Shatavari is an ancient plant indigenous to regions of India and the Himalayas (and parts of Australia as well). Its history is rich with beliefs revolving around the magical and spiritual benefits of consuming the plant.
Today, a bit more scientific knowledge is available to attest to the positive benefits of consuming this plant that belongs to a familiar family of vegetables: the asparagus. This article is dedicated to introducing the origins, characteristics, and possible benefits that Shatavari can bring, earning its title, the “Queen of Herbs.” So, what is Shatavari, and what does it do?
History of Shatavari
Shatavari’s botanical name is asparagus racemosus. This form of asparagus is widespread, native to India, Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Africa, and Northern Australia. It thrives where there is plenty of sunlight, but it can also survive in shaded areas. The plant appears to prefer higher altitudes and gravelly, rocky soils. It grows to about two meters tall and is accompanied by whitish prickly flowers.
It is here in India that Shatavari earned its reputation as a sought-after ingredient for Ayurveda practices. Ayurveda is a Hindu, pseudoscientific application of science and medicine that combines alternative medical practices with spiritual exercises like yoga.
The name shatavari is of course derived from its Indian origins. There are variations of the name according to different locations within India. It has other nicknames in English, such as buttermilk root, climbing asparagus, water root, wild asparagus, wild carrot, and Indian asparagus root.
It’s original Indian name, however, translates to “she who has hundreds of husbands,” or “curer of one hundred diseases,” depending on the name’s alteration by region. This is due to the plant’s reputation as an aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, antioxidant, and more.
This means that Shatavari has natural substances that can aid in sexual function, stress management, and combating bacteria.
Unfortunately, the Shatavari plant has made it onto the endangered list due to high demand, leading to improper harvesting and storing methods. The plant is put in further danger because of habitat destruction and deforestation.
The “Queen of Herbs”
Shatavari is particularly useful for women. It is known as the “queen of herbs” because it is one of the most potent herbs known to help with fertility. This is also where it earned its description of “she who has hundreds of husbands,” claiming that this plant would make “her” fertile enough to supply children for them all.
Balance Hormones
Stress alone can be a factor that works against a healthy reproductive system, which Shatavari aims to fix. It may be useful for men, but unless a doctor has given their approval, it is typically safer for women to use.
Estrogen is most important to women, as is testosterone to men. A woman can require a boost of testosterone, just as it is possible for a man to need more estrogen.
Typically, however, the hormones are more predictable, making the Shatavari more ideal and safer for women since offsetting the balance of hormones can potentially lead to long-lasting, serious health problems.
This is mainly because of the high presence of phytoestrogens in the plant. Phytoestrogens are naturally produced chemicals that imitate estrogen’s structure and help balance estrogen hormones in the body.
However, more research needs to be performed on phytoestrogen to judge if it is an appropriate replacement for hormonal therapy.
Boost in Libido
However, thanks to these phytoestrogens, most women can see an increase in libido, sexual function, menopausal symptoms, bone, and joint aches, sweating, hot flashes, irritation, and sleep quality. Other compounds in Shatavari can defend against a yeast infection that develops in the vicinity of the vagina, causing intense itchiness, irritation, and discharge.
Shatavari also contains certain chemicals that help improve the overall health of the human body, including mental health. This is what makes Shatavari a possible adaptogen.
The natural chemicals and drugs are called “Rasayana.”
Rasayana takes on a number of roles in the body mainly serving as a general antibody. Having a healthy presence in the human body means you will have an easier time fighting off the effects of aging, deterioration, diseases, and stress hormones.
Fights Against Damage
Shatavari is also an antioxidant, meaning it fights off oxidation, which can cause damage. By doing this, Shatavari proves to enhance cognitive function and purify the quality of chemicals in the brain. This gives Shatavari the potential for serving as a natural antianxiety, antistress, and antidepressant substance. The plant also contains a form of steroids called steroidal saponins, which serve to boost the immune system, further supporting the body’s health.
Boosting the immune system also defends against cancer cells and aids the body in healing during and after chemotherapy. The saponins also specifically help fend off stress hormones. When the hormones are low enough, individuals will experience more positive emotions, relaxation, and overall alertness- scientific proof of the importance of mental health and its physical impact on the body.
Shatavari is capable of helping the body as a whole. It helps improve the effectiveness of respiratory and reproductive function, various organ functions, some skin tissues, and blood circulation. In doing this, it also helps anyone suffering from diabetes by helping to regulate the blood and various diabetic symptoms as well as supporting the pancreas and its formation of insulin.
Shatavari has also been known to regulate stool production and intestinal health. Taking doses of Shatavari can help alleviate cases of diarrhea and dysentery, along with their usual symptoms like bloating, gas, and constipation.
Helps Against Stress and Tension
Beyond all these physically noticeable effects, Shatavari proves to help fight against cases of stress and tension. By applying or consuming Shatavari, users may notice relief for their stiff joints and the neck, as well as various muscle spasms.
It also works to nurture mucous membranes, cleanse the blood, provide a steady supply of female hormones, and nourish the ovum.
All of this put together makes Shatavari a worthy subject of study and highly likely to be beneficial when introduced to anyone’s diet or routine within moderate doses. Having a doctor’s input will further eliminate risks and ensure that Shatavari is not used excessively.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article insightful and helpful! It would not have been possible to complete without a wide number of studies performed by medical professionals and personal testimonies affirming the effects of the plant.
Of course, when it comes to any kind of new medication, herbal remedy, or food, you should hesitate to consult a health expert first.
Click here if you’re curious about any of our other articles.
Sources:
Immunomodulatory potential of Shatavari is produced from Asparagus racemosus tissue cultures | NIH
