Shatavari is one of my favorite adaptogens. Shatavari’s name translates to “she who possesses one hundred husbands,” which gives you an idea of its rejuvenating effect on the female reproductive system. Although it has a special affinity for women, shatavari has significant health benefits for everyone– men, women, and children alike.
These days, we all experience some degree of chronic stress, and many of us have been running tired for years. Adrenal burnout and fatigue dry out the tissues and can leave us feeling dull and unenthusiastic. In situations where stress has resulted in dryness and inflammation, shatavari can help to cool, nourish and restore.
Shatavari is sweet, cooling, nourishing, and moisturizing– a classic herb for restoring yin and increasing libido. She has a special ability to heal the delicate mucous membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and sexual organs. In fact, shatavari was studied against a synthetic ulcer medication and was found to be just as effective in preventing and healing gastric ulcers. With shatavari as part of your herbal regimen, you will also find increased relief from inflammatory conditions such as spring allergies and joint pain.
Shatavari is considered to be the most important female rejuvenative in the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. In cases of inflammation and dryness, it is an incredible boon. It is used to increase fertility in both men and women. It increases sperm count and quality, and it nourishes the reproductive tissues. It increases milk production in nursing women and encourages growth and development in infants and children.
By restoring our adrenal reserves and rejuvenating the reproductive system at a deep level, shatavari allows us the freedom to enlarge our scope of emotional flexibility. When our water element is in balance, we have an increased capacity for love, devotion, and enthusiasm for life. This is a gift that all adaptogens can give us, and shatavari is no exception. By increasing our ability to deal with stress, shatavari renews our enthusiasm for connection and allows us to enjoy a greater sense of peace, creativity, and cognitive competence.
Shatavari is a safe “food herb”, and you can experiment with small or large amounts as you see fit. When taking up to 1 tablespoon daily, many people begin to feel the effects of shatavari in a week or less. As with all adaptogens, long-term consistency is the key. Fortunately, shatavari has a pleasant taste and is easy to incorporate into the diet. 1-2 teaspoons in yoghurt, smoothie, oatmeal, etc., is a great place to start.
Shatavari is best absorbed by the body when taken with a source of fat. To make a classic Ayurvedic milk decoction, heat 1 cup of milk and 1 tsp-1 tbsp of shatavari in a non-reactive pot for 10 minutes or so. Stir in raw honey to taste, and enjoy! This is especially good just before sleep.
This is a lovely article on Shatavari! I am definitely adding it to my oatmeal and smoothies since it is a “food herb” 🙂 Thank you for providing the Ayervedic milk decoction. It sounds yummy. Plus it helpd with allergies and inflammation!!