Shatavari - A Magic Herb For Women

Shatavari for women

Shatavari (known in Russia as racemose asparagus) is a unique medicinal plant that is mentioned in the ancient recipes of Indian Ayurveda. Shatavari has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system, has a positive effect on the entire body as a whole. Shatavari women especially loved for their ability to treat infertility, diseases of the genitourinary system.

Shatavari is a type of asparagus used in Ayurveda as a component of many medicines. The herb has properties that increase the body's resistance to various diseases, counteract the effects of stress, and adapt a person to unfavorable external factors. This plant is the basis of the Shatavari medicine prescribed for the prevention and treatment of many somatic diseases. It is of great benefit to women of any age group.

It is worth taking a little time to learn about the benefits of shatavari, its beneficial qualities, possible negative effects, about the possibility of taking it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Content:

• Indications for the use of shatavari

  • Shatavari for infertility
  • Can shatavari be taken during pregnancy and lactation?
• 5 scientifically proven benefits of shatavari
• Contraindications

Indications for the use of shatavari

Considering the physiological effect of shatavari, one should highlight its effect on the sex glands that secrete hormones. Under the action of the drug, the production of progesterone and the conversion of estradiol to estrol are activated. Such properties prevent the formation of diseases of the female genitourinary sphere. For the best therapeutic effect, it is recommended to combine the reception of shatavari with ashwagandha.

Men can take this herbal remedy for genital disorders, despite the fact that it is considered predominantly female. Hypertrophy of the prostate gland in older men occurs due to the high concentration of dihydrosterone. Shatavari not only interferes with this process, but also eliminates inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, helps with spermatorrhea and infertility.

A wide range of actions allows the use of shatavari in the following conditions:

• Painful periods, PMS.
• Symptoms characteristic of the climacteric period.
• Violation of the menstrual cycle, absence of menstruation.
• Infectious, inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs.
• Bleeding of various etiologies.

• Hormonal disorders leading to the development of hormone-dependent diseases.

• Decreased sex drive in women and men.
• Condition after removal of the uterus.
• Milk deficiency during lactation.
• Anemia, decreased protective functions of the body, general, nervous exhaustion.
• Skin diseases.
• Diseases of the digestive system - ulcers, colitis, gastritis, hemorrhoids.
• Visual disturbances.
• Diseases of the urinary system.
• Cardiovascular disorders.
• Difficulty conceiving, carrying a child.
• Male infertility.

Shatavari for infertility

Female infertility is a serious problem that many couples face. Hormonal disorders, a weakened body, a high level of acidity in the genital tract - all these are reasons that can interfere with conception. Taking shatavari increases the chances of pregnancy and aids in the successful bearing of the baby.

If you have serious somatic diseases that make it difficult to conceive, you should see your doctor. In such cases, shatavari cannot act as the main therapeutic agent. It should be seen as part of a comprehensive solution to the underlying problem.

Can shatavari be taken during pregnancy and lactation?

Ayurvedic specialists define pregnancy and breastfeeding as indications for taking shatavari. The restructuring of the entire female body, sharp hormonal fluctuations during these periods provoke the occurrence of unpleasant side effects:

• emotional swings;
• general malaise;
• complications during carrying a baby.

Doctors observing women who take shatavari have noted positive changes. This is due to the fact that the natural composition of the drug has a beneficial effect on the mother and child and is completely safe.

Feeding a baby with breast milk is also an indication for taking shatavari. It is especially important to use the drug with a shortage of milk, which can also be caused by hormonal changes. The natural preparation promotes active milk production, enriches it with nutrients. All components of the herbal remedy are important for the health of the baby, contribute to its full development. Shatavari helps to extend the length of the breastfeeding period without using complementary foods or artificial substitutes.

5 scientifically proven benefits of shatavari

Numerous medical studies have proven the beneficial properties of shatavari:

1. Stimulation of reproductive function in women, treatment of diseases that cause difficulties in conception. A review of research published in 2018 in the journal Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy ^[1] suggests that the herb may improve diseases such as hormonal imbalances and polycystic ovary disease.

2. Facilitating the course of the menopause. The use of the drug for three weeks reduces the number of hot flashes, eliminates night sweats. This was proven in a small-scale study in 2018 ^[2].

3. Removal of free radicals from the body, pronounced antioxidant effect. Evidence for this came from a 2018 study in mice ^[3].

4. Antidepressant effect, reducing anxiety - proven in a 2014 study ^[4], published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology. The drug binds to serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid, which are responsible for feelings of anxiety.

5. Assistance in the synthesis of lactogen - a component that ensures normal lactation. A review of research was published in 2016 in The Ochsner Journal ^[5].

Research on the effects of shatavari on mothers and babies during gestation and nursing is ongoing. Before you start taking the drug, you should consult your doctor.

Contraindications

Shatavari is rightfully considered one of the valuable remedies of Indian Ayurveda, but like any active substance, it cannot be completely harmless. There are a number of conditions in which the intake of a herbal preparation is contraindicated:

1. Gynecological diseases provoked by an excessive content of sex hormones. Taking shatavari can aggravate the hormonal disorder, as it includes phytoestrogens.
2. Deficiency of enzymes that break down food, severe diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

3. Hypersensitivity to the drug.

4. The presence of a fungal infection of any localization. The tool can activate the spread of fungal infections.
5. Estrogenic mastopathy.
6. Severe renal disease.
7. Long-term use of the drug. Excessive hobby for shatavari can provoke constipation, disorders of the digestive function.

Ayurvedic drug Shatavari cannot act as an independent therapeutic agent! It is one of the elements of the complex treatment of a particular disease. If you are in doubt about the need to take shatavari, seek clarification from a doctor or a specialist who understands Ayurvedic medicine.

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).