Shatavari, the wonder herb

A herb that does wonders for females _ helps their reproductive health, improves libido and also their body condition _ is the Shatavari, confidently says Mr. V. C. Ajith Kumar, Director and Principal Consultant of Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore, Little India branch. The botanical name of this medicinal plant is Asparagus racemosus.

Description

The Principal consultant of Ayush describes the plant as a spiny one with numerous branches. It has tuberous roots and scaly leaves. White are its flowers and globose berries are the fruits that are produced on its stems.  “The spiny Shatavari actually grows well in the tropics and in the subtropical regions. “In fact, it can also be found in the Himalayas up to a height of 1,500 metres above sea level. The shrub Shatavari which has an energy value of 180 kcal/100g.2 can also be found in Sri Lanka, Australia, Indonesia and Africa,” informs Mr. Ajith. 

Smilingly, he calls out some of the common names of Shatavari. Due to its immense therapeutic properties, it is used in the entire country and is known by different names in different places. 

Shatmuli in Bengali

Satavari in Gujarati

Satavar in Hindi

Wild asparagus in English

Tannirvittan, Nirmittan in Tamil

Pilli gaddalu Ammaikodi in Telegu and so on. 

Benefits of Shatavari 

Generally, Shatavari powder is taken by mixing it with water which is at room temperature. As it has a bitter-sweet taste, it can be taken along with milk too, says the Ayurvedic specialist. 

Mr. Ajith Kumar points out that due to the myriad benefits, it can offer for so many conditions and illnesses, it is very popular and is used to manage depression, kidney stones, glucose intolerance, inflammation, memory problems and even pain. Mr. Ajith further adds several other benefits of the herb. 

_ It can slow down ageing

_It can boost immunity

_ It can address almost all the problems of the female reproductive organs

_ It can help with problems of infertility.

Its roots are special and can help manage tumours, blood, eye disorders, joint pain, liver and kidney problems and many other therapeutic applications.    

In females: Called a female tonic, this rejuvenating herb helps to improve ovulation, help conception, prevent miscarriage and strengthen the uterus. It is said to help a female who is facing postpartum blues, increases lactation. In the elderly, it helps to handle menopause with clarity and positivity, clarifies the Ayurvedic consultant .  

He points out that one problem that plagues the young girls of these days is polycystic ovarian syndrome. The Shatavari is said to help with follicular growth and ovulation, the lack of which is what young women suffer from. If these young women already are in an Ayurvedic regimen, then it is very easy to introduce this herb as part of it and derive its benefits. For instance, it can be given along with Shatapushpa, and gudichi to manage the condition of the ovaries, he informs.  

Its other benefits are, points out Mr Ajith Kumar:      

Role in Neurology: Shatavari is a good nervine tonic. It can help neuro patients manage Alzheimer’s, slow dementia, and handle Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative disorders.  

Anti-bacterial properties: The root extracts of the herb have been found to be effective against several bacteria such as Vibrio cholera, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and many more. Mr. Ajith elaborates that researchers have also found that this herb can inhibit the development of Entamoeba histolytica with the help of an aqueous solution of the extract of its roots.     

Anti-oxidant property: Produces three anti-oxidants _ Racemofuran, asparagamine A and racemose. It also reduces protein oxidation. 

Anti-ulcer nature: The shrub can help manage gastric ulcers, stomach ulcers and ulcers of the duodenum. The roots and the aqueous extracts can bring down diarrhoea. 

Adaptogenic compound: Basically Shatavari helps to deal with stress, says Mr. Ajith Kumar. It is said that when patients are given an aqueous extract of the herb, they can feel relief from any stress _ be it physical, chemical or biological. The same extract is also said to improve lactation in both animals and humans, adds the ayurvedic consultant.

Side effects

Actually, the herb has no side effects and can be used for a long time but in some cases, patients might develop cardiac problems. If you are a lactating mother, it is best to consult a physician before going ahead. If you are allergic to the Lillaceae family, (onions, garlic etc), you might turn out to be allergic to Shatavari also. Exercise caution before taking up this herb without consulting an Ayurveda physician, advises the Ayurvedic expert of Ayush Singapore.