By: Ana Marija Pšeničnik |
Shatavari - the most important female medicine |
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Shatavari (Latin name Asparagus racemosus) is a climbing plant, up to two meters in height, which grows on sandy and rocky forested areas of higher altitudes.
Due to its medicinal properties it has been harvested for thousands of years across Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas.
In Ayurvedic texts this valuable plant is recommended for the treatment of gastric, intestinal and nervous diseases, and numerous women's ailments.
In various languages this plant bears different names, but the most famously it is called shatavari, which in the ancient Sanskrit means medicine for hundreds of diseases.
It is often poetically described as a plant with a hundred husbands, thus referring to the rejuvenating effects on the female reproductive organs.
Although its beneficial effects on all women's problems are well-known and documented, shatavari actually helps with a wide range of diseases and may be useful to men too.
Best female medicine
Shatavari is truly a gift to women.
Best known for anti-aging properties that produce amazing effects on women's bodies.
It is used to treat diseases of the vagina, cervix, infertility, danger of abortion, vaginal infections and loss of libido caused by menopausal problems.
It maintains hormonal balance and a healthy vaginal pH, while also regulating menstruation and ovulation.
It eliminates the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (irritability, bloating, cramps etc.), relieves pain and controls blood loss during menstruation.
It is great for women who plan to become pregnant since it increases fertility, stimulates the production of healthy eggs, nourishes and strengthens the uterus and prepares the body for conception.
In pregnancy it relieves morning sickness, and after birth it is effective in cleansing the uterus. In addition, it promotes normal lactation during lactation periods.
It greatly helps middle aged women by reducing symptoms of perimenopause such as mood swings, sudden hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.
It is rich in phytoestrogens and is ideal in cases of lack of natural estrogen.
It replaces hormones in postmenopausal women and in women who have had some of the reproductive organs surgically removed.
Also beneficial for men
The male reproductive system also enjoys shatavari benefits.
Since it is an aphrodisiac and a libido booster, it helps in the treatment of impotence and a broad spectrum of sexual disfunctions.
It treats sexual disorders and genital inflammation.
Other health benefits
Shatavari health benefits reach far beyond the reproductive system.
According to Ayurveda, this herb is an excellent aid for the functioning of the digestive system.
It is effective against heartburn, stomach pain, stomach ulcers, emesis, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea and dysentery.
It has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system by helping with bronchitis and relieving dryness, irritation and other problems of the upper respiratory tract.
It nourishes and cleanses the blood and prevents anemia. Scientists have discovered that this plant protects blood cells in the bone marrow.
It boosts protein creation in the body, which promotes the recovery of muscle strength and vitality.
It reduces negative effects of stress on the nervous system and is excellent for anyone whose body or mind are under increasing pressure.
It prevents aging and damage to cells, tissues and organs. In Ayurveda it belongs to the rasajana category, which includes plants for rejuvenation of the body.
Healing properties of shatavari
- treats women's problems
- boosts sexual desire in men and women
- balances hormone functions
- stimulates milk production
- helps with stomach and digestive problems
- protects against the negative effects of stress
- detoxifies and rejuvenates cells and organs
- helps with respiratory diseases
How to use shatavari
In ayurvedic treatment shatavari root is used after special processing and drying. Leaves, which are shaped like needles, are also sometimes used.
It is consumed in several ways, but most commonly it is available as a powdered dried root.
The powder is consumed in juice, mixed with water or cooked milk with added honey, if desired.
Shatavari is also used for making oil, which is used in massages in order to strengthen muscles and reduce pain from lumbago, sciatica and arthritis.
Fresh leaves are used for the preparation of the paste for external application to alleviate skin problems.
It can also be mixed with ghee (purified butter), which can be ingested or used externally.
The usual dosage, according to ayurvedic recommendations, is 1-3 teaspoons of powder a day.
Tea for balancing hormonal and genital systems
Put 1-2 teaspoons of powder in 2-4 dl of boiled water (regulate the strength of the tea by adding water) and cook the mixture for a while.
Sweeten the tea with honey or brown cane sugar, if desired.
This tea can be consumed 1-2 times daily.
Potion for restoring vitality to a weakened hormonal system
Simmer 1-2 teaspoons of shatavari in 2 dl of organic milk for 5-10 minutes. Cool the mixture and sweeten it according to your taste.
This beverage should be taken immediately, while it is still warm. You can drink it in the morning on an empty stomach, and/or before bedtime.
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