Asparagus racemosus is another name for Shatavari. It’s also a member of the asparagus family. It’s also an adaptogenic plant. Adaptogenic herbs aid your body’s ability to deal with both physical and mental stress.
Let’s explore some of the main similarities and differences between Shatavari and ashwagandha.
What is Shatavari?
Shatavari is a general health tonic to increase energy, making it a mainstay in ayurvedic therapy. Moreover, keep reading to find more about the additional health advantages it may bring [1].
One of the most popular Ayurvedic herbs for women, Shatavari is famous by various names worldwide. With a history of utilization that spans centuries in ancient Ayurvedic medicine, it is also a health tonic to improve your lifestyle.
Shatavari is a plant-based herb from the Asparagaceae family. It is indigenous to nations in Asia such as India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, where it was first discovered. Its flavor is also an excellent blend of bitter and sweet, commonly drunk in the Churna or powder form with milk [1].
What is Ashwagandha?
In contrast to Ashwagandha, which originates in India, the Middle East, and Africa, this herb is not often popular in Ayurveda. It’s also famous as the winter cherry or Indian ginseng. Ashwagandha is an age-old therapeutic plant utilized in Ayurveda and Homoeopathy and African medicine, Unani medicine, and Siddha medicine [2].
Ashwagandha is also popular for addressing many health concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, arthritis, insomnia, neurodegenerative illnesses, etc. Recently, many studies have emerged, showing the effectiveness of Ashwagandha in weight loss [2].
Ashwagandha and Shatavari Benefits
The term “busy” and “women” are now synonymous. A poor lifestyle may lead to various long-term illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. It’s becoming more and more common for women of all ages to have unhealthy habits. When included in a woman’s diet, Shatavari is an effective supplement for mental and sexual well-being.
While these two herbs are said to bring about various benefits, they should not replace any medications and treatments recommended by your healthcare professional. It’s also best to check with your healthcare professional before consuming any of them.
With that said, some of the numerous Shatavari and ashwagandha advantages are as below:
1. Antioxidant Properties
Antioxidants help prevent free-radical cell damage. They also battle oxidative stress, which causes disease. Shatavari is high in saponins. Saponins are compounds with antioxidant abilities.
A new antioxidant called racemofuran was identified within the Shatavari root. Two known antioxidants, asparagamine A and racemosol, were also found [3].
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Shatavari contains racemofuran, which has anti-inflammatory properties of its own. Anti-inflammatory medications known as COX-2 inhibitors are comparable to racemofuran in the body. The book Medicinal Cookery: How You Can Benefit from Nature’s Pharmacy relieves inflammation without causing major stomach problems [4].
3. Boost Immune System
Ayurveda recommends using Shatavari as an immune-boosting supplement. Compared to animals not treated with Shatavari root extract, animals treated with the herb showed higher antibodies against a strain of whooping cough. They healed more quickly and had better overall health after being treated. This indicated that the immune system had a better reaction [5].
4. Relieves Cough
They use Shatavari root in West Bengal, India, as a natural cough cure. They use coughing mice in the study to test the drug’s ability to relieve coughing. Both Shatavari root extract and the prescription cough medication codeine phosphate were shown to halt coughing in these studies. Further research is required to understand how Shatavari relieves coughs [6].
5. Diarrhea Treatment
In folk medicine, they use Shatavari to treat diarrhea. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance are two of diarrhea’s most dangerous side effects.
In rats, Shatavari prevented the diarrhea-inducing effects of castor oil. More research is required to establish whether Shatavari has the same effects on people like rats [7].
6. Diuretic Properties
Diuretics aid in the removal of excess fluid from the body. Patients with congestive heart failure are often administered to drain excess fluid from the heart. Serious adverse effects are possible with prescription diuretics.
Shatavari, an ayurvedic diuretic, was effective on rats. Shatavari exhibited diuretic action without eliciting acute adverse effects. Further research is required before Shatavari may be suggested as a diuretic [8].
7. Treatment of Ulcers
Your stomach, small intestines, or esophagus might develop ulcers. It could be pretty unbearable. They have the potential to result in life-threatening complications, including bleeding or perforation. Shatavari was shown to be useful in treating medication-induced stomach ulcers in rats [9].
8. Kidney Stones Treatment
Hard deposits known as kidney stones develop in your kidneys. They may cause agonizing discomfort as they move through your urinary system.
Obtained oxalates make up the majority of kidney stone compositions. Spaghetti, beets and french fries all contain oxalates, a chemical.
In the study, Shakti Root Extract Protected Rats Against the Formation of Oxalate Stones, Magnesium levels in the urine were also elevated. Magnesium is supposed to help prevent kidney stones by preventing the formation of crystals in the urine [10].
9. Blood Sugar Control
A growing number of people are developing type 2 diabetes, which necessitates the development of safer and more effective therapies. Sugar levels may be maintained using the herbal supplement Shatavari [11]. The herb’s components may boost insulin synthesis; however, the specific mechanism is unknown.
According to researchers, understanding how Shatavari affects blood sugar might lead to novel diabetic therapies.
10. Anti-aging Properties
Taking Shatavari may be one of nature’s finest anti-aging secrets. Shatavari root’s saponins are linked to a reduction in free radical damage to the skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Shatavari also slowed the degradation of collagen. You can maintain your skin’s suppleness by consuming collagen.
The need for further research is important, before Shatavari products may be available over the counter. The future of safe anti-aging skincare may lay with them, though, according to some experts [12].
11. Treating Depression
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that more than 16.1 million American adults suffer from a serious depressive illness every year. Many patients, however, are unable to use prescription antidepressants because of their unpleasant side effects.
Ayurveda prescribes the herb Shatavari to cure depression. Antioxidants in Shatavari have high antidepressant properties. They also affect the brain’s neurotransmitters. Our brain’s neurotransmitters are responsible for sending and receiving information. Depression has been linked to a number of them [13].
12. For PCOS Treatment
There is a hormonal imbalance in a woman’s body that causes PCOS. Women’s hormones are more regulated while taking 5 grams of Shatavari daily. Shatavari boosts antioxidant levels in women’s bodies. Pregnancy and menstruation are both improved by this supplement [14].
13. For Libido
To participate in sex, Libido is necessary. Women’s lack of Libido may indicate a complete lack of desire and capacity to engage in sexual activity. Shatavari is a well-known sexual enhancer. Women with anxiety or depression might also benefit from it. Shatavari also improves female fertility. The popularity of Shatavari as an adaptogenic plant is due to its calming and relaxing properties [15].
14. For Stomach Disorders
Acidity difficulties during menstruation are a common complaint among women. Shatavari also helps in this regard! An unsettled stomach is a common complaint. Shatavari inhibits gas from forming in the digestive tract to relieve stomach discomfort. In addition, it is an effective remedy for ulcers and diarrhea. For most women, 1-2 grams, taken twice daily, is ideal [16].
Ashwagandha and Shatavari for Weight Loss
Combining Ashwagandha and Shatavari for weight reduction is a possibility. Fat-burning flavonoids included in Shatavari aid in this process. Antioxidant properties of ashwagandha aid in weight loss prevention.
Shatavari’s abundance of flavonoids aids the body’s weight loss efforts. Aside from helping to satisfy hunger sensations, frequent consumption of Shatavari may help you lose weight by preventing overeating, therefore making it an important part of your weight-reduction plan [17].
Can you Take Ashwagandha and Shatavari Together?
It is possible to take Ashwagandha and Shatavari at the same time. Maintaining both a physically and emotionally healthy lifestyle is important. Owing to its Vata-balancing nature, Ashwagandha aids in stress reduction and relaxation, while Shatavari reduces weakness and promotes sexual well-being due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) characteristic [18].
When to Take Ashwagandha and Shatavari?
Using shatavari powder regularly to minimize stomach acid and may speed up healing since it has Sita (cooling) and Ropan (healing characteristics). Take it twice a day before lunch and supper with 1 cup of milk.
Consuming this adaptogen in the form of a powder or pill, you can take it at any time of day. You can achieve good sleep habits by including this in your evening routine. For other people, taking it in the morning works better for their schedule [19].
Is Shatavari the same as Ashwagandha?
Maintaining both a physically and emotionally healthy lifestyle is important. Owing to its Vata-balancing nature, Ashwagandha aids in stress reduction and relaxation, while Shatavari reduces weakness and promotes sexual well-being due to its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) characteristic.
This plant is famous in Sanskrit as “Shatavari,” which means “100 wives,” indicating its great reproductive capabilities. Like Ashwagandha, it is an adaptogenic plant, which may help you cope better with physical and psychological stress [20].
Which is Better Shatavari or Ashwagandha?
Physical and mental wellness are important to each of us. Its Vata-balancing properties aid in stress reduction and relaxation, while Shatavari, with its Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) properties, aids in weakness reduction and sexual activity well-being [21].
The Bottomline: Ashwagandha vs. Shatavari
People have utilized Shatavari and Ashwagandha for hundreds of years as herbal medicines. Clinical trials are still lacking to support its usage as a therapy option.
Taking the plant in small amounts looks safe, but there may be adverse effects if used during pregnancy or at greater levels. Consult with a doctor about the supplement before using it.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
