Shatavari Root: Supporting Hormonal Health
If you consistently read the ingredients label of your beauty products, you’ve probably gotten used to the enormous words that tend to live there. Between the vitamins, proteins, powders, and extracts, the back of a label can feel pretty intimidating if you don’t know what you’re looking at. While we can’t help with everything on the back of a label, we can tell you about one of the most essential ingredients in some Winged Wellness products:
Shatavari Root
Though it might seem like just another long, confusing word amongst many, Shatavari Root is an ingredient worth learning about. Most commonly known in India and related to your garden variety asparagus, this plant has numerous uses and a long history, spilling over into today! From reproductive health to boosting your immune system, keep reading to learn about how this root might make a significant change in your life.
Medical Disclaimer: All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Always seek the medical advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
What Is Shatavari?
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is part of the asparagus family that commonly grows in India, sporting delicate white flowers and thin leafy branches. However, the real magic of Shatavari happens below the surface of the dirt, in the roots of the plant!
Shatavari roots extend deep into the soil and grow into thick shoots that are later harvested for use. The roots are then processed into powder or pill form and used as an herbal supplement in many places around the world.
Shatavari root isn’t a recent discovery either! For centuries, it has been used as one of the traditional Ayurvedic herbs, a medicinal practice based heavily on herbal and spiritual remedies. Similar to Hippocrates’ ancient theory of “The four humors,” Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient practice based on balancing three bodily humors; Kapha, Vata, and Pitta. Shatavari root is said to soothe and balance the final two humors, Vata and Pitta.
Though modern medicine has replaced Ayurvedic practices in most capacities, we can learn plenty of knowledge from the tradition.
Adaptogenic Herb
In modern times, Shatavari root is best known for its role as an adaptogenic herb; or an herb that helps your body adapt to various situations. Adaptogenic herbs, such as Schisandra, Ashwagandha, and Shatavari, are all non-toxic herbs that help reduce stress, making them valuable health tools. While some adaptogens may actually reduce your stress levels, the adaptive nature of these herbs enables you to withstand more pressure and increases your response to stressors!
Among these herbs, Shatavari is often dubbed “The Queen of Herbs” as its health benefits center heavily around women and the female reproductive system. In particular, Shatavari is said to help:
- Promote the health of your reproductive organs
- Soothe the digestive tract
- Support the immune system
- Reduce the symptoms of menopause
- Increase milk secretion during lactation
Let’s take a closer look at some of these benefits!
Shatavari Benefits For Women
Using the Ayurvedic understanding of Shatavari as a jumping-off point, numerous studies have been conducted on the various properties of the root. This research is relatively recent, and plenty more research needs to be done in order to determine the full benefits of Shatavari, but so far, the results are promising!
Shatavari and Reproductive Health
According to Ayurvedic teachings, Shatavari is an excellent “female tonic” that can be used for several purposes. Researchers have since begun to research this claim and found it to be relatively accurate!
In this 2011 study, researchers found that Shatavari could help to increase women’s libido, reduce the inflammation of sexual organs, and prepare the womb prior to conception. Another study showed results that suggest Shatavari has an “estrogenic effect” on female mammary glands and sexual organs, which can ease the pain of menstrual cycles. Effectively, Shatavari root works to control the production of estrogen!
Shatavari and Menopause
Not only can Shatavari root help with PMS symptoms and increase reproductive health, but it can also help with the symptoms of menopause as you age. In 2018, researchers tested the effect of Shatavari root and other Ayurvedic herbs on women experiencing menopause. Over a 12 week duration, there were significant reductions in hot flashes and night sweats, as well as a general easing of additional menopausal symptoms!
Shatavari and Milk Production
Shatavari root can help during pregnancy and early childhood, likely due to its ability to control estrogen production. A 2011 study discovered and scientifically validated Shatavari’s ability to increase lactation and milk production in mothers. Officially called “galactagogue activity,” this ability showed no side effects on pregnant mothers and led to further research on the topic!
The Final Word on Shatavari Root
Shatavari root can act as a fantastic natural remedy for several problems, particularly for women. Whether from Shatavari powder in a supplement, straight from the ground (we don’t recommend this), or a Shatavari root pill, this is not an herb to be ignored!
Here at Winged, we put this powerful adaptogen to work in our Happy Start drink mix to help kick off your day the right way. Mixed with Lemon Balm and Chaste Tree Berry, our supplemental powder helps support female hormonal health, particularly during the worst symptoms of PMS. Just add a scoop to your morning drink of choice, and get the day going on the right foot!