The shatavari herb also goes by the name of Asparagus racemosus. It belongs to the asparagus family and is also an adaptogenic herb. Being an adaptogenic herb, it helps the body deal with all sorts of physical and emotional stress. The shatavari herb has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many years.
Shatavari is known to improve vitality and is generally used as a health tonic by people.
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Benefits of Shatavari For Females
While an adaptogenic herb, shatavari also has multiple health benefits for women. Let’s go over these benefits in detail.
Boosts Lactation
Nursing mothers can boost lactation with the help of Shatavari. Prolactin is an essential hormone needed to increase milk production. Using shatavari boosts prolactin production in the body, thus boosting milk supply. Including shatavari powder in your diet can improve milk production if you’re a breastfeeding mother.
Anti-Aging Properties
Shatavari is an anti-aging secret since the roots are rich in saponins. These saponins lower the risk of free-radical skin damage, which leads to wrinkles forming on the skin. Over time, the collagen tends to break down, which also creates wrinkles and loose skin. Shatavari is a collagen booster that retains the skin’s elasticity. [1]
Even though shatavari skin products haven’t made their place in the skin care industry, they can lead to the production of safe anti-aging products.
Antioxidant Properties
Saponins found in the shatavari root are great for reducing oxidative stress. Antioxidants found in the shatavari root prevent the cells from undergoing radical damage and reduce the chances of diseases.
A study in 2004 discovered that the shatavari root had an antioxidant named racemofuran. Asparagamine A and racemosol, other types of antioxidants, were also identified in Shatavari. [2]
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation comes in all forms for women. From menstrual cramps to an injury in your knee, shatavari, with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can help. Racemofuran, the antioxidant found in shatavari, acts as a COX-2 inhibitor in the body, reducing inflammation.
Benefits of Shatavari For Males
While shatavari has greater benefits for women’s health, it also impacts men. Powder derived from the root is known to have spermatogenic properties. It can treat multiple fertility issues and enhance sperm production in men.
The shatavari root is a natural antioxidant that boosts testosterone production in men’s bodies. You can also treat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation with the help of shatavari.
The shatavari root directly impacts hormones since it soothes and calms down nerves. While hormones also get regulated, stress reduction also boosts libido and sex drive in men.
Another important use of shatavari is to help increase weight. Consuming shatavari will cleanse the body of free radicals and flush out all toxins in the digestive system.
Shatavari Side Effects
Despite having multiple benefits, you should consume shatavari after a doctor allows you to. If you have an allergy to asparagus, then it’s important to avoid eating shatavari and/or any of its supplements. A study conducted showed that using shatavari as part of ayurvedic medicine had little to no side effects on people. [3]
This study claims that shatavari is safe to use even for a long period. Moreover, it was also deemed safe for consumption by pregnant and nursing females. However, until there is more research regarding the use of shatavari, you should avoid long-term usage.
Some people have reported allergic reactions when consuming shatavari, especially asthmatic ones who show allergic symptoms to asparagus. These allergic reactions include:
- Skin rash
- Accelerated heart rate
- Itchy eyes
- Skin itching
- Problem in breathing
- Dizziness
Shatavari is also known to have a diuretic effect, so if you use medicines with a similar impact, you shouldn’t use shatavari. Furthermore, shatavari also tends to lower blood sugar levels. So if you’re using medication or insulin, then using shatavari can be dangerous.
Shatavari powder contains phytoestrogens which change the estrogen levels in the body. Even though higher estrogen levels may be good for your health, they can also be dangerous, especially in uterine fibroids.
However, shatavari has not been researched fully, and many side effects are still unknown. Shatavari is not regulated either, meaning it hasn’t been through the testing process. So if you have to get shatavari powder or supplements, get them from a trusted source.
Shatavari Side Effects On Menstruation
The shatavari herb and root are known to benefit the female reproductive system. This includes menstruation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menstrual cramps. If you are going through prolonged or abnormal bleeding, shatavari can also be helpful. Overall, shatavari stimulates ovulation and helps women in cases of infertility.
Shatavari Benefits
Apart from benefitting men and women separately, shatavari has numerous health benefits that help all.
Treating Diarrhea
With diarrhea, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance may occur. These can be serious issues if not treated. Shatavari was used on rats with diarrhea induced by castor oil in a study conducted in 2005. It successfully treated the ailment within the rats. [4]
Treating Ulcers
Sores in the stomach, intestines, or esophagus are called ulcers. These sores can be extremely painful and also lead to other gastric issues. In serious cases, bleeding or perforation may occur as well. A rat study in 2005 proved that shatavari was effective in treating gastric ulcers. [5]
Treating Depression
As an adaptogenic herb, shatavari helps with depression and stress. Under ayurvedic medicine, the antioxidants found in the shatavari herb have antidepressant properties that control depression. These also affect neurotransmitters in the brain that affect communication in our body.
How Long Does Shatavari Take To Work?
You need to use a product consistently for it to be effective. Shatavari is a natural herb, so results may take time, depending on your illness and health. You must use shatavari regularly for at least 12 weeks to see results.
The Bottomline
Since there is no proper research and studies to provide hard evidence for shatavari, you need to use it in safe amounts. However, consuming it in small amounts can be beneficial due to its immunity-boosting and antioxidant properties. Moreover, if you already have health conditions, you must ask your doctor before including this herb in your diet.
Shatavari can be used on a large scale when regulated and studied properly. Until then, there aren’t any hard facts that suggest using it for the long term.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Rungsang, T., Tuntijarukorn, P., Ingkaninan, K., & Viyoch, J. (2015). Stability and clinical effectiveness of emulsion containing Asparagus racemosus root extract. ScienceAsia, 41(4), 236. https://doi.org/10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2015.41.236
- Wiboonpun, N., Phuwapraisirisan, P., & Tip-pyang, S. (2004). Identification of antioxidant compound from Asparagus racemosus. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 18(9), 771–773. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1526
- Goyal, R. K., Singh, J., & Laal, H. (2003, September). ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS – AN UPDATE [Review of ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS – AN UPDATE]. Bioline; Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. http://www.bioline.org.br/request?ms03025
- Venkatesan, N., Thiyagarajan, V., Narayanan, S., Arul, A., Raja, S., Vijaya Kumar, S. G., Rajarajan, T., & Perianayagam, J. B. (2005). Anti-diarrhoeal potential of Asparagus racemosus wild root extracts in laboratory animals. Journal of pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences : a publication of the Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Societe canadienne des sciences pharmaceutiques, 8(1), 39–46.
- Bhatnagar, M., Sisodia, S. S., & Bhatnagar, R. (2005). Antiulcer and antioxidant activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd and Withania somnifera Dunal in rats. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1056, 261–278. https://doi.org/10.1196/annals.1352.027
