Called the “Queen of Herbs” in Ayurveda, shatavari is scientifically known by its Latin name Asparagus racemosus. This perennial climbing plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It’s often found in rocky or gravelly soils at moderate elevations.
Shatavari has several potential benefits, such as supporting women’s health and the reproductive system. However, it’s essential to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional to provide personalized guidance and ensure shatavari aligns with your health needs.
Read on for the latest from Haveda on this traditional herb for your health and well-being.
Key takeaways
- Shatavari is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support women’s health and nourish the reproductive system. It contains compounds that have a similar structure to estrogen.
- Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb and may help support you in times of stress.
- The taste of shatavari is sweet and bitter, and it’s classified as cooling in Ayurveda. It may be balancing for Pitta and Vata doshas but potentially aggravating to Kapha dosha.
- As a demulcent herb, shatavari may support healthy tissue hydration and lubrication.
What is shatavari?
Shatavari is a thorny, flowering perennial with tuberous roots traditionally used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative tonic, especially for supporting women’s health.
Known as the “Queen of Herbs,” it’s considered a rasayana, a branch of Ayurvedic medicine that promotes longevity, vitality, and overall well-being. The herb's name means “she who possesses a hundred husbands” in Sanskrit, referring to its traditional use as an aphrodisiac and for female reproductive support.
In Ayurveda, shatavari is known to have a sweet and bitter taste with a cooling effect. It’s believed to be balancing for Vata and Pitta doshas but may aggravate Kapha in excess.
Tradition states that shatavari also builds ojas, the subtle essence of resilience, connection, and immunity in Ayurveda. Ojas is believed to be necessary for everything from immunity to healthy boundaries and the ability to give and receive love.
While shatavari is frequently recommended in Ayurveda as a tonic for women, it can help support overall vitality and healthy aging in men, too.
Though shatavari may offer numerous benefits, consulting with an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider for professional, personalized guidance is essential. The herb’s effects may vary depending on individual constitution and health conditions and may interact with certain medications.
It’s also important to purchase shatavari from a quality source, such as Haveda, to ensure it’s harvested sustainably and doesn’t contain additives, fillers, or potential contaminants.
12 potential benefits of shatavari
Shatavari is traditionally believed to be a tonic to help support the female reproductive system, including the uterus. While some scientific evidence supports this, more human research is needed. Emerging evidence also points to other potential benefits.
1. Menstrual support
Shatavari is often used in Ayurvedic medicine to help support female hormone health and may play a role in supporting a healthy menstrual cycle. This may be because shatavari contains phytoestrogens, compounds found in many foods that have a similar chemical structure to estrogen.
A 2023 review indicated that shatavari may help support hormonal health, but more research is needed to confirm this.
2. Fertility support
It’s believed that shatavari can support fertility by promoting healthy reproductive function and cervical mucus production.
In a 2016 randomized controlled trial, shatavari was observed to support follicular growth and ovulation, though not as well as the control drug used.
3. Menopause support
In 2018, a small study of 112 healthy women aged 40 to 65 found that supplementing with shatavari and three other herbs supported the body against the effects of night sweats and hot flashes, though no hormonal effects were observed.
As a demulcent, or lubricating herb, shatavari may help aid the body’s natural processes for vaginal lubrication, but research is needed to confirm this.
4. Immune support
The herb contains antioxidant properties, which may contribute to a healthy immune response.
According to a 2018 animal study, shatavari extract showed antioxidant activity when given to mice. However, it's unclear whether it would have the same effect in humans.
5. Digestive health
Shatavari is thought to have Pitta-reducing and soothing properties that support the digestive system.
6. Lactation support
Shatavari is traditionally believed to be a galactagogue, or milk booster, for breastfeeding. It’s often recommended in Ayurveda to support milk production and breast milk quality.
However, the limited scientific evidence for this is mixed. According to a 2016 review, one study indicated participants experienced support for milk production, while another did not.
Consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking shatavari if you’re pregnant or nursing.
7. Stress reduction
As an adaptogen, shatavari may assist the body in managing stress and promoting relaxation.
An older 2014 study done on rats indicated that shatavari may have the potential to help with occasional feelings of anxiousness by supporting serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) production. However, human research is needed to confirm whether it would have this effect on people.
8. Tissue hydration
Shatavari contains mucilage, which means it may help support healthy moisture levels in various body tissues. This may be beneficial for overall hydration and lubrication.
9. Cooling qualities
According to traditional Ayurvedic classification, shatavari may help cool the tissues in the body, which can be useful for those experiencing Pitta or heat-related issues.
10. Sugar metabolism
Some research suggests that shatavari could play a role in supporting healthy blood sugar levels within the normal range (combined with a healthy diet and exercise program), though research is limited.
11. Respiratory aid
Shatavari’s mucilaginous, or mucous-generating quality, may help soothe the respiratory system.
12. Healthy aging and general well-being
In Ayurvedic medicine, shatavari is classified as a rasayana. This means it’s thought to promote overall vitality and longevity.
In a small, randomized controlled trial of 20 post-menopausal women, the authors noted that shatavari appeared to support healthy muscle function compared to a control group.
How to use shatavari: Dosage, side effects, and daily routine
Shatavari is generally considered safe to take, but there are some important things to note if you want to add it to your daily health regimen.
How to take it
Shatavari is available in powder, tablet, liquid extract, or dried root form.
Ayurveda favors forms you can taste each time you consume the herb. This is believed to help strengthen its effects.
Dosage
A common dose of shatavari is 1-2 teaspoons twice daily with warm milk or ghee to increase absorption.
However, it’s essential to consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner well-versed in herbal remedies to get the appropriate dosage for you.
Complementary herbs
Your herbal practitioner may suggest you combine shatavari with ashwagandha for stress relief and hormone health.
It may also be combined with brahmi for mental support, dashamoola to soothe occasional feelings of anxiousness, and vidari to help build ojas, known as the vital essence in Ayurveda.
Side effects
Shatavari side effects are rare and generally mild. They may include:
- Rash
- Heart palpitations
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Bowel changes
Safety and interactions
Due to its cooling nature, shatavari isn’t ideal for people with Kapha imbalance, congestion, or excess ama (toxins). Consult with your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Don’t take shatavari if you’re allergic to asparagus, as it comes from the same family. You should also avoid it if you take diuretic medications or medications that lower blood sugar.
Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially regarding dosage, medical conditions, and drug interactions.
Conclusion
A celebrated adaptogenic herb in Ayurvedic medicine, shatavari offers potential benefits for women’s health, stress management, and overall well-being. While traditional use and some preliminary studies suggest promising advantages, more rigorous scientific research is needed to fully understand shatavari’s effectiveness.
If you’re considering trying shatavari, consult with a healthcare professional—especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications. Always start with a low dose and monitor your response with the help of a qualified practitioner.
If interested, explore Haveda’s range of shatavari products, and keep an eye on the Haveda blog to stay informed about Ayurvedic medicine.
FAQs
What is shatavari good for?
Shatavari is a rejuvenative herb that may help support female reproductive health, healthy aging, and stress management.
Who should not take shatavari?
People who are allergic to asparagus or who take diuretics or blood sugar medications should avoid shatavari.
Is shatavari good for females?
Shatavari has the potential to benefit women. It’s traditionally known in Ayurveda as a rejuvenative for the reproductive system, and some scientific research supports this.
Does shatavari raise estrogen?
Shatavari contains phytoestrogens, plant compounds that have a similar chemical structure to estrogen. It’s unknown whether shatavari can affect estrogen levels.
Meet the Author Crystal Horshaw
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