Shatavari is sometimes called the Ginseng for women. Clinical research has shown that Shatavari has an anti-inflammatory and strengthening effect on the ovaries and the uterus. The powder is used for infertility, menstruation and menopausal problems. During pregnancy it has a toning effect, after pregnancy it promotes milk formation.

The plant Shatavari

Shatavari, Asparagus racemosa is a climbing plant from the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) that comes from India and Sri Lanka and can grow up to 7 meters high. It grows in the Himalayas up to an altitude of 1400 meters. Shatawari is also called Shatuli or Vrishya. In Nepal it is Kurilo. The name Shatawari means healer of a hundred diseases, shat is a hundred and vari is healer.The powder of the root is an important regenerant and tonic that has been used for thousands of years. It is particularly nutritious, soothing and calming and has a positive influence on moisture balance. Shatavari tones the mucous membranes, promotes milk formation during lactation and nourishes and purifies the blood.Shatavari has been found to improve immunity. The plant increases the ability of white blood cells to kill microorganisms. Ancient texts mention that Shatavari is able to promote memory, intelligence, immunity and youthfulness.

Pharmacological actions and uses of shatavari

Nervous system and senses

Effects: nerve, brain and eye tonic.Applications: nervousness, epilepsy, concentration disorders, pain, eye diseases.

Heart and circulatory system

Effects: antihypertonic, cardiotonic.Uses: heart disorders, increased blood pressure.

Respiratory tract

Effects: mild expectorant.Applications : cough in children and the elderly, bronchitis, laryngitis.

Digestion

Effects: appetite stimulant, stomach strengthening, acid binding, antispasmodic, carminative, anti-diarrheal agent.Uses: gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, hyperacidity, chronic colic, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, constipation (pitta type).

Urogenital system

Effects: regenerative) for the reproductive tissue, seed-forming and multiplying, diuretic, milk-forming, tonic for the uterus, anti-inflammatory.Uses: impotence, infertility, pregnancy tonic, inflammation of the mammary glands, inflammation of the urinary tract, difficult urination.Again, many, too many miraculous effects for one plant. However, this multitude of effects is related to the general, strengthening effect that all so-called adaptogens have, which can have indirect effects on various organ systems. It is also important that adaptogens are personally tailored to achieve the desired effect.

Some scientific research

• Effect of Asparagus racemosus rhizome (Shatavari) on mammary gland and genital organs of pregnant rat.. Pandey SK, Sahay A, Pandey RS, Tripathi YB.
• Rege NN, Thatte UM, Dahanukar SA. Adaptogenic properties of six rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Phytother Res 1999;13:275-91.
• Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Chakrabarti A. Adaptogenic activity of Siotone, a polyherbal formulation of Ayurvedic rasayanas. Indian J Exp Biol 2000; 38:119-28.
• Gaitonde BB,.Jetmalani MH. Antioxytocic action of saponin isolated from Asparagus racemosus Willd (Shatavari) on uterine muscle. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 1969;179:121-9.