8 AMAZING BENEFITS OF SHATAVARI
Shatavari is also known as Asparagus racemosus. It’s a member of the asparagus family. It is also known as an adaptogenic herb, which is said to help your body cope with physical and emotional stress. As it is a general health tonic to improve vitality, making it an important herb in ayurvedic medicine.
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Table of contents
- Importance of Shatavari
- Nutritional facts of Shatavari
- Proven benefits Shatavari
- Supplements of Shatavari
- Possible side effects and risks of Shatavari
- Summary
Importance of Shatavari
Shatavari scientifically known as Asparagus racemosus is the most important herb for women in the Ayurvedic herbal apothecary. Suggesting that the traditional use of this herb to support and tonify the female reproductive system. It is been used to support women at the end of menses by encouraging circulation, as well as a healthy nervous system and hormonal function. It is also known as an overall reproductive tonic. Shatavari can be used, for all stages of a woman’s reproductive cycle, beginning with the menarche (start of menses), supporting the female system through menses, ovulation, and fertility, and symptoms like hot flashes, irritability, irregular memory and dryness during menopause. Shatavari also builds Ojas, our core vitality and the essence of immunity, virility, and sleep
Phytochemistry and Nutrients of Shatavari
- Phytochemistry (Active Constituents)
Shatavari is a great source of phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are plant chemicals that promote good health. The phytochemicals present in Shatavari play an important role in strengthening the immune system and, fighting oxidative stress. These active principles also possess anti-cancer activity. Different phytochemicals present in Shatavari include:
- Steroidal saponins knows as SHATAVARINS
- Alkaloids
- Oligosaccharides
- Mucilage
- Isoflavones
- Flavonoids such as QUERCETIN and RUTIN present in Shatavari fruits and flowers
- STEROLS such as SITOSTEROL present in Shatavari roots
- Nutrients in Shatavari
There are various minerals present abundantly in Shatavari roots such as copper, manganese, zinc, and cobalt. It also contains other minerals in good quantity include calcium, magnesium, selenium, and potassium. Apart from minerals, Shatavari also contains vitamins such as vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Shatavari contains essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is very beneficial for the treatment of arthritis, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and depression.
Health benefits of Shatavari
- Female Reproductive Health
Shatavari supports women through every stage of their lives. The main constituents of Shatavari are steroidal saponins that suggest its use as an estrogen regulator. This modulation helps to regulate menstrual cycles, manage PMS symptoms, alleviate menstrual cramps, and control the amount of blood lost. It may help with fluid retention and uncomfortable bloating often suffered before a period.
- It has antioxidant properties
Antioxidants help prevent free-radical cell damage. They also battle oxidative stress, which causes disease. Shatavari is high in saponins. Saponins are compounds with antioxidant abilities.
- Helps with Breast milk production
Young mothers usually find it difficult to breastfeed their newborns due to very little milk production. This can happen due to a variety of reasons such as anemia, low blood pressure, or simply stress. Taking Shatavari every day helps to facilitate and regulate milk production. This method is ideal for the nourishment of young babies so that their immune system becomes stronger. Shatavari is a natural herb so it doesn’t cause any harm to the child.
- Reduces mood swings
Mood swings are more common in women than in men. This can occur due to menstruation, pregnancy or hormonal problems. Mood swings can not only spoil our mood but also make it difficult for us to interact with people. Taking Shatavari on a regular basis can help to combat mood swings easily.
- Can assist in fertility issues
Becoming a parent is one of the most joy happiest experiences in someone’s life, but sadly for some people fertility problems restrict them from leading a happy life. Shatavari contains beneficial ingredients, so by consuming it fertility problems can be kept at bay and the chances of conception becomes high as it is a powerful herb.
- Gastric problems can be cured
Shatavari is known to treat gastric problems. The dried roots of Shatavari are turned into powder and it can be made into a juice. The consumption of this juice is ideal to cure ulcers and other ailments occurring in the gastrointestinal tract. If this plant is consumed regularly, it can also cure gastroparesis.
- Acts as a diuretic
Shatavari aids to fight against urinary tract problems and infections. It also maintains the health of the urinary bladder. Aside from this, regular consumption of Shatavari can help to reduce kidney stones in size and sometimes cure it completely.
- Immune System Support
Research has shown that Shatavari plays a very important role in stimulating immune cells. This is assumed to be due to the steroidal plant compound contained within the root "sapogenin", a potent immune stimulator. It increases the body’s resistance during normal and immune-suppressed conditions, helping to boost immunity during immune-suppressed conditions and aiding in the recovery of the immune system itself. Sapogenins will also stimulate the cells that fight infection, reducing the overall population of infection-causing cells.
Supplements and Dosage of Shatavari
- Supplements
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), has been used for centuries in Ayurveda. The root which has a long white tuber part of the plant is used as both food and as an herbal supplement. Shatavari is believed to act as an aphrodisiac, as well as stimulate the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. According to the health practitioners of Ayurveda, Shatavari possesses cooling, calming properties that can help to soothe and balance vata and pitta (two of the three doshas). There are different formulation and dosage forms of Shatavari like tablets, capsules, powders, liquids, etc (Natures velvet Shatavari Pure Extract Capsules is one of the examples).
- Dosage
Shatavari is available in powder, capsules, tablets, and liquid forms. A typical dose of Shatavari capsule is 500 milligrams, up to twice daily. A normal dose of Shatavari extract is 30 drops in water or juice, up to three times daily. Make sure you talk to your doctor or a natural health practitioner before incorporating Shatavari in your routine, especially if you take medications or have health problems. They can help you determine the right dose for you.
Possible side effects and risks
According to studies ayurvedic medicine considers Shatavari “absolutely safe for long term use, even during pregnancy and lactation.” Still, there’s not much scientific research on the side effects of Shatavari supplementation. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn’t use it until more studies are done and it’s proven safe. There are reports of allergic reactions in some people who take Shatavari. If you’re allergic to asparagus, avoid this supplement. Seek medical attention if you experience worsening asthma or allergic reaction symptoms. This includes rash, fast heart rate, itchy eyes, itchy skin, difficulty, breathing, dizziness. Shatavari may have a diuretic effect. You shouldn’t combine and take it with other diuretic herbs or drugs such as furosemide (Lasix). Shatavari may lower your blood sugar. You shouldn’t combine and take it with other drugs or herbs that lower blood sugar.
Summary
Since centuries Shatavari is been used in ayurvedic medicine. However, not enough scientific studies on humans have been done to recommend it for any medical condition. It can cure an array of medical conditions. Shatavari is very beneficial for the body and can help in the female reproductive health, can act as a diuretic so that excess fluid can be removed from the body. Shatavari may help to cure hormonal imbalances, rheumatism, fever, and headaches. In most cases, it can also help diabetes patients by controlling their blood sugar levels to a great extent.
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Reference
- www.healthline.com
- www.indigo-herbs.co.uk
- www.nutrition_and_you.com
- www.ayurtimes.com
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- Rakesh Gupta
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