Shatavari, Queen of Herbs
Since yesterday was a day for celebrating women, I thought I would share about Shatavari (Asparagus recemosus), a herb that is of great benefit for women, that is closely related to the asparagus plant we eat.
Shatavari is one of the most beloved herbs in the Ayuredic medical system, as a general tonic as well as a reproductive tonic for women. It is translated as “she who posseses 100 husbands”, which gives an idea of its main benefits….to support and tonify the female reprodutive system. However, it is far more than that.
There is a concept in Ayurvedic medicine called “rasayana”, which refers to the science of promoting longevity, both in terms of optimal health and reversal of ageing effects. In the western herbal system we might relate rasayanas to being like tonics, or adaptogens. They benefit us in many ways, often helping in ways that are individual to our unique needs. Shatavari is a rasayana, a tonic and an adaptogen.
It is both bitter and sweet, and has an emollient quality which makes it also useful for relieving gastric ulcers and gut inflammation, as well as helping with dry coughs. This emolient quality also has a rejuvinating effective on too much dryness, gas and even agitation in the body.
In fact, it is useful for so many things, which is also why it is considered the queen of Ayurvedic herbs. As well as its gut healing properties, Shatavari helps lower stress, is antidepressive, reduces blood glucose, protects the liver, and is good for the memory and even the heart.
Back to its benefits for women’s issues. It can help increase breast milk, increase libido, promote fertility, moisten dry reproductive tissues, prevent miscarriages, and generally normalises hormones. It can be used by both menstruating and menopausal women.
Specifically it is often used in formulations for PMS, menopausal hot flashes, and everything to do with fertility and breast milk production. I use it in formula for my menopausal clients, particularly for clients who feel depleted, dried out and/or overheated.
On a spiritual level, shatavari is considered to increase love, devotion and compassion.
What is not to love about this beautiful herb?
