Shatavari is one of my favorite Ayurvedic herbs. It boasts excellent hormone-balancing properties, and it builds ojas(vigor), strengthening immune function. As an herb that can be taken every day and is readily available, shatavari is a fantastic option for the modern woman. Its many amazing characteristics are the subject of this article.
There are many terms for shatavari that reflect its sattvic (energizing, harmonious) quality and its unique capacity to promote love and devotion, as well as its long-standing fame as an aphrodisiac. The Sanskrit word shatavaricomes from the words shat(100) and avari, which is traditionally translated as “she who possesses 100 husbands,” suggesting its potent effects on female sexual vigor. Another synonym for shatavariis bahusuta (“many children”) because it helps support fertility. The herb is also called virundivari, meaning ittakes away the fear of getting married if there is a lack of hormonal flow. Other descriptors include pivari,meaning it’s an aid to continued marital bliss, and Narayani (another name for Lakshmi, the goddess who bestows fortune), as well as shatavirya, which refers to the herb’s reputation for having “100 times” the potency of other herbs, especially for strengthening shukra dhatu, or reproductive tissue.
Shatavari is wonderful for pacifying vataand pitta. Shatavari is guru(heavy), sheeta(cooling), tikta(bitter), and svadvi(sweet). It also has a pro-alkaline post-digestive effect. Most sweet tastes become acidic after digestion, but shatavari maintains a high pH even after digestion. These physical properties drive shatavari’s dosha-balancing effects.
Shatavari helps regulate functions in the lower part of the body, where dosha imbalances can lead to problems with menstruation, elimination, and the ebb and flow of hormones. Described as atisarajit, which refers to herb’s usefulness for relieving diarrhea caused by excess pitta, shatavari offers the perfect mix of physical attributes to calm and soothe overactive bowels.
These cooling and nourishing qualities also help pacify pittaimbalances in the eyes, contributing to their enduring health. Shatavari further benefits the eyes by instilling them with intelligence-enhancing properties so that they can better connect to the brain and the inner eye. The term medhagnipushtida, which refers to nourishing the agnis of the brain, is sometimes applied to shatavari, emphasizing its beneficial effects on mental functioning.
The positive impact of shatavari on shukra dhatu(reproductive tissue) and other tissues are reflected in its traditional uses in Ayurvedic medicine, including the following*:
Overview
Serves as a nourishing tonic for women and men
Soothes and nurtures mucous membranes in the lungs, stomach, kidneys, and reproductive organs
Maintains a healthy female reproductive system
Supports healthy lactation
Encourages healthy production of semen
Promotes fertility and a healthy libido
Ayurvedic Energetics:
Rasa(taste): bitter, sweet
Virya(action): cooling
Vipaka(post-digestive taste): sweet
Doshas(constitutions): Balancing for vataand pitta; may aggravate kapha when used in excess
Suggested Use:
¼ to ½ teaspoon with warm water, once or twice daily, or as directed by your health practitioner.
Please consult with your health care practitioner before using of this product if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition. Keep out of the reach of children.
Disclaimer
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
The sole purpose of this article is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.