Herb Spotlight: Shatavari Review for Hormonal Balance

Shatavari is a natural herb extract also known asparagus racemosus in the scientific world. Its family name is Liliaceae and other names for the herb include Asparagus, Wild Asparagus, Asparagus Root and Shatavari.

The herb comes from a climbing plant which grows in stumpy forests all through India, Africa, Australia and some parts of China. It is known widely for its roots which have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. The roots are sour, syrupy, emollient, cooling and aphrodisiac.

Shatavari contains bioflavonoids, crucial vitamin B components, calcium and zinc which are essential vitamins in women’s health. As a result, it is a very popular herb used in the management of women’s hormonal balance, although men are also able to use the herb.

It is well known for its abilities to nourish and cleanse the blood as well reproductive organ of the woman and in so doing improves the fertility of the woman. It nurtures the womb and ovum, provides additional support to the female organs for pregnancy and can enhance the process of lactation in lactating mothers. In Asana Ladiesbalance by CHIOMA Nutrition, we’ve blended shatavari with power women herbs maca, vitex, green tea and ginger to promote healthy balance.

Asana Shatavari- Best Shatavari for Women

Custom cultivated, carefully sourced shatavari root powder blended with ginger root for increased bioavailability and potency. Try it and feel the difference!

Women who suffer from excess or low levels of estrogen will find the shatavari herb very beneficial, as it is a phyto-estrogen rich herb which aids in promoting balance with hormonal levels.

Benefits of shatavari herb

Contains steroidal-like saponins that supports the functions of female sex hormones- estrogen and progesterone. Together both are essential hormones for the female reproductive health.
Maintains balance of the endocrine system, which affects the production of hormones that helps to regulate human response to stress, mood swings. It also helps to maintain the normal adrenal and thyroid function.
Traditionally used in the management of menopausal and pre-menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, temperamental feels.
It can be used to manage PMS symptoms and works by alleviating pain and controlling the loss of blood during menstruation
The herb possesses anti-ulcerogenic and gastroprotective characteristics and can be used to manage issues such as heartburn and digestive health.
It is a potential diuretic and can be useful in the removal of toxic substances from the body.

Research and Clinical Studies have demonstrated the herb’s abilities to nurture the female reproductive organs and gets them ready for conception. It has been used in cultures around the world to prevent miscarriages and as a postpartum tonic.

A clinical study carried out in the Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Ayurveda Hospital, Nepal on the impact of shatavari in women with high risk pregnancy showed that 90% of the mothers who took shatavari had successful, healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries.

Scientific research have also shown Shatavari’s capabilities in the management of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms and fertility issues that arise from PCOS.

PCOS is a common disorder which affects 5-10% of women typically during reproductive years. It is associated with symptoms such as problems with weight, acne, excessive body hair and fertility issues. In the article balance hormones naturally, types of hormonal imbalance, we list common symptoms associated with the disorder. PCOS typically results in higher than normal levels of the male hormones in women and insufficient levels of the very essential female hormone, progesterone. This imbalance in hormonal levels is what creates all kinds of problems in the system and results in many of the unpleasant symptoms.

Scientific research showed that 85 % of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) patients who were treated with shatavari regimen were able to get their symptoms under control, while 75% of the patients conceived. Results from the study shows that shatavari works on PCOS patients by managing insulin levels which works as a messenger telling the body how much hormones to produce and thereby promoting balance. See details of the research below.

Through the study, it was shown that shatavari can aid in promoting fertility in women with PCOS.

Fertility issue arising from PCOS is often connected to the high hormone, insulin or glucose levels, all of which have the tendency to obstruct implantation and growth of the embryo. High level of luteinizing hormone lowers the possibility of the woman to conceive and makes her more prone to miscarriage. Abnormal levels of insulin as well contribute to poor egg quality which also affects fertility and conception.

The different ways you can take shatavari

Shatavari can be taken as syrup, liquid extract or as capsule. How much of the herb you can take can vary depending on the brand, your body’s response to the herb and this can be adjusted according to needs. Overall Shatavari is a fairly safe herb and is well tolerated by most people. However, those who are allergic to asparagus should usually avoid it if possible.

Another form of shatavari is Shatavari Rasayana. This is made in the form of a “food jam” with a collection of herbs and spices mixed with honey, rice syrup, and ghee. This is commonly used in Indian cultures. It can be eaten straight out of the jar or taken with milk. This is a great alternative for those who don’t care for taken supplement products.

Like other natural supplements, results are typically seen over time and with regular use. This is because natural products work holistically but more slowly due to the time it takes for absorption. It should also be combined with the right diet and adequate exercise.

As always before starting any natural regimen, please seek medical advice before taking shatavari and discontinue using the herb if you experience any discomfort.

References:

Siriwardene, S. A. Dayani, L. P. A Karunathilaka, N. D. Kodituwakku, and Y. A. U. D. Karunarathne. “Clinical Efficacy of Ayurveda Treatment Regimen on Subfertility with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).” Ayu. Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, n.d. Web. 05 Mar. 2015.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3215317/