Are There Health Benefits of Shatavari Powder?

Shatavari powder is a common supplement given to new mothers in almost every Indian household. It is a popular remedy to increase milk secretion and normalize the uterus after childbirth. But this “Queen of Herbs” is not just limited to postpartum use.

Shatavari is a versatile herb that can treat a long list of ailments, including menstrual disorders, stress, digestive issues, and much more. Read on to discover the health benefits of this Shatavari powder, and learn how to safely include it in your wellness routine.

What is Shatavari Powder?

Shatavari powder is made from the roots of the Asparagus racemosus plant. The plant is originally found in Australia, Africa, China, India, and parts of Asia. It is typically a woody, spiny climbing shrub that can grow to a height or length of 1 to 2 meters.

In Sanskrit, Shatavari means “the plant with a hundred roots.” The roots of this herb are enriched with all the medicinal and healing properties and are a staple in various formulations and medicines used in Ayurveda.

Ayurveda is a holistic medicinal system rooted in India more than 3,000 years ago and has time and again mentioned this herb in several Ayurvedic journals and scriptures for hundreds of indications like:

• Pachana (for digestion)
• Deepana (balances stomach fire)
• Rochana (appetite stimulant)
• Amahara (treats indigestion)
• Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting)
• Anulomana (improves breathing)
• Vayasthapana (anti-ageing)
• Jvara (reduces fever)
• Kasahara (relieves cough)
• Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
• Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
• Prameha (manages diabetes)
• Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders)
• Manasa (relieves stress)

Basically, Shatavari is a Rasayanic herb. Rasayana herbs are said to rejuvenate your whole body. The powder form is made by grinding the dried roots into a fine powder. These roots are carefully harvested, cleaned, and dried before being ground to preserve their potent medicinal properties.

Components Present in Shatavari Powder

Shatavari powder contains an abundance of phytochemicals and bioactive compounds that bestow the supplement with its medicinal properties. These include:

• Steroidal saponins aka shatavarins: These compounds enhance immune function, reduce inflammation, and regulate female hormonal balance. They are also responsible for Shatavari’s adaptogenic/stress-relieving properties.
• Alkaloids like Asparagine and Sparagin: These compounds have soothing effects on your nervous system and also support digestive health.
• Flavonoids: They have antioxidant properties which protect your body from oxidative stress.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Besides containing vitamins A, C, and E,  Shatavari is also rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
• Mucilage: This compound has a soothing effect on your digestive tract and is useful for treating digestive issues like acidity and ulcers.

Krishna Ayurveda’s Shatavari Powder is one of the purest powders available on the market. It is clinically proven and recommended by doctors for new mothers to increase breast milk as well as support the immune system in individuals. The powder is 100 percent natural, made from fleshy tuberous roots of the plant with no added chemicals or preservatives to make sure all the health benefits of Shatavari remain intact.

Health Benefits of Shatavari Powder

The list of conditions that this versatile herb is used to treat is quite long. Here is a curated list of the top benefits of Shatavari powder.

1. Improves Reproductive Health

This is probably one of the most common health benefits of Shatavari powder. Although it is widely known to treat female reproductive disorders such as hormonal imbalances and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), it may support male reproductive health too.

By balancing hormones and nourishing the reproductive system, Shatavari helps in treating conditions like low sperm count and infertility. It may also reduce stress-related factors that can affect male reproductive health.

2. Boosts Lactation for New Mothers

Another popular health benefit of Shatavari is that it is used as a galactagogue. A substance that increases milk production and improves mammary glands in breastfeeding mothers. The steroidal saponins and tryptophan which are the primary active constituents found in the roots increase prolactin levels, the hormone that stimulates breast milk production. The supplement also helps restore the body’s hormonal balance after childbirth, aiding in post-delivery recovery.

3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Shatavari is an adaptogen, which means it helps your body adapt to stress and restore balance. In Ayurveda, it is also used to treat depression because of its calming effect on the neurotransmitters in the brain. Using Shatavari powder on a regular basis can improve anxiety, stress, mental clarity, and mental fatigue. It can also aid in improving sleep quality.

4. Improves Skin Health

Shatavari is a great antioxidant that not only benefits internal health but also supports skin health. Its antioxidant nature reduces the damage to your skin caused by free radicals that often lead to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes. Shatavari also detoxifies your body, promoting clearer, younger-looking skin.

5. Supports Digestive Health

Shatavari is known for its soothing properties that help calm the digestive system and treat issues like indigestion, bloating, and constipation. The mucilage present in Shatavari helps coat and protect the digestive tract, easing inflammation and promoting healthy digestion. It also encourages the production of digestive juices, which helps with nutrient absorption and overall gut health.

6. Treats Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small, irregular hard deposits made up of minerals and waste substances in urine. As the stone passes through your urinary tract, it may cause intense pain depending on its size. The most commonly found stones are oxalate stones, and a study shows that Shatavari powder use can prevent the formation of oxalate stones.

Learn more about preventive tips on kidney stones.

7. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common, increasing the demand for safer and more effective treatment options. A study suggests that Shatavari may help regulate blood sugar levels. Compounds in the herb are believed to increase insulin production.

How to Take Shatavari Powder?

If you are interested in taking Shatavari, the first thing we advise is to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner. Usually, 1 teaspoon of Shatavari powder is recommended to be taken in one glass of warm water. You can also mix the powder with warm milk, which is a common practice in Ayurvedic medicine.

According to Ayurveda, Shatavari is safe to be taken by every individual, including pregnant and lactating mothers, but there are chances of allergic reactions like with any other supplement. If you experience any allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, itchy skin, rashes, or rapid heart rate, or dizziness shortly after taking the supplement, seek immediate medical attention.

Shatavari is believed to act as a diuretic, which can reduce your body’s ability to absorb sodium. This could increase the risk of dehydration if you are using the supplement. If you’re taking diuretic medications, it’s best to avoid shatavari.

Shatavari may also lower blood sugar levels, so if you’re already using medications or herbal treatments to manage blood sugar, you should not take Shatavari.

Concluding Lines

For centuries, Shatavari powder has been recommended by Ayurvedic practitioners not just to provide the health benefits mentioned above but also to boost the overall immune system. To reap its antioxidant and immune-boosting benefits, consume it in small amounts. Use it wisely and enjoy the holistic benefits of this ancient, time-tested herb.