Why Shatavari Is An All-Natural Superstar for Women’s Health

by Madeline Kim on Feb 28, 2022

Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha and Triphala have gained much popularity in the wellness world for their immense benefits for our health and well-being. Shatavari is another Ayurvedic herb that is known for its especially potent benefits for conditions specific to women—as such, it’s a revered adaptogen that all women should know about. A powerful immunity booster, Shatavari can strengthen fertility, reduce menopausal symptoms, combat stress and more.

What Is Shatavari?

Shatavari is a member of the asparagus family, and in Sanskrit, it translates to “one hundred roots,” which reflects its complex root system and its multiplicity of healing powers. Another translation is “one who possesses one hundred husbands,” an even more vivid testimony to how Shatavari makes a transformative impact on women’s reproductive health. As Cecilia Lacayo, MD, tells Well + Good, Shatavari has “been used for centuries to help women with their reproductive health, restore and balance hormones, increase libido, fight fatigue, treat PMS and menopausal symptoms, support healthy production of breast milk, strengthen the immune systems, and improve digestive health.”

Shatavari is also an adaptogenic herb, which means that it adapts to the specific needs of your body and enhance the body’s ability to respond to stress. They’ve been used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries as an all-natural tool for boosting immunity and health. Given its adaptability, Shatavari offers a variety of benefits for women of all ages.

Benefits of Shatavari for Women

Relieves PMS symptoms

As naturopathic doctor Amanda Frick tells Well + Good, Shatavari “acts as antispasmodic [muscle relaxer] on uterine tissue." As a natural diuretic, this Ayurvedic herb can thus relieve PMS symptoms such as stomach pains, cramps and bloating.

Regulates periods and supports healthy ovulation

Shatavari regulates vaginal pH levels and estrogen production, which in turn helps to regulate periods. It also stimulates production of the luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation. If you’re struggling with getting regular periods or are looking to conceive, Shatavari might offer a particularly useful solution.

Promotes breast milk production

Research has shown that Shatavari acts as a galactagogue, or an ingredient that can boost breast milk production. While galactagogues don’t boost milk supplies on their own, they can act as a natural and effective stimulant for breast milk production; many nursing mothers have found them helpful in increasing their milk.

Reduces menopausal symptoms

Research has also shown that Shatavari is effective in significantly reducing menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and brain fog. That’s because Shatavari has a potent phytoestrogen component that helps to treat decreased estrogen levels faced by menopausal women, making it a continuously potent natural remedy for women as they age.

Alleviates stress and improves mood

Whether we’re menstruating, experiencing pre-menstrual syndrome, going through menopause or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, a negative mood can be difficult to shake. In Ayurveda, it is believed that Shatavari has antidepressant qualities and can reduce stress, soothe irritability and boost one’s mood.

How to Take Shatavari

One way of incorporating Shatavari into your daily routine is by mixing ½ teaspoon of Shatavari powder with lukewarm or warm water and drinking the mixture in the morning and evening, at least 1-2 hours away from meals. You can also try making a Shatavari milk mixture by combining ½ teaspoon of Shatavari powder, 1 cup of milk and ¼ teaspoon cardamom, ¼ teaspoon turmeric, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon ghee for flavor. Boil all the ingredients together with the milk and drink when warm in the morning or right before bed. If you’re sexually active, you can increase the amount of Shatavari powder to 2 tablespoons, and if you’re pregnant, you can use up to 4 tablespoons.

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