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Shatavari Root & Powder Benefits For Menopause

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What is Shatavari?

Shatavari has long been used in Ayurveda practice to treat a variety of disorders related to human health. Shatavari (botanical name Asparagus racemosus) is a commonly known Rasayana (rejuvenation substance) herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic literature considers Shatavari to be a Rasayana and adaptogenic herb that helps the body to cope up with physical and emotional stress. It’s used to maintain pitta and Vata in equilibrium and can be especially beneficial in cases of excess pitta. It’s Sattvic in character and assists in love and dedication. Because of this, Shatavari has been utilized over centuries to promote resistance to many different bodily stresses. The Rasas (tastes) of Shatavari in Ayurveda are madhura (candy ) and tikta (bitter), and ingestion of this plant reflects this with a somewhat bittersweet taste and oiliness, which have a natural cooling effect on people who consume it. Shatavari may also be used topically for its cooling and soothing properties. These multiple programs facilitate its reputation as a powerful (Rasayana) rejuvenator for the reproductive and digestive systems and the blood.

Shatavari and the Doshas

Shatavari contains sweet and bitter tastes and soothing, nourishing, and cooling properties that help with many conditions once the mind and body are overheated, depleted, or out of equilibrium.

If you’re trying to balance your Vata and Pitta, think about trying a Shatavari supplement. Shatavari can mildly increase Kapha if taken in excess, so be cautious of carrying too much if you’ve got a Kapha constitution.

Shatavari active components

Shatavari has been used in Ayurveda to balance pitta and Vata, but might increase Kapha due to its heavy nature. Its bitter and sweet flavor has a cooling effect on the body, and it’s unctuous (fatty), construction nature makes it an excellent support for anybody searching for a nourishing, synergistic impact. These joint qualities make it a Rasayana (rejuvenating) for the reproductive system (mainly female), the digestive system (especially if pitta is involved), and for the blood.

Active components

The active constituents of this herb, like kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, and tannins, are found to have profound benefits in treating many disorders. It has been in use over many centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a health tonic to rejuvenate and heal the body and mind. This herb is most commonly used to improve female reproductive organ functioning. It is also used to treat other disorders.

Shatavari health benefits for women & menopause

Benefits of Shatavari:

Shatavari is a beneficial drug from the Ayurveda stream. Several studies have been conducted on this plant showing its utility as a promising therapeutic agent in alternative therapies. The phytochemicals and pharmacology of this drug provide useful scientific data to promote this as an essential Ayurvedic drug in several ailments.

Shatavari has a wide assortment of benefits. A 2013 research study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease revealed that the herb strengthens the immune system by improving the operation of macrophages–the immune cells responsible for digesting potentially harmful organisms and cancer cells. The Identical research revealed that Shatavari could help with female reproductive problems, including:

– A healthy female reproductive system

– Healthy levels of breast milk production

– Supports well-balanced female hormones

Mood swings

– Irritation associated with premenstrual syndrome

Menopausal hot flashes

– Infertility

The nourishing properties of Shatavari are used in Ayurveda to support several functions and systems in the body:

– Heartburn

– Indigestion

– Diarrhea

– Inflammation of the urinary tract

– Irritable bowel syndrome

– Supportive of the male reproductive system

– Promotes healthy energy levels and strength

– Supports the immune system

– Natural antioxidant properties

– Healthy peristalsis (the involuntary constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract)

– Moisturizing support of the respiratory tract

See: How long does menopause last?

Several other benefits of Shatavari are explained as follows:

Shatavari maintains the good health of the female reproductive organ. The root extract of this herb has shown its benefits in treating menstrual disorders. These include premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhea, and irregular bleeding.  Shatavari has also shown its benefits in treating symptoms related to menopause, enhancing folliculogenesis, and promoting fertility.1,2,3,4.

1.    Promotes folliculogenesis – The constituents of Shatavari are known to increase the weight of ovaries, which may help improve the rate of folliculogenesis. It also stimulates the formation of blood components through its hematopoietic function and increases the weight of accessory sex glands.1,2.

2.    Dysmenorrhea – Oxytocin is responsible for uterine motility. Shatavari supplement stimulates the contraction of uterine muscles, which increase the levels of prostaglandins, thus increasing the contractions further. The extracts of Shatavari constitute saponins, which are known to alter the oxytocic activity confirming its utility in dysmenorrhea, which comprises painful menstruation.,3,4.

3.    Female infertility – Shatavari consumption enhances folliculogenesis and ovulation in females. It also prepares the womb for conception and reduces the chance of miscarriages.1,2,3,4.

4.    Menopause– Most women during menopause encounter problems like night sweats, hot flashes, insomnia, palpitations, vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, anxiety, irritability, atrophy of the cervix and causes decrease in the size of uterus.1,2,3,4.

5.    Anti abortifacient effect – The Saponin constituent of Shatavari is known to exert its effects on the uterine muscles, just like estrogen. The herb with its Rasayana, as well as antioxidant activity, helps in modulating various immune processes and prevents lipid peroxidation at the placental level. The other components, like the polycyclic alkaloid asparagine A, are shown to produce an anti-abortifacient effect by exerting anti-oxytocic action.1,2,3,4.

6.    As a Galactagogue – In Ayurveda, Shatavari is referred to as stanya, i.e., galactagogues. Root extracts of Shatavari can improve lactational inadequacy in lactating mothers. It also increases the levels of prolactin and helps.1,2,3,4.

7.    Anti-ulcer effect–  Shatavari herb strengthens mucosal resistance by potentiating intrinsic protective factors, thereby showing the anti-ulcer effect.  The herb also promotes the secretion of mucus while increasing its viscosity, thereby reducing the H+ ion back diffusion and showing anti-ulcer results .3,5.

8.    Antitussive activity – Shatavari extracts inhibit the cough reflex by inhibiting the coordination between the brainstem that promotes cough.3,5.

9.    Gastrointestinal effect– When consumed as a supplement, the powdered dried root of A. racemosus is known to promote gastric emptying in healthy volunteers.3,5.

10.    Anti-inflammatory activity– The root extract of this herb is known to exert its anti-inflammatory activity by reducing inflammatory cytokine production and total tissue weight and lowering neutrophil-mediated myeloperoxidase activity. Corticosterone levels were also diminished; thus, it acts as an anti-stress agent.3,5.

How does Shatavari help menopause symptoms?

Ayurvedic practitioners have mentioned Shatavari has numerous benefits by exerting properties like cooling, calming, and antioxidant properties. Shatavari’s nourishing and rejuvenating effects can help soothe and balance doshas like Vata and Pitta. The herb has been used more often to enhance reproductive and digestive health. The active constituents of this herb, like kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, and tannins, are found to have profound benefits in treating many disorders. It has been used over many centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as a health tonic to rejuvenate and heal the body and mind. This herb is most commonly used to improve female reproductive organ functioning. It is also used to treat other disorders.

How to use Shatavari

Both the leaves and roots of Shavatari are used in Ayurvedic medicine. Shatavari can be obtained as a powder, a pill, or a liquid extract. The most popular Ayurvedic practice is to use the powder form as tasting the herb begins the digestive process. Shatavari is traditionally mixed with a glass of warm milk and honey or sugar but can be combined into a vast selection of dishes, drinks, and teas.  Ayurveda uses the powder form of these herbs because tasting the herb begins the digestive process. The taste from the tongue sends signals to the body to initiate the body’s supportive mechanisms. As part of an Ayurvedic diet, it may also be combined with ghee, or cooked into an herbalized ghee, to reap its nourishing benefits. Shatavari tablets may be used by people who want the convenience of a tablet or find the powder to be an acquired taste.

Caution

For a member of the Asparagus household, Shatavari shouldn’t be used by anybody experiencing allergies to common asparagus. Because it’s believed to encourage too much Kapha, Shatavari should be used sparingly by those people who are prone to the imbalance. Shatavari is a coolant in its effectiveness and sweet flavor. Excessive intake over the prescribed dose can marginally improve the Kapha dosha, mainly in Kapha Prakriti (constitution) or in Kapha-associated disorders. However, no adverse effects are reported of Shatavari root powder.

Some research has been done which has proven that Shatavari may have slight anti-diabetic consequences. If it’s taken with anti-diabetic drugs, it may show different effects. Shatavari includes phytoestrogens which means it imitates natural estrogen. It may be contraindicated in situations where estrogen is administered and may increase the effects on the body. Please consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using Shatavari.

Summary

Ayurvedic practitioners have mentioned Shatavari has numerous benefits by exerting properties like cooling, calming, and antioxidant properties. Shatavari’s nourishing and rejuvenating effects can help soothe and balance doshas like Vata and Pitta. The herb has been used more often to enhance reproductive and digestive health.

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