This week we are talking all about Vata! It is Vata season , which means it is mostly cold, dry and mobile (wind) in the weather patterns. It is important to keep this dosha in balance and in its proper seat to avoid production and accumulation of toxins. Vata dosha is a combination of the air and ether elements. This represents action, movement and transportation. The qualities of Vata are dry, light, cold, rough, subtle and mobile. Vata is in our movements, actions, breathing, speech, detox, heart pumping and sense of touch. It is the kindler of digestive fire, opener of cell walls and channels, and develops and delivers babies. The seat of Vata is in the abdominal cavity bellow the belly button in the large intestine and colon. It is also in the pelvis, thighs, skin, ears, bones, heart, brain, nervous system and lungs. Each dosha (Vata, Pitta & Kapha) all have 5 subdoshas that exist. Each of these subdoshas represents the five elements (ether, air, fire, water, earth) that tie...
I had to write this post… Because the question what is Shatavari is one I hear often. If you are female, you should know about this herb because Shatavari is Ayurveda‘s gift to all women! It's the main Ayurvedic tonic and rejuvenating herb for the female body 👩 !
There's a debate about the origin of the name, Shatavari, and it's a fun one.
One theory is the meaning of Shatavari is “The woman who possesses a hundred husbands”
The other one is that it means “The cure for a hundred diseases”
Either way, it doesn't matter… The point is that Shatavari is a powerful Ayurvedic herb known to be a stress tonic for women's reproductive organs… Said to give you the capacity to have a hundred husbands and stay healthy.
In this article, we take a closer look at Shatavari, its health benefits, how to use it, and how to make Shatavari ghee.
Shatavari – Also Known As…
Wild Asparagus, Asparagus Racemosus, Shakakul, and Shatamuli are other names for Shatavari.
This reproductive tonic is used to help women with infertility, pre-menstrual syndrome, low sex drive, and breast milk production. It has nutritive properties. Its qualities are nourishing, soothing, oily, sweet, and cooling.
Shatavari comes from the asparagus family. It's grown in shady, low-altitude regions of India, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
The roots of Shatavari contain four powerful saponin ingredients, referred as shatavarin I – IV. In short, it has flavonoids such as kaempferol, quercetin, and rutin, which contribute to its female healing properties.
What is Shatavari
Ayurveda draws on the science of herbal energetics to heal. It classifies the basic properties of herbs according to their energies, tastes, the organs and channels affected, as well as their therapeutic properties.
The tastes, attributes, and elements are all part of the language of nature. By understanding and applying the wisdom of herbal energetics, plants can connect us with the roots of our existence.
“From the Earth came herbs and from the herbs came the seed that gave life to humans.”-Taittiriya Upanishad (11.1)
The qualities of Shatavari are:
- Taste: Bitter, Sweet
- Energy: Cooling, Nourishing
- Quality: Oily, heavy
- Dosha Suitability: Reduces and calms Vata and pitta while increasing Kapha
- Targeted organ systems: Digestive, female reproductive, respiratory
Health Benefits of Shatavari
Shatavari is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenating herb for females… As ashwagandha is for males. Even though Shatavari is for women, it offers benefits for men as well. So, both have some action on both sexes.
- Fertility-enhancing plant (Remember the capacity to have 100 husbands?) Shatavari has a reputation as an enhancer of fertility. It also nourishes the uterus and helps to prepare for pregnancy as well as prevent miscarriage.
- Shatavari has antispasmodic properties. So, it can help with cramping during menstruation. It is a natural diuretic, so it could help to prevent water retention. Additionally, this diuretic property makes it a powerful remedy for urinary tract infections.
- Shatavari has folic acid which could prevent and ease anemia in women promoting strength and longevity.
- Promotes or increases the flow, quantity, and quality of a mother's milk and helps to tone the uterus after childbirth.
- Shatavari has demulcent properties (adds moisture to the tissues of the body) so it can help with vaginal dryness.
- Antimicrobial properties so it can help protect the vagina from infections as well.
- Shatavari is often recommended for PMS symptoms, menopause, hot flashes, estrogen fluctuations, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. The cooling and nourishing nature of this herb can help you transition through menstruation and menopause in a smoother way.
- Because of its deeply nutritive nature, it's suggested for anyone recovering from illness or weight loss.
Shatavari is Beneficial for Digestive System
The presence of gelatin-like mucilage in Shatavari lines the intestines, stomach, throat, and mouth. As a result, it offers relief from irritation and inflammation. For this reason, it's an effective natural remedy for stomach hyperacidity, and diarrhea.
Enhances Immunity
The deep nourishing properties of Shatavari make it a powerful natural immunity booster for the entire family.
Beneficial For Respiratory Issues
Shatavari soothes the irritated respiratory tract, offering relief from upper respiratory tract infections, including bronchitis and asthma.
Powerful Antioxidant
The Roots of Shatavari were found to have antioxidant property,” says a study[1].
Natural Antibiotic
According to research in the International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, March 2013. Shatavari contains anti-microbial properties, without any ill side effects. So, it can be used to treat various conditions including E-Coli, diarrhea, and Staph infections.
Can Help You Get Pregnant
Shatavari can improve the follicular maturity levels and minimize irregularities in menstruation, which can boost the chances of conception. It also stimulates the production of mucus in the cervix, and when there is a healthy secretion of cervical mucus, there's a better chance of the sperm reaching the egg easily, thus promoting a quicker pregnancy.
How to use Shatavari
Now that you know the answer to what is Shatavari, and how it can quickly rejuvenate you…You need to know how the best way to consume it.
You can either consume Shatavari in powder form or tablets/capsules. Or, you can prepare a tea using the dried powder available in the market by dissolving about 1 tsp Shatavari granules in 1 glass of warm milk and consume it daily.
Still, I feel that the best way to consume Shatavari is in the form of ghee. The process of making medicated ghee goes back thousands of years.
Ghee
Ghee is well-known for its nourishing nature, which enhances the benefits of Shatavari. It's the best “carrier” of the medicinal qualities of Shatavari because it brings the qualities of the herb to the deep tissues of the body.
Also, Shatavari ghee contains healthy fatty acids, including Omega 3 and 9. Simultaneously, it has Linoleic Acid, vitamins A, D, and K.
Additionally, Shatavari ghee detoxifies by flushing excess bile from the liver, boosting metabolism, and stabilizing your mood and energy level.
Shatavari Ghee Recipe
4 cups Springwater
1 lb organic unsalted butter
Step 1.
Combine 4 cups of water and 1/4 cup Shatavari herb powder in a saucepan on medium heat stirring often until the mix reduces from 4 cups of water to 1 cup. When it starts to boil, immediately turn the heat down to a simmer. The process can take up to an hour or more.
Step 2.
When it cools, separate the herb from the water by straining the mixture through cheesecloth into a glass jar. The liquid is your Shatavari tea decoction for Step 4.
Step 3.
Next, you'll need a fresh batch of ghee. Start with 1 lb of organic butter, and melt it in a pan over medium heat. When the butter has melted completely, turn the heat down to low-medium.
Aim to keep the cooking temperature consistent the entire time. There is no need to stir or mix.
After about 10 minutes the butter will begin to bubble. After 20-30 minutes the butter should start to smell like popcorn, which means it's nearly done.
At this point, you'll notice all the milk solids on the surface. Skim this off completely or strain it into a jar through 3-4 layers of cheesecloth (the better option). Let cool.
Step 4.
When your Shatavari decoction is complete (reduced to 1 cup of liquid) you will have a 1:1 ratio of decoction (tea) to ghee. If you are short, add more water. You will now mix the ghee and the Shatavari tea into a pan. Cook it at low-medium heat for the first hour. The ghee will have to cook for at least 90 minutes and likely closer to 2 hours to cook off all the liquid. When it is clear, you will know it's done. Let it cook for about 15 minutes and then strain the final product through cheesecloth one more time.
Step 5.
Let the ghee cool completely before screwing on the lid. If moisture gets inside your jar, it will affect the shelf life of the ghee. Keep wet utensils away from your medicated ghee. After a few hours, your ghee will solidify and turn a golden color.
Making medicated ghee is an art and practice makes perfect! Keep making your medicated ghee until you have the temperatures and steps down.
Best of luck to you!
Making your own ghee is a lot of fun. It makes the house smell buttery and caramel. I recommend making your own if you can… Just for the experience of making your own medicine!
Shatavari Ghee Dosage
The recommended daily dosage is ½ to 1 tsp, once or twice a day, along with warm milk.
A Word of Wisdom
Shatavari is generally safe for use. However, if you are pregnant, have kidney or cardiac troubles, please do consult with a doctor or alternative care practitioner before including this herb in your diet.
If you are allergic to asparagus, then Shatavari may create a similar allergic response. Check with your doctor.
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