Shatavari Benefits

Shatavari or Indian asparagus (asparagus racemosus) is a climber with woody stems and leaves that resemble pine needles. This plant is native to India, Africa, Australia and some parts of China. These plants produce small whitish flowers during July and black-colored berries are formed in September. It is the roots of these plants that are highly valued for their medicinal properties. The shatavari plant has numerous lengthy tuberous roots with tapering ends. It is said that even a single plant have around hundred roots.

In Ayurveda, which is the traditional medical science of India, shatavari roots are highly valued for the therapeutic properties. These roots are dried and used in treating various conditions, especially, relating to female reproductive system. It is mainly used as a rejuvenating herb for females. This is one of the most important shatavari benefits and the Sanskrit meaning for the name of this herb is, "she who possesses a hundred husbands".

Shatavari Root Benefits

As mentioned above, it is the roots of this plant that are used for treating ailments. The most important among the shatavari benefits is its use in promoting female reproductive health. Apart from that, this herb is also used for treating some gastrointestinal problems, healing wounds and as an anti-inflammatory agent.

• This herb is claimed to be beneficial for maintaining the hormonal balance in females and it also prevents problems associated with imbalance of these hormones.
• It nourishes the female reproductive organs and also enhances fertility. It is used in treating irregularities in ovulation and menstruation.
• Shatavari benefits include its anti-inflammatory properties that are useful in reducing the inflammation of the reproductive organs during menstruation.
• This herb is used for providing relief from menstrual pain and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It also aids in controlling blood loss during menstruation.
• It is also said to be good for women with low estrogen levels, as this herb contains phytoestrogens. Shatavari is also claimed to increase sexual desire.
• According to the exponents of this herb, it can enhance production of breast milk in nursing females.

Apart from the above mentioned ones, shatavari is also said to be useful in relieving morning sickness and fatigue, during pregnancy. It is also claimed to be good for preventing miscarriage and even premature birth. However, the use of shatavari during pregnancy is still a much debated subject. Its effectiveness as a herb is not scientifically proven, but, this herb is widely used by Ayurveda practitioners and are found to be effective in some people.

Other benefits of shatavari include its use as a digestive tonic. It aids the process of digestion, and at the same time, reduces inflammation caused by conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcers. It is also said to be useful in reducing fever and prevent vomiting and diarrhea caused by bacteria like, E. coli and dysenteriae. Shatavari benefits include its use in combating stress. Even men, kids and elderly people are recommended to have this herb for its effect as a tonic. Even though, very little research is done about shatavari and its therapeutic properties, it is used for treating various health problems, especially, those relating to female reproductive health. If you are interested in using this herb, approach a qualified herbal practitioner for the right treatment. It will be better to seek the opinion of your doctor, before starting any herbal treatment.