SHATAVARI : Asparagus racemosus - Liliaceae
Shatavari, "who possesses a hundred husbands" as its tonic and rejuvenative action on the female reproductive organs is said to give the capacity to have a hundred husbands.

SHATAVARI is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative for the female.

Part Used : Roots

Energetics :
- Rasa (taste) : Bitter, Sweet
- Virya (action) : Cooling
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect) : Sweet
- Guna (quality) : Unctuous, Heavy

Doshas : VP-, K+ (in excess)

Dhatus (tissues) : All tissues

Srotas (systems) : Circulatory, Digestive, Female reproductive, Respiratory

Actions :
Tonic (general, reproductive and nervine), nutritive, rejuvenative, demulcent, antacid, aphrodisiac, galactogogue, laxative, antispasmodic, diuretic, antitumor, spermatogenic, anti-haemorrhagic, expectorant, adaptogen (antistress), gives strength, rejuvenative especially to female reproductive system, nourishes breast milk, promotes sperm production, purifies sperm, alleviates bleeding from heat, benefits eyesight.

Indications :

GYNAECOLOGY :
Shatavari is the foremost female uterine tonic. It is a rasayana for Pitta, for the female reproductive system, and for the blood. Primarily used as a menstrual regulator in dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and menstrual irregularity.
As pitta dosha moves in the blood and the menstrual channel, the cycle is often upset by irregularities involving excess heat. This heat can condense the blood (due to dehydration), cause it to move too quickly (due to its catalytic activity), and to overflow (due to its rebellious nature), causing inflammations (due to its irritating tendency).
An excellent tonic for female fertility as Shatavari's unctuous properties increase the reproductive fluids and enhance conception and uterine strength.
Very useful in menopausal symptoms with hot flushes, irritability, irregular memory, dryness.
Used internally for infertility, loss of libido, threatened miscarriage, menopausal problems. It both nourishes and cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs. It is a good food for menopause or for those who have had hysterectomies, as it supplies many female hormones. It nourishes the ovum and increases fertility. Dry membranes, such as those on the vaginal wall, are brought into balance through the herb's demulcent action.

LACTATION :
Specific for increasing milk flow and quantity.
It also increases semen and nurtures the mucous membranes.

GIT :
Soothes inflammation of the mucus membranes in pitta imbalance, colitis, Crohn's, dysentery with bleeding, inflammation and pain. For conditions of gastric hyperacidity with sour reflux and burning in the stomach the cool and anti-flammatory properties are wonderfully soothing.
Shatavari is also quite effective for stomach ulcers and diarrhea. Its demulcent properties are specifically useful for ulcers and gastritis.

LUNGS :
Where there is inflammation from dryness and heat Shatavari increases moisture. Used in dry cough, sore throat, haemoptysis. Dry and irritated membranes in the upper respiratory tract are soothed by this herb making it useful in cases of bronchitis and chronic fevers. It is believed to bring into balance all of the body's fluids.

MALE FERTILITY :
Whenever there is low sperm count and irregularity (spermatorrhea) consider using Shatavari.
Men may benefit from the herb as well in the treatment of impotence, general sexual debility and inflammation of sexual organs.

URINE :
Very useful in dysuria with hot and smelly urine and also for haematuria.

ANABOLIC :
Increases body mass, muscle tissue and builds the blood.

It has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area.
Externally, it is an effective emollient for stiff joints, stiff neck and muscle spasms. It soothes and calms Vata.

This herb is known to increase Sattva, or positivity and healing power. It also enhances the feelings of spiritual love, devotion and increases Ojas.
Also effective for lung abscess, hematemesis, convalescence, cancer, herpes and leucorrhea..

Contraindications :
- Not with congestion or high ama.
- Cautions in massive fibrocystic breasts, estrogen induced problems

Dosage :
3 - 10 g per day

2 capsules morning and evening with milk or honey before food.

As such, it can be prepared as a milk decoction, along with ghee, raw sugar, honey and pippali.

It is commonly boiled with milk and ghee and digestive spices to increase its tonic property : shatavari ghritam.
Important ingredient in phalagritam, a primary tonic formula used in gynaecology
A major ingredient in Narayana Tailam, a massage oil used for high vata and muscular weakness and skin dryness.