SPOTLIGHT ON SHATAVARI
For International Women's Day and Week, I wanted to shine a spotlight on Shatavari, an adaptogenic herb that is used widely in Ayurveda to enhance female reproductive health (though it is beneficial to male health, too) and act as a general tonic for women of all ages — so much so that it is known as Queen of Herbs.
Shatavari is a plant belonging to the asparagus family, which is native to tropical parts of the world, namely India and Asia more generally. The roots of the plant resemble a bunch of parsnips with fluffy fronds, and delicate white flowers. It can be found commercially in powder, capsule, and liquid (tincture) forms, and as herbal tea blends such as Pukka’s WomanKind or Mother’s Milk by Traditional Medicinals. Its popularity as a supplement is growing so much so that while you can find the dried roots at old fashioned apothecaries such as Baldwins you can even get capsules on Ocado!
I spoke to three Vaidyas (Ayurvedic doctors) who helped me learn to navigate my recent pregnancy and post-partum period with the wisdom of Ayurveda. “The word ‘Shatavari’ in Sanskrit means having 100 spouses and it reflects the herb’s ability to enhance fertility and vitality,” says Vaidya Varalakshmi Yanamandra. Shatavari is used as a cooling herb for gastritis, acts as a blood cleanser and to gain strength and muscle.”
Vaidya Nidhi Pandya expands on that idea. “It essentially adds to your preliminary tissue, also known as Rasa Dhatu (loosely comparable to plasma and lymph),” she says. “The main job of Rasa Dhatu is nourishment of the body. Shatavari supplements Rasa Dhatu and thus supports nourishment of the body and life.”
Although Shatavari can benefit all women and support their immune system, it is often used around pregnancy and breastfeeding as a galactagogue. “I mainly prescribe it for improving the quality of breast milk,” explains Vaidya Seema Datta. “I keep it in reserve to use when women need a boost for quality female hormones and give only when their metabolism is good.”
With that in mind, as with all herbs when taken daily in concentrated forms for functional reasons, rather than more sparingly in culinary form, you should check with your doctor (or with a Vaidya) whether Shatavari would be a good addition to your diet and will combine well with your other supplements. “Women with oestrogen dominance should consult their doctor before consuming Shatavari,” Vaidya Varalakshmi warns.
If you’re interested in trying out this powerful herb, the Vaidya describes a common way to take it: by mixing one teaspoon of Shatavari powder with a glass of warm milk at night — milk being an important carrier of the principal active ingredients in herbs to the bodily tissues to “enhance strength, improve lactation and act as a tonic for the overall wellbeing of new mothers.”
SHATAVARI PRODUCTS TO TRY
Mauli Organic Shatavari Booster Powder
In powder form, Shatavari can easily be added to your breakfast or to a glass of warm milk.
Brew a steaming cup of this blend to support your health.
Fushi Organic Shatavari Root Capsules
If you prefer to take a supplement in capsule form, this product by Fushi will do the trick, helping you ease period pain and stress, among other benefits.
Mother’s Milk Shatavari Tea by Traditional Medicinals
This is another great Shatavari tea blend, which is caffeine-free, non-GMO certified, organic and kosher.
Pukka Wholistic Shatavari Capsules
You probably know Pukka for their wonderful teas, but they also carry an amazing range of supplements, including this one with Shatavari.