Top 11 Health Benefits and Uses of Shatavari

Shatavari, also known as Asparagus racemosus, belongs to the asparagus family and is an adaptogenic herb. This type of herb helps your body to manage emotional and physical stress. It also improves vitality, making it an essential ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. 

Want to know more about the health benefits of Shatavari? If yes, then keep scrolling to know about them.

1. Rich in antioxidant properties

Shatavari is a rich source of saponin, which are compounds with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants prevent cell damage caused by free radicals and fight against oxidative stress.

2. Rich in anti-inflammatory properties

Shatavari has racemofuran, which is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. In the book ‘Medicinal Cookery: How You Can Benefit from Nature’s Pharmacy’ racemofuran is said to function like a prescribed anti-inflammatory drug, COX-2 inhibitors. These drugs decrease inflammation without causing severe side effects in digestion.

3. Improves immune system

One of the health benefits of Shatavari is to improve immunity. According to a study, animals treated with this herb had increased antibodies, unlike untreated ones. This herb helped the treated animals to get rid of whooping cough faster and improved their overall health.

4. Helps to cure diarrhoea

Shatavari is often used to treat diarrhoea, which, if left untreated, can cause chronic health problems such as electrolyte imbalance and dehydration.

5. Improves female reproductive health

Shatavari has been traditionally used to treat female reproductive disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome and hormonal imbalances.

6. Shatavari acts as a diuretic

In Ayurveda, Shatavari is often used as a diuretic. Diuretic assists the body in removing excess fluid, and doctors prescribe this for patients suffering from congestive heart failure to get rid of excess fluid. 

However, prescription diuretics often lead to severe side effects. Therefore, using this herb may serve the benefits. However, experts need more research to prove its function as a diuretic.

7. Treats ulcers

The Ayurvedic components of Shatavari help to combat severe gastric ulcers. Ulcers are sores in the oesophagus, stomach and small intestine, leading to chronic conditions such as perforation or bleeding.

8. Prevents formation of kidney stones

Shatavari root extract helps to cure kidney stones, which are small hard deposits formed in the kidney that cause extreme pain when passing through the urinary tract. This becomes possible as this herb increases the magnesium content in the urine, preventing crystal formations that develop kidney stones.

9. Regulates blood sugar levels

The medicinal compounds found in the Shatavari boost insulin production and manage to regulate blood sugar levels. However, more research is required before recommending this herb to patients with high blood sugar.

10. Has anti-ageing properties

Shatavari root has saponins that decrease skin damage caused by free radicals. It also prevents the breakdown of collagen, which helps to maintain skin elasticity and retain a youthful appearance.

11. Helps to cure depression

According to a study conducted on rodents, it has been found that the antioxidants in Shatavari have antidepressant properties, which help to reduce the symptoms of depression. It also affected the neurotransmitters, and some were related to depression.

Shatavari is available in tablets, powder and liquid forms. As far as using the Shatavari powder is concerned, you can mix it with water. However, it has a bitter and sweet flavour. So, if you don’t like this taste, mix it with juice, smoothie or milk. 

• Although no standardised dose of Shatavari has been recommended to cure health issues, according to the Journal of the American Herbalists Guild, 4 to 5 millilitres of Shatavari root tincture can be consumed three times regularly. You can also make yourself Shatavari tea by mixing 1 teaspoon of Shatavari powder in 8 ounces of water. Then, drink this tea two times daily to see results. 
• Regarding the dose of Shatavari tablets, you can consume 500 milligrams up to two times daily. In the case of Shatavari extract, you can put 30 drops in your juice or water and drink it up to three times a day.

However, it is always necessary to consult a natural health practitioner or doctor before you include Shatavari in your daily routine, especially if you suffer from specific health conditions and take medicines. They can prescribe the correct dose for you based on your medical issues, age, and other health conditions.

Though Shatavari offers several health benefits, it may cause the following allergic reactions:

• Difficulties in breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Itchy eyes or skin 
• Hives or rashes
• Dizziness
• Runny nose 
• Sore throat

Here are the following precautions you must take while using Shatavari:

• If you suffer from kidney-related diseases, consult a doctor before taking Shatavari, as it may impair your kidney functioning.
• Consult your doctor before you take Shatavari if you are taking lithium-ion therapy, as this herb may disrupt the proper excretion of lithium.
• If you have cardiovascular diseases, talk with your healthcare practitioner before you include this herb in your daily routine, as it may negatively affect your heart’s health.
• If you are consuming diuretic drugs, be careful, as Shatavari too has diuretic properties, which can lead to diuretic overdose. This can cause excessive dehydration.

You should avoid taking Shatavari if you have the following conditions or are taking certain medicines:

• If you are breastfeeding your child or pregnant
• Allergic to Shatavari
• If you are taking herbs or drugs that lower blood sugar

People have used Shatavari in ayurvedic medicines for several years. However, since there is a lack of sufficient evidence to support the health benefits of Shatavari, it is always crucial to consult a doctor before you consume it in any form. This will help you to get the correct knowledge about the required dose, benefits, and associated risks.