Did you know that Shatavari translates to ‘She who has 100 husbands’?
This herb nourishes the reproductive system, helping to regulate hormones and restore harmony. For these reasons, it is also known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’.
Shatavari is from the Asparagus family. It might be nature’s answer to female hormonal imbalance – but it isn’t just for women! In Ayurveda, it’s used to support a healthy gut, heart, and immune system1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29904061/.
There are various minerals present abundantly in Shatavari roots such as copper, manganese, zinc, and cobalt. It also contains other minerals in good quantity, including calcium, magnesium, selenium, and potassium. Apart from minerals, Shatavari also contains vitamins such as vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Shatavari contains essential fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is beneficial for the management of arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, heart disease, and depression.
And if that isn’t enough reason to love Shatavari, here are more brilliant benefits of this beautiful herb:
Women’s health
Shatavari supports women through every stage of their lives. The main constituents of Shatavari are saponins, suggesting its use as an estrogen regulator. This modulation helps to regulate menstrual cycles, manage PMS symptoms, alleviate menstrual cramps, and control the amount of blood lost. It may help with fluid retention and uncomfortable bloating often suffered before a period too.
Recent research also suggests that a combination of herbal medicines, including Shatavari, may reduce symptoms of menopause2https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2210803318300010, such as vaginal dryness, hot flushes and insomnia. This phytoestrogen-rich herb naturally helps to balance the hormones responsible for many of the more unpleasant symptoms associated with this change in life. Shatavari also stimulates and balances the production of happy hormones; endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – meaning it can reduce mood swings, irritability and menopause-induced depression.
A review of studies published in Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy in 2018 suggests that this plant may also improve conditions such as hormonal imbalances and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)3https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29635127/.
Fertility and milk production
This versatile herb may be helpful to women who have fertility issues due to stress or immune-mediated problems, with Shatavari supporting proper immunological function. It supports the mucous membranes as it contains mucilage which lines and protects the membranes of the cervix – helpful for women with low cervical mucous.
Because Shatavari controls estrogen production, it can also help produce the luteinizing hormone (LH) that’s necessary for triggering ovulation4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215317/.
Other studies5https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237836655_Shatavari_-_A_boon_for_Women suggest that Shatavari can support mothers during pregnancy, birthing, and nursing. In 2011, researchers evaluated the effects of Shatavari on 60 lactating mothers and found that the herb significantly increased milk supply6https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3869575/.
Note: If you’re currently pregnant, or you’re planning on becoming pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this herb.
Men’s health
Shatavari can boost testosterone production and improve sperm count. As a natural aphrodisiac, it can also help boost libido and improve blood circulation, proving helpful for those with erectile dysfunction.
Additionally, Shatavari has been studied clinically as a performance-enhancing supplement, benefitting muscular strength and endurance in men.
Gut health
Research has found that Shatavari is an excellent herb for cleansing the gut. It improves digestion by increasing the activity of digestive enzymes, lipase and amylase. Lipase aids fat digestion whereas amylase helps with the digestion of carbohydrates.
It can also help with gastric emptying, normalising the motility of the intestines and aids in the treatment and management of gastric ulcers.
Immune system support
Shatavari is rich in polyphenols and saponins that stimulate the built-in antioxidant/anti-inflammatory response in human cells for both males and females.
Studies show that Shatavari plays a very important role in stimulating immune cells7https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4518422/. This is thought to be due to a steroidal plant compound contained within the root, “sapogenin”, a potent immune stimulator. It works to boost immunity during immune-suppressed conditions and aids in the recovery of the immune system itself. Sapogenins also stimulate the cells that fight infection, reducing the overall population of infection-causing cells.
Contraindications
If you’re allergic to asparagus, avoid Shatavari powder.
Shatavari contains phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens can change the oestrogen level in your body. This may be helpful for certain conditions but can worsen other conditions such as uterine fibroids. Read more here.
Proceed with caution if you’re taking other medications, and always check with your GP or consultant first.
Wondering about harnessing the power of other natural herbal tinctures to boost wellness? Read about our natural anxiety aid, Ashwagandha, here: https://www.chucklinggoat.co.uk/whats-a-safe-natural-remedy-for-your-anxiety/
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
Advice given is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always check with your GP for interactions with medications/health conditions before starting supplements.
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