Shatavari: The Queen of Herbs for Women's Health (Complete Guide)

If you have researched Ayurveda in relation to women's health, you may have come across the name Shatavari. Shatavari has been used in Ayurvedic practice for over 3,000 years. Modern Indian women are rediscovering it and for good reason. We want to share what this herb is and explain why women in India have relied on it for thousands of years.

What Is Shatavari?

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an herbaceous plant whose roots have been used in Ayurveda for a long time. In Ayurveda, it belongs to a group of herbs known as "Rasayana," which are associated with overall nourishment and health. It is referred to in great detail in the Charaka Samhita as a basic herb in women's medicine.

Ashwagandha is the king of herbs, while Shatavari is the queen. It is cooling, nourishing, and traditionally used to balance Vata and Pitta doshas. It is particularly significant for women as they experience hormonal changes, inflammation, and other reproductive issues.

Disclaimer: Shatavari is traditionally believed to help balance hormones. These claims are not clinically proven. Consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have PCOS or take medications.

What Does Shatavari Contain?

Allow us to explain how seriously this is taken:

• Steroidal saponins (Shatavarin I–IV):  Believed to have hormonal balance activity.
• Isoflavones: Plant-based compounds that have a structure similar to estrogen.
• Polysaccharides: Known to support immune function
• Antioxidants: Racemosol and vitamin C, for reducing oxidative stress.
• Alkaloids: Asparagamine A

These compounds have a synergistic effect; therefore, whole-herb formulations are generally preferred over single-herb ingredients.

Shatavari and Women's Hormonal Health

Millions of Indian women suffer from a hormonal imbalance every day. Periods that don't follow a pattern, PCOS, mood swings, lack of energy, and poor sleep are no longer uncommon. Shatavari is a natural herb known as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with stress. When we experience chronic stress, it can disrupt the HPA axis (a system that controls stress responses), potentially leading to hormonal imbalances. 

Traditionally, Shatavari is believed to help restore balance in the body, particularly related to heart health.BeBroot India taps into this tradition in its formulations, such as Arova, an Ayurvedic syrup for PCOS and hormonal balance, which blends Shatavari with herbs with proven efficacy, like Ashoka and Lodhra, for overall support.

Note: Shatavari is not a medicine. Be sure to ask your health care provider if you should start using any herb.

5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Shatavari Product

Not all products available are created equal. Buyer beware: here are things to look out for before you purchase:

• Get a standardized extract or whole root: Be sure to get what you are looking for.
• AYUSH or GMP certification: clear evidence of the production quality.
• No unnecessary fillers: Check the ingredients list for any unnecessary fillers.
• The herbs used are sourced transparently: Where the herbs come from is important.
• Herbs used in the formula that can be taken with the medicine: Shatavari works best when used with other herbs.

Shatavari has been used in Ayurvedic practice for centuries. Thousands of years of Ayurvedic usage and increasing scientific interest have gone the same way. 

Women with PCOS should consult their healthcare provider before using Shatavari, as it's traditionally used as a complementary approach to overall wellness.. 

BeBroot Ayurveda is built on just this tradition and is scrupulous about its effectiveness and limitations, dedicated to formulas that are formulated to support wellness. After all, it's from the root that wellness begins.

Reference:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12593836/

https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/standardized-shatavari-root-extract-demonstrates-ovarian-hormonal-and-metabolic-benefits-in-women-with-pcos

Disclaimer: Educational purposes only not medical advice. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, making diet changes, if pregnant/breastfeeding,  taking medications, or if symptoms persist. Individual results vary.  Seek emergency care for severe pain, difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, heavy bleeding, or infection. BeBroot products do NOT  diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Herbs/supplements may cause side effects, interact with medications or be unsafe in pregnancy. BeBroot and its authors are NOT liable for damages from misuse of this  information. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice.