Shatavari Herb (Asparagus Racemosus) – Health Benefits and Uses
Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus): Shatavari herb is a member of the Asparagus family, which is also called as Asparagus racemosus. Shatavari is Adaptogenic in nature which means that it has the ability to treat the emotional as well as physical stress. However, Shatmull i.e. Shatavari herb can treat many diseases. The roots of the herb are available in the form of pills and tablets in the market. Shatavari is a miraculous herb for women because it provides supports the reproductive health of females. If a woman is consuming it from an early age then she faces less difficulty throughout all the changes that occurred during her reproductive life including Menopause also. This herb is not only beneficial for females but the pure Churna of Shatavari herb offers multifarious benefits to males also.
Different Names of Shatavari Herb in Different Languages
Shatavari herb is a very famous Indian herb that poses multifarious benefits and is called by different names in different languages of India, few of them are as follows:
● Punjabi – Chhotta Kelu
● Hindi – Shatavari
● English – Climbing Asparagus or Buttermilk Root.
● Urdu – Satawar
● Oriya – Pali or Vari.
● Manipuri – Nunggarei
● Bengali – Satamuli
● Dogri – Shatavar
● Kannada – Majjige Gadde
● Gujarati – Shatavari
● Tamil – Sadavare
● Assamese – Satomul
However, the Chinese Name of Shatavari is Tian Men Dong and in Arabic and Nepali, it is called as Shaqaqul and Kurilo orderly.
Chemical Constituents in Shatavari Herb
The roots of Shatavari herbs are very rich in Asparagamine A, Sarsapogenin, Sitosterol, Furostanolic saponins, and Spirostanolic etc. However, the leaves are a very rich source of Rutins and Flavonoids. The Fruits of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) contain Asparamins A, Asparamins B, Diosenin and Sarsasapogenin etc.
Scientific Classification of Shatavari Herb
● Family – Asparagaceae
● Genus – Asparagus
● Subkingdom – Tracheobionta
● Kingdom – Plantae
Properties of Shatavari Herb
● Taste – Bitter and Sweet
● Potency – Cold
● After Digestion Potency – Sweet
Geographical Source
Shatavari is mainly found in Subtropical and Tropical forest areas. The herb can grow well in all types of soils. In India, this herb is mainly found in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. It is also found in many other countries such as Australia, Sri Lanka, Africa, and Pakistan.
Health Benefits of Shatavari Herb
According to Ayurvedic doctors, Shatavari possesses Calming as well as Cooling properties. These properties of Shatavari balance the Pitta and Vata Dosha of the human body. Due to its Nourishing and Rejuvenating effects, Shatavari herb is often used in the preparation of Ayurvedic supplements which improve the digestive and reproductive health. Some other health benefits of Shatavari herb is written as follows:
1. Healthy Reproductive System in Females
Various studies have shown that the Shatavari herb contains a natural hormone that is commonly known as phyto-estrogen. This hormone aids female in maintaining a healthy reproductive system. The powder of the Shatavari herb also strengthens the muscles of the Uterus. Apart from this, this effective herb also help in producing a significant amount of breastmilk. (1)
2. Reduce Menopause Symptoms
Its cooling effect also reduces various symptoms of Menopause such as Night Sweats, Anxiety, Memory Loss and Hot flashes etc. This herb also balances different types of hormones in the female body that usually gets unbalanced during Menopause. (1)
3. Treat Ulcers
Several studies also indicate that the Shatavari herb is very useful in the management of different types of ulcers, especially Gastric ulcers. In medical terms, Gastric ulcer is a condition during which protective linings of the stomach gets altered due to which protective linings are not able to fight with irritating acids of body. However, it inhibits the release of hydrochloric acid in the body if it is taken for at least six weeks. (1)
4. Boost Immune System
In Ayurvedic remedies, Shatavari herbs are also as an Immunity Booster. A study was conducted on animals in 2004, according to that study, when pure extract prepared from the roots of shatavari herb was given to animals for at least 4 weeks then increased the production of antibodies was observed in the animals who are suffering from Whooping Cough. The excess amount of antibodies in the body help to alleviate the symptoms of Whooping Cough and also improve overall health of the body. (1)
5. Treat Diarrhea
Shatavari herb is also used as an ancient remedy for the treatment of diarrhea. Basically, Diarrhea is a serious problem that may cause electrolyte imbalance and Dehydration. However, the Shatavari herb maintains the proper balance of electrolytes in the body during diarrhea. (1)
6. Prevent Vaginal Infection
This wonderful herb also eliminates the Candida bacteria from the female body when a woman takes it for a long period of time. Basically, Candida bacteria is the major cause of various types of vaginal infection. This herb is also beneficial in the management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. (2)
7. Treat Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are defined as hard deposits that form in the kidneys. These Kidney stones are made up of Oxalates that is usually found in French Fries and Beets. When these Kidney stones pass through the urinary tract then they produce pain. The diuretic properties of Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) removes the excess amount of fluid along with the Kidney stones from the body. (1)
8. Maintain Level of Sugar in Blood
Shatavari herb is used in the preparation of herbal remedies that are usually formulated to alleviate the symptoms of Diabetes. It balances the level of sugar in the body and also stimulates the production of insulin in a patient who is suffering from Type 2 Diabetes. (2)
9. Antioxidant
Shatavari herb also possesses Antioxidant properties. This herb prevents the damage of cells from free-radicals. It also eliminates oxidative stress from the body, which may cause various types of diseases if it stays in a person for a long time. Shatavari is also very rich in saponins which also possesses antioxidant properties. (1)
Side Effects of Shatavari Herb
If a person is Allergic to Shatavari Herb or if a person consumed an excessive amount of this herb at one time then he or she may experience some unwanted effects:
● Dizziness
● Difficulty in Breathing
● Itchy Eyes or Skin
● Fast Heart Rate
● Rashes
FAQs
Q. Can Shatavari Herb treat PCOS?
A. Yes, it can treat the problem of PCOS by preventing Insulin resistance.
Q. What are the benefits of Shatavari herb?
A. This herb helps in boosting the Immune System and also treat Diarrhea as well as Ulcers. This herb also acts as a Diuretic.
Q. What are the Adverse effects of Shatavari herb?
A. Dizziness, Itchy Eyes or Skin, Fast Heart Rate, Difficulty in Breathing and Rashes, etc.
Q. Does Shatavari possess adaptogen properties?
A. Yes, it possesses adaptogen properties. It can treat Emotional as well as Physical Stress.
Q. Shatavari Churna is prepared from which part of the plant?
A. Shatavari Churna is prepared from the roots of the Shatavari plant.
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027291/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325056/
