Asparagus racemosus
Monograph
- Plant Family:
- Liliaceae, or the lily family [1]
- Habitat & Cultivation:
- Shatavari is native to India (‘shata’= hundred, and ‘vari’= cures) but grows anywhere that is humid and tropical. [1]
- Parts Used:
- Root [1]
- Herbal Actions:
- Adaptogen
- Reproductive tonic (female and male)
- Uterine tonic
- Galactagogue
- Immunomodulating
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-candidal
- Demulcent
- Nervine
- Nutritive [1]
- Indications:
- Threatened miscarriage
- Low libido
- Lactation struggles
- PMS (*taken throughout the cycle, during follicular and luteal phase, estrogen modulatory effect can decrease excess estrogens associated with PMS)
- Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea
- Digestive issues
- Infertility [1]
- Plant Constituents:
- Steroidal saponins, alkaloids, mucilage [2]
- System Affinities:
- Gastrointestinal
- Reproductive
- Nervous
- Lymphatic
- Immune
- Energetics:
- Bitter, sweet, cooling, oily, heavy [3]
- Safety:
o Traditionally
prepared in milk or ghee. Methanol-based preparations yield larger extracts and
have been associated with adverse effects in pregnancy. [1]
- Interactions:
- None known. [2]
Personal
Experience
- Organoleptics:
- The root is pale yellow. Smells sweet. Very hard, difficult to grind.
- Preparation Method:
- Tincture: (1:3 in 40%) 40-80 drops, 3x/day.
- Hot Decoction: 2 tsp dried herb per 1 cup water. Decocted for 10-15min and steeped for 40min. Drink 2 cups/day.
- Capsules: 2 capsules (powdered herb) 3x/day. [1]
- Usage Notes:
- I made a tincture of this herb to be part of my menstrual cycle blend. The finished product is quite pleasant - it's sweet and mild, and reminds me of a green apple candy. Not noticing the bitter qualities at all. It definitely has a cooling and moistening effect. I think it helped to settle my stomach today.
Sources:
- Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2019). Week 1 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-19_MW5125-A Botanicals 5: Holistic Gynecologic Health
- Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
- Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.
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