SHATAVARI – A Rejuvenating Tonic for Women of All Ages

According to the Yoga of Herbs by Dr. Frawley and Dr. Lad, Shatavari is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative for females

In the world of Ayurvedic medicine, there are certain herbs favoured for health issues specific to women. One such herb is called Shatavari, also known as Asparagus racemosus. It is the root of this plant in particular that addresses infertility, debility of the female organs, and menopausal symptoms. According to the Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad, Shatavari is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative for females, just like Ashwa-gandha is for males (though both have some action on both sexes).

In breastfeeding women, Shatavari increases milk production, and for all women it nourishes and cleanses the blood. In India, Shatavari means “she who possesses a hundred husbands” as its tonic and rejuvenative action on the female reproductive organs is said to give women the capacity to have a hundred husbands. This herb is also a good food for menopause or for those who have had hysterectomies, as it supplies many female hormones.

Because of its tonic and cooling action, Shatavari is soothing for those of pitta constitution, and also tonifies the blood.

This herb is an effective demulcent (soothing and protecting) for dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and sexual organs. And its thirst-relieving and fluid-protecting powers make it a good medicine for chronic diarrhea and dysentery.

Shatavari seems to have a particular affinity for healing the stomach, due to its antacid properties which help to counteract hyperacidity and stomach ulcers.

There is also evidence to suggest that its bitter and cooling properties make it an effective Ayurvedic treatment for lung abscesses, coughs, cancer, herpes, and chronic fevers.

And Ayurvedic consultant Francis Ashwagandha likes to add Shatavari to his omelette in the morning. He says it works as a yin tonic for males and increases mental alertness.

The usual method of preparation involves adding 3 grams (1 tsp) of the powder to a  cup of warm almond milk sweetened with Organic Traditions Coconut palm sugar or Organic Traditions Yacon Gold Syrup, or combining it with ghee or coconut oil to make a paste.

One teaspoon of Shatavari powder can be easily incorporated into a delicious morning smoothie made with other nourishing superfoods such as ¼ cup of frozen blueberries, 1-2 Tbsp of Organic Traditions Sprouted Chia powder, 2 Tbsp of golden berries, 2 Tbsp of hemp hearts, 1 Tbsp of cacao nibs, and ½ tsp of vanilla powder. Simply blend all ingredients together with 8 to 10 oz. of water or coconut water and enjoy.

The powdered root of Shatavari is now being imported from India by Advantage Health Matters, and can be purchased at the Big Carrot Wholistic Dispensary in Toronto, as well as other selected health food stores. It comes in a 200-gram bag, and is certified organic by EcoCert.

For more information, contact the Big Carrot Wholistic Dispensary, 320 Danforth Avenue, Toronto (416) 466-8432. To contact Advantage Health Matters, call 1-800-304-1497, or visit their website https://www.advantagehealthmatters.com