Shatavari is one of the oldest herbs in Ayurveda and is a species of medicinal plant that has been used since ancient times in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine. Even Shatavari is mentioned in most of the ancient texts written on Indian medicines. Well, it is beneficial for everyone but Shatavari benefits for women are more surprised and wonderful.
What Is Shatavari?
Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb. It is commonly known as Shatavar or Shatavari racemosus. It is also known as Shatmuli in other languages, such as Sanskrit and Asparagus in English.
Generally, Shatavari grows in India, Sri Lanka, and the entire Himalayan region. Its plant is one meter to two meters tall in the form of a thorny creeper with many branches. Its roots are in the form of bunches.
It is also an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogenic herbs are known to help your body cope with physical and emotional stress.
According to Ayurveda, Shatavari has a cooling effect.
It is considered the ‘Queen of Medicines’ in Ayurveda. The important chemical constituents found in it are a polycyclic alkaloid called asparagamine A, steroidal saponins, racemosol, and isoflavones.
The root, stem, fruit, and leaf of Asparagus or Shatavari are used for making it a staple in ayurvedic medicine.
Types of Asparagus or Shatavari
Generally, Shatavari comes in three colors green, white and purple. Asparagus gets its color due to the presence of phytochemicals and anthocyanins.
Green Asparagus: Green Shatavari has been found in India. Although both green and white asparagus are the same. However, they are known by different names due to their general differences. Its growth takes place in the rays of the sun.
White Asparagus: The color of asparagus is white because it is grown inside the soil and is kept away from sunlight.
Purple Asparagus: Rich in antioxidants, purple asparagus is a different type of asparagus, which provides many health benefits.
Shatavari powder is made from the roots of the Asparagus racemosus plant. This is related to asparagus which you can buy from your local grocery store.
It is said – Shatavari powder helps the body cope with physical and emotional stress and improve overall health.
Nutrients in Shatavari
Shatavari is a great source of important minerals present abundantly in Shatavari roots, including —
Apart from these, Shatavari contains other minerals in moderate amounts such as calcium, magnesium, selenium, and potassium.
Additionally, it also contains vitamin A and ascorbic acid, and essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid.
Health Benefits of Shatavari
Rich in antioxidant
Antioxidants help protect cells from free radical damage. They also fight oxidative stress, which causes disease. Asparagus contains saponins. These saponins compounds have antioxidant abilities.
According to a 2004 study — a new antioxidant was also seen in Shatavari root that is racemofuran.
Boost the immune system
in Ayurveda, Shatavari is known as an immunity booster. According to a study, some animals were given asparagus root extract after which it was observed that it increased the production of antibodies in the body of those animals compared to untreated animals. Those who were given this extract recovered quickly because Shatavari improved their immune process.
Maintain blood sugar levels
Shatavari may be known as an antidiabetic.
According to a scientific study, it was observed that Shatavari stimulates insulin production, and may act to enhance the anti-hyperglycemic action, which may help prevent the risk of diabetes.
Apart from this, Shatavari has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these properties, an improvement in insulin production can be seen in the body.
however, more researches are needed to prove this factor.
Improve digestive system
Shatavari is one such folk herb that cleanses the intestines and also has an effect on the activation of digestive enzymes.
It helps in easing the digestion of fats and carbohydrates in the body. Consuming Shatavari powder provides relief from gastric infections like diarrhea. This herb is known as a folk remedy for diarrhea that helped prevent castor oil-induced diarrhea in rats. (study)
It is also beneficial in the treatment of ulcers present in the small intestine, esophagus, or stomach.
Shatavari is used as a folk remedy for diarrhea. Diarrhea may cause serious problems, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Consuming Shatavari is also an Ayurvedic remedy that can overcome depression. The antioxidants in Shatavari have strong anti-depressant properties that prevent depression without reducing homocysteine levels in the brain.
Shatavari Benefits For Women
Shatavari Churna naturally contains hormones called phytoestrogens which are responsible for the healthy reproductive system of women. It not only strengthens the uterus but also helps in increasing the health benefits and breast milk after childbirth.
Many health problems can be relieved by using Shatavari during periods in women. According to a scientific study, it was observed that the main constituents found in Shatavari are steroidal saponins suggesting its use as an estrogen regulator. It can relieve premenstrual and post-menstrual pain, as well as reduce the symptoms of menopause, and manage PMS symptoms.
Shatavari Churna or powder is also known to eliminate the candida bacteria that cause vaginal infections. What’s more, it is also useful in the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Shatavari Benefits For Men
The roots of the Shatavari plant have aphrodisiac properties.
This well-known herb can overcome the sexual problems of both men and women. Consuming Shatavari on a regular basis is helpful in maintaining the hormonal balance in the body. Apart from this, it also helps in the improvement of sexual behavior, increasing libido as well as increasing the sperm count in men. (study)
Shatavari is a well-known herb in ayurvedic medicine for centuries, is said to have a range of overall health benefits, particularly for the female reproductive system.
It is also an adaptogenic herb, are known to help your body cope with physical and emotional stress.
However, its scientific studies on humans are shorts, it’s not safe to eat in higher doses. If you wish to add Shatavari to your diet, first talk to your doctor.
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