Asparagus racemosa

Common name: Shatavari

Family: Asparagaceae

Part used: Root

Habitat: Shatavari is a species of asparagus which is native to higher altitudes of India and surrounding areas including the Himalayas. The plant grows to 1-2m with large pale roots and it prefers rocky areas. It is considered endangered in the wild due to over harvesting for traditional medicine, but is widely cultivated. 

Folklore and History: In Ayurvedic medicine shatavari has long been used as a female tonic and we borrow it's original name into English, which roughly translates as 'giving capacity for a hundred husbands'!

Constituents: Steroidal saponins including shatavarin-I, alkaloids, mucilage

Actions: Sexual tonic, aphrodisiac, adaptogenic, spasmolytic, galactagogue, antidiarrheal, diuretic, nutritive tonic, immunomodulatory, oestrogen modulator, menstural cycle regulator, antibacterial, 

Traditional and current uses:

• Low libido, impotence, infertility (in men and women), particulary when stress, immune function repeated genitourinary infections are implicated
• Female reproductive tonic
• To promote breastmilk production and quality
• Menopausal symptoms
• Irregular periods, particularly when stress is implicated

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.