Shatavari – Uses and Health Benefits

Shatvari is considered to be the best general tonic for women in Ayurveda. It has a slow, even action and can be safely used throughout a woman’s life.

Cold

Aphrodisiac, immunostimulant, anticancer, rejuvenating, promotes strength, promotes either Semen or breast milk, and cures ulcers

Specific Action: Rejuvenating

Therapeutic Action: Promotes Kapha, reduces Vata and Pitta

All Systems: Circulatory, digestive, reproductive, respiratory

Mucilaginous, antidiarrhetic, refrigerant, diuretic, antidysenteric, nutritive, tonic, demulcent, galactagogue, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic, stomachic

– A main herb for the immune and female reproductive systems

– It is useful in cancer, convalescence, female organ debility, sexual debility, leukorrhea, menopause, impotence, infertility, cough, dehydration, diarrhea, dysentery, fevers (chronic), hematemesis, herpes, hyperacidity, lung abscess, ulcers, rheumatism, soothes dry, inflamed membranes of kidneys, lungs, sexual organs, and stomach.

– External application—emollient for stiff joints and neck, and muscle spasms. Increases breast milk and semen, nurtures mucous membranes, blood cleanser, supplies female hormones, nourishes the ovum. Immune system boost—good for AIDS, Epstein Barr, etc., cancer—strengthens one from and for chemotherapy.

Shatvari is considered to be the best general tonic for women in Ayurveda. It has a slow, even action and can be safely used throughout a woman’s life. Ayurveda uses shatavari for heat-related diseases as it has proved an effective remedy for peptic ulcers and hyperacidity for hundreds of years. It is also known to be a very good general tonic for both men and women, as it promotes growth and increases the humor of cohesion in the body-kapha. Tests show that it is an excellent aphrodisiac for men when mixed with ashwagandha: it promotes size, strength and stiffness of the penis. It is included in numerous aphrodisiac formulas in the Craka Samhita for both men and women.

Shatavari contains hormones called phytoestrogens that normalize estrogen levels in women. These hormones play an important role in preserving a woman’s long-term health, preventing breast cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. Recently studies indicate that naturally occurring phytoestrogens may prove safer for women because there is no increase in the risk of uterine cancer, as it possible with synthetic hormones.

Shtavari shows itself effective in killing the candida bacteria and other digestive bacteria that can cause gas, bloating, and colic pain. Another study shows that shatavari is excellent in treating general indigestion and naturally increases milk flow for lactating mothers. It has also been shown to prevent abdominal adhesions that result after surgery (showing its cohesive ability), and it has the capacity to reduce the effects of toxic cancer drugs (cytotoxic). These drugs used to fight cancer, often leave a patient weak, sick, and toxic after treatment; shatavari is an immunistimulant and exhibits the ability to eliminate these toxins from the body and to relieve the effects caused any such drugs. Other studies show that shatavari has a strong anti-cancer inhibitory effect in breast cancer.

As, such shatavari is an excellent daily supplement for all women (unless they are obese or have very high kapha; then consult a practitioner). It is also useful for men who have high pitta or hyperacidity. It is strong tonic with documented immunostimulant properties. The naturally occurring hormones are at a very low level making it a safe hormonal supplement for all women throughout their lives. It is especially effective before, during, and after menopause. For nursing mothers and mothers recovering from childbirth, shatavari is close to a necessity to rejuvenate the mother’s health and to promote a strong flow of milk for the child. Shatvari has all the elements necessary for a good women’s general tonic and much more, too!

Dose: 2 to 6 grams per day with meals