Shatavari: Properties, Benefits & Classical Ayurvedic References

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is one of the most revered Rasayana herbs in Ayurveda. Known for its adaptogenic, rejuvenating, and hormone-balancing properties, Shatavari supports female reproductive health, lactation, vitality, digestion, immunity, and mental well-being.

The name Shatavari originates from Sanskrit, meaning “a woman who possesses a hundred husbands”, symbolizing its powerful role in enhancing female fertility and vitality. Another interpretation describes the plant as having hundreds of nourishing roots, highlighting its deep rejuvenative action.

Synonyms of Shatavari

·  Shatamuli

·  Vrishya

·  Peevari

·  Abhiru

·  Adhakandaka

Botanical Profile

·  Botanical Name:Asparagus racemosus Willd.

·  Family: Liliaceae

Vernacular Names

·  Hindi: Shatavare

·  English: Climbing asparagus, Wild asparagus, Buttermilk root

·  Kannada: Halavu makkala thayi beru, Majjige gadde

·  Tamil: Sadavare, Thanneer vittan kizangu

·  Marathi & Gujarati: Sataveri

·  Malayalam: Shatavari

·  Assamese: Satamul

·  Bengali: Shatamuli, Dogri, Sainsarbil

Classical Ayurvedic Reference

Bhavaprakasha Nighantu:

शतावरीगुरुःशीतातिक्तस्वाद्वीरसायनी |
मेधाग्निपुष्टिदास्निग्धानेथ्र्यागुल्मातिसारजित् ||
शुक्रास्तन्यकरीबल्यावातपित्तास्र्शोथजित ||

Ayurvedic Properties of Shatavari

Benefits of Shatavari as per Ayurveda

·  Rasayana: Anti-aging and rejuvenating herb

·  Medhya: Enhances memory and intelligence

·  Agni Pushtida: Improves digestive strength

·  Netrya: Beneficial for eye health

·  Gulmahara: Useful in abdominal masses

·  Atisarajit: Effective in diarrhea

·  Shukrakari: Improves sperm quality and quantity

·  Stanyajanana: Promotes breast milk secretion

·  Balya: Enhances physical strength

·  Vata-Pittahara: Balances vata and pitta dosha

·  Asrijit: Controls excessive bleeding

·  Shothahara: Reduces swelling and edema

Therapeutic Uses of Shatavari

1. Galactagogue (Enhances Lactation)

Shatavari is one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for lactating mothers. It increases breast milk production, improves its nutritive quality, strengthens mammary tissue, and boosts infant immunity.

2. Supports Fertility & Reproductive Health

·  Acts as a uterine tonic

·  Regulates hormones and menstrual cycles

·  Useful in PMS, dysmenorrhea, PCOS, and abnormal uterine bleeding

·  Steroidal saponins help modulate estrogen activity

·  Stimulates FSH, improving male fertility, sperm count, and semen quality

3. Powerful Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Herb

Shatavari is classified under Ayushya (life-promoting), Vayasthapana (anti-aging), and Rasayana herbs.

Research shows the presence of antioxidants such as:

·  Racemofuran

·  Asparagamine A

·  Racemosol

These compounds help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.

4. Anti-Ulcer & Gastroprotective Action

Shatavari protects gastric mucosa by:

·  Increasing mucus secretion

·  Enhancing mucosal cell lifespan

·  Reducing acid back-diffusion

·  Healing gastric and duodenal ulcers

5. Rejuvenates and Nourishes the Body

Its cooling, nourishing nature strengthens tissues (dhatus), improves immunity, and restores vitality, especially in chronic debility and weakness.

6. Relieves Stress, Anxiety & Promotes Sleep

By balancing vata and pitta dosha, Shatavari calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and supports restful sleep, making it useful in stress-related disorders.

Conclusion

Shatavari is a divine Rasayana herb that supports reproductive health, lactation, digestion, immunity, mental calmness, and longevity. When used appropriately and under Ayurvedic guidance, it plays a vital role in holistic health and rejuvenation.