A Look into the Benefits of Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari)

Asparagus racemosus, also known as Shatavari, is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to support the female reproductive system, improve digestion, boost immunity, reduce stress and anxiety, and support heart health. This herb is native to India and Sri Lanka. In Ayurvedic medicine, Shatavari is considered to be a cooling, nourishing, and rejuvenating herb that helps balance the body’s energies and promote overall health and well-being. Continue reading to explore the benefits and side effects and understand how to use Shatavari.

Asparagus Racemosus Benefits

Asparagus racemosus or Shatavari is considered to be a health tonic with abundant health benefits. Some of the health benefits of Shatavari are discussed below.

1. Boosts Immune Function

Asparagus racemosus uses in Ayurvedic medicine include immunity boosting. It is administered to boost the body’s immune function. Studies have shown that Shatavari root extract helps in producing antibodies to a strain of whooping cough. This shows that Asparagus racemosus has immunity-boosting properties and helps in keeping illness and infections at bay.

2. Has Antioxidant Properties

Shatavari consists of saponins, compounds with potent antioxidant properties. Studies have identified a new antioxidant racemofuran also with already existing antioxidants asparagamine A and racemosol in Shatavari root.  These antioxidants prevent free-radical damage, fight oxidative stress and prevent the risk of developing chronic diseases.

3. Reduces Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of racemofuran found in Shatavari help in reducing inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is an essential part of the healing process. The inflammatory cells travel to the place of injury to fight infection and help you heal. But if the inflammatory cells stay for too long then the inflammation can become chronic and lead to several diseases. One of the Asparagus racemosus benefits is to reduce inflammation and prevent the onset of chronic diseases.

4. A Good Remedy for Diarrhoea

Asparagus racemosus uses include treatment for diarrhoea. Shatavari is known to have several health benefits, including its ability to help treat diarrhoea. Shatavari is believed to have a cooling effect on the digestive system, which can help soothe the inflammation and irritation that can cause diarrhoea. It also contains compounds that can help regulate bowel movements and reduce the frequency of diarrhoea.

In Ayurvedic medicine, Shatavari is often used in combination with other herbs to create remedies for diarrhoea. For example, it may be mixed with ginger, cumin, and fennel to create a tea that can help soothe the digestive system and reduce diarrhoea symptoms.

5. Reduces Cough

Asparagus racemosus has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat respiratory conditions such as cough. The ayurvedic herb helps in reducing cough in several ways.

• Shatavari has a cooling and soothing effect on the respiratory tract which can help reduce the inflammation and irritation that can cause cough.
• Shatavari is believed to have expectorant properties, i.e., it can help break mucus and phlegm in the respiratory tract, making it easier to expel.
• Shatavari has immune-boosting properties that can help fight the underlying infection that may be causing cough.

6. Has Diuretic Properties

Asparagus racemosus is known for its diuretic properties. It can increase urine production and help flush out excess fluids from the body. Shatavari increases blood flow to the kidneys which can help improve their function and increase urine production. It promotes the excretion of sodium and water from the body, which can help reduce water retention and bloating. It also helps in balancing electrolytes in the body which supports healthy kidney function and urine production.

In Ayurvedic medicine, one of the Asparagus racemosus uses is to help treat conditions such as oedema, high blood pressure, and urinary tract infections with its natural diuretic properties. 

7. Helps in Ulcer Treatment

Asparagus racemosus has several active compounds like flavonoids, asparagine, and saponins which have anti-inflammatory properties as well as anti-ulcer properties. Excessive production of stomach acids can irritate and damage the lining of the stomach. Shatavari inhibits the production of these stomach acids and helps treat ulcers. It inhibits the activity of enzymes that stimulate the production of stomach acids which results in the decrease of acid levels. 

Also, Shatavari promotes the growth of new cells in the stomach lining which can help repair and heal ulcers. Phytoestrogens present in Shatavari are responsible for cell growth and regeneration.

8. Prevents Formation of Kidney Stones

One of the reasons for the formation of kidney stones is the build-up of oxalates. Oxalates are naturally occurring substances found in many foods including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. In some people, high levels of oxalates in the body can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Shatavari contains several active compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and asparagine which have diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help prevent the buildup of oxalates in the body by increasing urine output and reducing inflammation in the kidneys and urinary tract.  

9. Helps Control Blood Sugar Levels

Increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas to control blood sugar levels is one of the asparagus racemosus uses. Insulin regulates blood sugar levels by supporting the uptake of glucose from the blood into the cells where it can be used for energy. Shatavari also improves insulin sensitivity in the body which means the cells become more responsive to the effects of insulin. This can minimise the need for insulin to regulate blood sugar levels and can improve glucose metabolism.

10. Supports Women’s Reproductive Health

Asparagus racemosus is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to support women’s reproductive health. Shatavari works in many ways for the upkeep of women’s reproductive health. It has hormonal balancing effects that help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce menstrual pain and discomfort. Shatavari has aphrodisiac properties and helps improve fertility in women by promoting healthy ovulation and supporting the overall health of the reproductive system. 

11. Helps Treat Depression

Asparagus racemosus is an adaptogenic herb which is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat depression. Shatavari has nervine tonic properties which can calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Shatavari has mood-regulating effects which can alleviate symptoms of depression such as sadness, anxiety and irritability. Also, it has antioxidants which protect the brain from oxidative stress and damage that can contribute to depression.

How to Use Asparagus Racemosus?

Asparagus racemosus or Shatavari is available in various forms. It is available in powder, capsule and liquid forms. The recommended dosage of Shatavari depends on age, health condition, and other factors. It is advised to consult a doctor for the appropriate dosage.

Shatavari can be used in various ways.

• Shatavari powder can be mixed with water, milk or a smoothie and consumed orally.
• Shatavari capsules are a very convenient way to consume. Just gulp down the capsule with water.
• Shatavari tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of the herb that can be added to water or juice and consumed orally. 
• You can also prepare Shatavari tea by boiling Shatavari root in water and consuming the tea once it cools down.

Side Effects of Asparagus Racemosus

Studies have shown that ayurvedic medicine considered Asparagus racemosus safe for long-term use. However, there are reports of some side effects in rare cases. Some of the side effects reported are 

• Allergic reactions like rashes, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and itchy eyes in some people
• Lowering blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps when taken in large doses
• Interaction with certain medications such as diuretics or medication for diabetes.

Conclusion

Asparagus racemosus or Shatavari is a herb with aphrodisiac and adaptogenic properties used in Ayurvedic Medicine for centuries.  The herb benefits digestion, immune function, inflammation, hormone balance, stress, anxiety, and women’s health. Though it is safe to consume the herb in small doses, more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness.