Ancient cultures of the world always possess a vast wealth of knowledge that used to help them survive in their times. In India, among subjects like astronomy and philosophy, medicine occupies a large space. In the modern times, this medicinal knowledge is commonly known as Ayurveda. it has helped us know our bodies and the diseases it fights against in great detail. One herb that is a gift of nature and Ayurveda to the Indian subcontinent is Shatavari, a plant with miraculous benefits to the body.
Shatavari for shata-shata (hundreds of) women
Shatavari grows in many parts of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and northern Australia. The use of Asparagus racemosus can boost the immune system and consequently prevent the infection of the udder and reproductive organs of cows. It can also be effectively used to reduce the stress of dairy animals and improve their productivity thus producing clean and healthy milk from them. More importantly, the herb is recommended for good reproductive and sexual health of women. Over centuries, it has been used for its benefits to the female body:
- Pregnant women in India have been consuming Shatavari for the well-being of the foetus as well as herself. It can aid in anabolic action which can provide nutritive benefits to the unborn child. It is also believed that Shatavari can lower the chances of miscarriage.
- According to a journal published by International Journal of Science and Research, the plant has the capacity to treat many diseases specific to females, (Athurasya vikar prasamanam) like Polycystic Ovarian diseases, Dysmenorrhoea, Premenstrual syndrome, Infertility and Menopause.
- Shatavari, also called Shatamooli, has also been proved to help with inadequate lactation in new mothers.
- The adaptogenic plant is often called a “hormone harmoniser” due to its positive effects on pre-menstrual syndrome. It has cold potency that can soothe your body with a raging uterus.
- It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid. The nutrients like Calcium and Vitamin B are often found to be in relatively lower levels in women. Consumption of Shatavari is an effective natural supplement.
Benefits to the body
Shatavari, with its immunity-building, diuretic, and antioxidant properties, can be a great replacement for numerous pills and medicines that you buy every now and then from over-the-counter medical stores for quick relief to the body. However, they can impact the body in a negative way in the long run if the doses are continuous and frequent. When taken with other herbs like Ashwagandha, the duo can make your mental and physical health immensely better and closer to the Nature. According to a Yoga and Holistic Wellness centre Sarveda, this Satvik herb “perfectly balances the Vata and Pitta energies. Its cooling properties efficiently help to subside the unbalanced Pitta dosha, which is the bioenergy responsible for all things heat and fire, hence making it a perfect cure in the management of gastritis, ulcers, and hyper-acidity.”
Shatavari roots are the part that are consumed. Powder of the roots was the most common way, but nowadays the they are also turned into capsules for easier transportation and quick consumption. With its bittersweet taste, Shatavari can be drunk mixed in milk. Its juice is another way to avail to its benefits. It is good for the skin as well, with its blood-cleansing and anti-aging properties. Consuming Shatavari has proved to have a greater impact on skin health, texture, and glow. It evidently acts on acne and even heals the tempered skin barrier.
As of now, many companies like Saptamveda, Good Lyfe, Organic India and many more deal in organic Shatavari extracts or capsules and incorporate the plant in various products like Ghee by Two Brothers, Nourishing Cream by Soul Tree, Women’s Wellness Juice by Auric et al.
Read More: Why Moringa is a great Superfood for Women
