Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)

Form: Plant

Where it's from: Africa, Southern Asia and Northern Australia

Benefits of Shatavari 

• Nervous system
• Digestion
• Uterine tonic

Benefits of Shatavari Root

• Energy
• Strength 
• Reproductive function
• Supports women going through the menopause

What is Shatavari?

Shatavari is a herb that has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic and aboriginal Australian medicine for thousands of years. It is referred to as the ‘queen of herbs’ and is thought to hold a superior place in Ayurvedic classics as a ‘Rasayana’ herb with a wide range of health benefits, particularly for females during PMS and menopause. 

It is a source of phytoestrogens and contains a wide range of bioactive constituents that are thought to be beneficial to health. Although clinical studies are still being undertaken, Shatavari as a whole plant is acclaimed to be a nutritious supplement to help maintain women's health, particularly during the menopause.

Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb. ‘Adaptogenic’ is the name given to plants, herbs and fungi that regulate pathways in the body, increase resistance to stress, and help to increase physical endurance and energy. Clinical research suggests Shatavari's active constituents help women suffering from PMS. The root of the plant is studied for helping with the psychological symptoms of PMS, such as anxiety and irritability, and helping women cope more calmly with physical and emotional stress. 

PMS can be much more severe than the occasional mood and tummy ache, as many believe it to be. In our research into PMS, 65% of women suffer from anxiety and half of women suffer from mild depression as a result of their PMS symptoms, and 43% experience insomnia. Shockingly, 98% of the women in our research do not feel productive or confident during their time of the month. You may also enjoy reading ‘Nutrition for PMS Symptoms’ and ‘What PMS type are you?’.

Shatavari root supports both female and male reproductive functions. In particular, it has become renowned for helping maintain balance in female physiology during and after the menopause, and its ability to help maintain strength and energy levels, especially when feeling fatigued.

The Shatavari plant is acclaimed for supporting the onset of sleep, mental function and is thought to help the body deal with stress. Other areas Shatavari is thought to help with include supporting heart function, the health of the circulatory system, and kidney funtion.