it is juicy, but you are more likely to find the roots dried, cut and sifted or powdered. The fresh juice is used in several classical formulas that are sexual tonics.
Shatavari literally means “100 roots below”, but is also known as “she who possesses 100 hundred husbands” which points to its actions and affects. Shatavari is mentioned in the two vedic texts – the Rig Veda and Arthavaveda where it is noted as a powerful rasayana or rejuvenator that enhances physical strength, maintains youthfulness, and improves memory and intelligence. It is also sattvic and promotes love and harmony. It has sweet and bitter rasa or taste and cooling virya, and the gunas or qualities of heavy and unctuous, and because of that it is predominantly pacifying to pitta and vata, and in excess can be aggravating to kapha.
Hormonal Balance
Shatavari is an effective demulcent and tonic for dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and with a particular affinity for sukra dhatu tonifies female fertility (1). It is considered a sexual and uterine tonic and menstrual regulator. Animal studies have confirmed that it enhances fertility and libido. Clinically, I especially find it useful for women with minor hormonal imbalances that prevent pregnancy, and menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, lack of libido, and dry skin (2) Also, there’s a long history of shatavari being used to increase milk flow and quantity in lactating women.
Shatavari is also used as an immune system and nutritive tonic. It frequently is prescribed for people with fatigue, poor appetite, anemia, and chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome (3)
Menopausal Stages
In perimenopausal women when hormones start fluctuating, it can be helpful to provide the body with natural food precursors of estrogen and progesterone. Shatavari combined with wild yam or vidari are most effective. An equal mixture of the two will be strengthening and healing to your system. Take 1 teaspoon twice per day after lunch and dinner during the entire menopausal stage, with a few sips of warm water or ½ cup aloe vera juice. Shatavari is categorized as an adaptogen and contains saponins which can have a normalizing effect on hormonal balance – reducing the effect of excess estrogen, while providing some estrogen stimulation where there is a lack of estrogen (4).
Combine shatavari with ashwagandha to strengthening the uterus.
The root tea, powder, or tincture can be used to soothe inflammation of the urethra and bladder, gastric ulcers and irritable coughs. In studies, shatavari was found to help heal gastric ulcers (5).
Shatavari can be taken in various forms such as:
Powdered – As a tonic, it is commonly boiled with milk, ghee and digestive spices. Women’s Sleep Tonic was created based on this tradition and includes shatavari, ashwagandha and digestive herbs. The powder can also be stirred into watery porridge or other mushy foods.
Shatavari ghee, here shatavari has been cooked into ghee and is mainly used for pitta conditions such hyperacidity, abdominal burning pain and gastric ulcers. Add 1 teaspoon to warm water 2X daily.
Shatavari gulam – gulam is likened to a jam. Shatavari gulam is a common prescription for most gynecological complaints.
Capsules – dosage will vary depending on condition. In prep for menopause, 2-4 capsules per day can be taken long-term, or 10-15 a day if already at menopause. In a powdered form up to 30 grams per day is used (5).
Tincture – Take 30 drops or 500 mg in water or juice, 1-3X daily, or as directed by your health practitioner
References
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Sharma K, Bhatnagar M Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) a versatile female tonic. Int J Pharma Biological Archieves. 2011;2(3):855-63
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Sebastian Pole. Ayurvedic Medicine – The Principles of Traditional Practice. Singing Dragon. Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. 2006.
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wjpmr, 2021, 7(9), 41 – 48. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus wild) www.wjpmr.com. (01-03-23)
- Pandey AK, et al. Impact of stress on female reproductive health disorders: possible beneficial effects of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Biomed Pharmacother. 2018 Jul; 103:46-9
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Winston and Maimes. Adaptogens – Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont. 2007 (pages 198-200)
