If you’re someone who tends to feel nervous or stressed most of the time then we’re sure you’ve heard, or perhaps been given, a mini sermon about the goodness of Shatavari Powder.
This adaptogenic herb is considered a general health tonic and is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine to treat physical and emotional stress. But there are other health benefits that Shatavari may offer. Keep scrolling to learn about some medically proven benefits of Shatavari powder.
What is Shatavari?
Shatavari is a plant that is often recommended for women’s health. It comes from the roots of the Asparagus racemosus plant, which belongs to the Liliaceae family. The herb has the ability to enhance vitality and support reproductive health, especially in women.
This herb is a type of adaptogen which means it aids the body cope with physical and emotional stress. Shatavari is primarily known for balancing hormones, boosting immunity, and improving overall health.
Shatavari was discovered in 1799 and ever since its nourishing properties have been used in Ayurvedic medicines to support a number of systems and functions in the body.
Top 15 Health Benefits of Shatavari Powder
1. Improves Premenstrual Syndrome
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that occur about a week or two before the period due to certain hormonal changes. This causes fatigue, irritability, mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, and other symptoms that affect a woman’s health.
Shatavari can be used as a hormonal harmonizer. This herb helps soothe the overall system, reducing fatigue, sleep issues, mood swings, depression, sweating, and other discomforts during PMS.
2. Supports Women’s Health Post Pregnancy
Shatavari powder is known as a female-friendly herb because it has been used by new mothers to help them recover faster after childbirth. It is also great for promoting milk production in breastfeeding mothers. The herb has galactagogue properties (substances that increase milk production) due to the presence of steroidal saponins. Thus, if you are someone who is facing the problem of inadequate breast milk production, consider taking Shatavari.
3. Reduces Symptoms of Menopause
Besides new moms, this wonder herb can be taken by women of all ages, especially ones who are close to their menopause.
Menopause comes with a lot of sexual changes that can be tough to deal with. The decline in estrogen and progesterone levels also increases the chances of certain health problems. Shatavari can be used as a natural remedy to manage menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as to help prevent the risk of associated health issues.
4. Boosts Immunity
Shatavari is also an immunity booster, packed with antioxidants that strengthen your immune system and fight free radicals that may harm your health. A 2004 study found that animals given Shatavari root extract showed an increase in antibodies to a strain of whooping cough, compared to those that weren’t treated. Also, the treated animals recovered faster and experienced overall better health.
5. Improves Digestion
The herb is also a folk remedy for digestive issues like diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, acidity, flatulence, and abdominal distension. It has anti-flatulence properties that help reduce gas formation in the stomach. The herb also soothes your digestive system, aiding in the proper absorption of nutrients. Lastly, the fibre content in the powder helps with constipation and improves the digestion process.
6. Supports Heart Health
Shatavari is a powerful Ayurvedic herb for heart health because it has natural antioxidant and cardio-protective properties that help manage various heart conditions. It relaxes your cardiac system and helps the heart pump blood effortlessly. This is especially helpful for individuals who are at risk or are suffering from arrhythmias and palpitation issues. The herb also strengthens heart muscles, lowers blood cholesterol levels, and prevents lipid/fat buildup. Thus it overall reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blockages, heart attacks, and blood clots.
7. Enhances Fertility
Shatavari powder is also a great remedy if you have fertility issues. In women, the herb balances sex hormones and enhances egg quality, which helps improve reproductive health. In men, it helps increase sperm count and motility. So, if you’re someone struggling to conceive, you can try using this natural remedy.
8. Relieves Anxiety and Depression
Research also found that Shatavari has antidepressant properties. Thus, it is considered a natural mood enhancer, and highly effective in managing psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, etc. Ayurvedic protocols believe that Shatavari balances the Vata and Pitta doshas, helping regulate serotonin levels (a hormone that regulates mood, bowel movements, and sleep). The powerful antidepressant properties of Shatavari relax your hyperactive mind which aids in reducing irritability and overthinking.
9. Manages Diabetes
Shatavari also has hypoglycemic (reduces blood sugar levels) properties that make it effective in maintaining as well as managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. It stimulates the activity of pancreatic β-cells. This enhances insulin production. It also slows down the breakdown of starch into glucose, helping to maintain lower blood glucose levels.
10. May Help Treat Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause intense pain as they move through the urinary tract. The majority of kidney stones are made of oxalates, which are compounds found in foods like nuts, beets, and fried foods.
A 2005 study found that Shatavari root extract helped prevent oxalate stone formation in rats. It also increases magnesium levels in urine, which may help prevent crystal formation in the urinary tract, reducing the risk of kidney stones.
11. Great Remedy For Stomach Ulcers
A stomach ulcer occurs when stomach acid damages the protective lining of the stomach, leading to an open sore. Common symptoms of this condition are pain, indigestion, and a burning sensation in the stomach. Ulcers heal once the underlying causes are addressed.
Shatavari can be a beneficial aid for stomach ulcers. It increases gastric mucus secretion. Gastric mucus protects the stomach lining from stomach acid by creating a layer on the mucosal surface. Shatavari also has cytoprotective (cell-protective) activity, which increases the lifespan of these mucosal cells. Regular intake of Shatavari powder can help reduce acid levels as well as promote quicker healing.
12. Reduces Inflammation
Shatavari has Racemofuran, which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial capabilities. The compound acts just like a prescription anti-inflammatory medicine, and thus Shatavari is considered beneficial for inflammatory problems. If you’re dealing with arthritis, muscle pain, or general inflammation, this herb can help to a great extent.
13. Helps with Respiratory Health
Shatavari is also beneficial in the management of respiratory problems like bronchitis. Its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties help reduce lung inflammation, dilate air passages, and improve breathing.
14. Supports Weight Loss
Rich in flavonoids, Shatavari aids in shedding excess weight effectively. Packed with dietary fibre and essential nutrients, it helps control hunger pangs and prevents overeating when consumed regularly.
15. Enhances Brain Function
With ageing, your brain functions like memory and focus also start to decline. Shatavri can even help reduce these effects of ageing on your brain and help you stay sharp and clear-headed.