According to "The Yoga of Herbs," shatavari is an ayurvedic herb primarily recommended for women as a general tonic and rejuvenative. It has a variety of specific uses relating to its demulcent, emmenagogue, aphrodisiac and sattvic qualities. It relieves excesses of the bodily humors of pitta--the humor of fire or heat, and vata--the humor of wind. Since it is building, it slightly increases kapha--the bodily humor of earth.
Sources
Shatavari's Latin name is asparagus racemosus, and it is sometimes referred to as Indian Asparagus. It grows primarily in India, but Shatavari powder--or churna--and extract are available outside of India in ayurvedic specialty stores and through Internet order sites. Western asparagus root has some similar properties and may substitute, though it is not as strong.
Primary Use
The name "shatavari" literally means "who possesses a hundred husbands," according to "The Yoga of Herbs," and it is said to impart such strength to a woman that she could have 100 husbands. The herb is sweet, bitter and cooling, and it strengthens and gives energy and vitality to all tissues of your body--but especially your blood and reproductive tissues. Although it is also used by men occasionally, shatavari is primarily beneficial for women and the female reproductive organs.
Emmenagogue
As an ayurvedic emmenagogue, shatavari treats problems and abnormalities of the female reproductive system. Use it to increase your libido, treat premenstrual syndrome, relieve symptoms of menopause or to rebuild and strengthen your body after childbirth. It is especially useful for reproductive problems due to weakness, poor nutrition and aging.
Demulcent
Shatavari is a demulcent herb, which means it is mucilaginous, moisturizing, soothing and balancing to bodily fluids. Use it to soothe your digestive discomfort such as stomach ulcers and diarrhea, remove excess phlegm, relieve respiratory congestion and moisturize irritated and dry mucus membranes such as your vagina, mouth and upper respiratory tract.
Aphrodisiac
Shatavari is an ayurvedic aphrodisiac, a substance that nourishes, strengthens and builds your reproductive tissues. However, this herb is not necessarily for the purpose of stimulating and supporting sexual activity. According "The Yoga of Herbs," aphrodisiac herbs build your subtle life essence to support the regeneration of your entire body and support the transformation of your sexual energy into the overall vitality and well-being of your mind and body.
Sattvic
Shatavari is a sattvic herb, meaning it brings your mind and emotions into balance and relieves both rajas--active tension--and tamas--lethargy. So you can take it either to get more energy or to calm your anxiety and overactivity. On an emotional level, it helps build love and devotion.
References
- "The Yoga of Herbs"; David Frawley and Vasant Lad; 2001
- Ayurveda for You: "Shatavari"
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