A Look into the Benefits of Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari) 

Also known by the name ‘Shatavari’, asparagus racemosus is an Ayurvedic herb being used for time immemorial. The herb aids in keeping the female reproductive system healthy, improving digestion, reducing stress as well as anxiety, supporting heart health, and enhancing immunity. Native to India and Sri Lanka, this herb is nourishing, cooling, and refreshing that helps in balancing the energies of your body and supporting your overall well-being. Read here to learn more about the benefits as well as potential side-effects of asparagus racemosus and learn how to use it in your routine.

Asparagus Racemosus Benefits

Asparagus racemosus has an abundance of health benefits and some of them have been mentioned 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. However, 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 may lead to several diseases. One of the Asparagus racemosus benefits is to reduce inflammation and prevent the onset of chronic diseases.

4. Solving the Problem of Diarrhoea

One of the most important Asparagus racemosus uses is that it solves the problem of diarrhoea. This is because it has a cooling effect on your digestive system, helping soothe irritation and inflammation. The herb also includes compounds that control bowel movements as well as reduce the occurrence of diarrhoea. 

Shatavari also works wonders when it comes to diarrhoea when combined with other herbs like ginger, fennel, and cumin. You can take shatavari with these herbs in the form of tea in order to give relief to your digestive system.

5. Reduces Cough

The herb is also great for your respiratory health. It helps you with conditions like cough. Shatavari helps reduce your cough in various ways. Owing to the cooling and soothing effect of shatavari on the respiratory tract, the inflammation that causes cough gets reduced. The herb also possesses expectorant characteristics – it helps break phlegm and mucus present in the respiratory tract. Moreover, the herb also enhances the functioning of your immune system, helping combat the infection which may be causing the cough. 

6. Has Diuretic Properties

The diuretic properties of Asparagus racemosus are also the reason behind its various benefits. The herb helps increase the production of urine, helping flush out the toxic fluids. It also enhances the blood flow to the kidneys – this helps them function better, thus increasing urine production. Since this helps the body excrete sodium and water, the problem of bloating as well as water retention is also reduced. Shatavari aids in maintaining electrolyte balance, which further supports kidney health and better urine production. 

As per Ayurveda, Asparagus racemosus uses also include helping treat conditions like oedema, high blood pressure as well as urinary tract infections.

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. 

Owing to the presence of Phytoestrogens, Shatavari also helps with new cell growth in the stomach, helping repair as well as heal ulcers. 

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 formation of oxalate stones in the body by increasing urine output. It also helps in reducing inflammation in the kidneys and urinary tract and plays a role in preventing crystals in urine which can initiate stone formation in the kidney.

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.