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.
What is Shatavari?
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.
How Does Shatavari Work?
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
Is Shatavari Good For Females?
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 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.
- 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.
What Are the Other Health Benefits of Taking Shatavari?
- Antimicrobial properties so it can help protect the vagina from infections as well.
- Because of its deeply nutritive nature, it's suggested for anyone recovering from illness or weight loss.
Shatavari Promotes Detoxification
Shatavari is a diuretic and antioxidant. At the same time, it's a whole body detoxifier, especially for those who are on anti-cancerous medications. It has the potential to remove toxins and chemicals and boost immunity.
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.
Ayurveda Lifestyle Products
How to Take 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
2 oz Organic Shatavari powder
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!
Which Shatavari Brand is Best?
Ayuttva's Ghee – The Golden Goodness of AYURVEDA
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!
But it does take patience and time. And if you're short on either you will definitely appreciate and like this pure organic grass-fed Shatavari Ghee
What are the full ingredients in this product?
- A2 Quality of milk
- Shatavari [Wild Asparagus]
…and nothing else.
They make their ghee the old fashion way; cooked slowly over low heat for hours. The only way to make ghee better than theirs would be to make it yourself.
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.
Please promise me one more thing… You won’t hesitate to ask me questions in the comment area below. I’m here to help you out and I would love nothing more than for you to be the healthiest and happiest version of yourself possible. Let me know if you need anything and I will be sure to get back within “hours” most of the time.
I look forward to helping you!
Do you want to learn more about Ayurveda and the impact it can have on your health? Are you interested in better understanding yourself and your personality? Do you want to uncover what's behind many physical and psychological issues? I will explain in the following review, why you should then enroll in The Ayurveda Experience…
and the best part is, this course now comes with a PAY WHAT YOU WANT OFFER!
I had never heard of Shatavari, but after reading this I want to make some shatavari ghee! Thank you for all the wonderful information you provided about it and even the process of making it. Definitely makes me feel like I’d be able to make it. Where do you recommend getting Shatavari powder? I haven’t seen any before.
Hi Madelin,
You can find Shatavari here: https://motherofhealth.com/shatavari
Thanks for saying ‘hi’ !
Hi!
Thank you for sharing this interesting article.
I am very interested in Ayurveda butI had never heard of Shatavari before- it sounds as if it has some interesting uses!
I would also like to try making Ghee but i always worry I will burn it! Perhaps i’ll give it a try 🙂
Hi Jane,
Give ghee making a try. You won’t burn it if you keep your eye on it. 🙂
I have to admit, I’ve never heard of shatavari before. It sure sounds amazing though. You mentioned it helps to increase breast milk flow so I’m assuming it’s safe to take while nursing but is it also safe to have while you’re pregnant? Where could I find some shatavari if I wanted to try it?
-Jessica
Hi Jessica… Shatavari is generally safe to take during pregnancy, but every woman is has a different constitution which affects her pregnancy, so working with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended. You can find Shatavari here: https://motherofhealth.com/shatavari
Dear Jackie.
What a wonderful herb is Shatavari.
As I and my wife are fun of herbs we surprised to know about that.
You have done a great review about Shatavari and covered almost everything about that.
Just one question I have is it possible to plant it at home or it needs wild nature?
Waiting to see your new posts about natural herbs.
Hello Nasser,
Shatavari grows Shatavari comes from the asparagus family. It’s grown in shady, low altitude regions of India, Asia, Africa, and Australia, so if you live in conditions similar to this, sure! Thanks for connecting!
Followed your recipe have ended up with a brown much floating in water after 30 mins on medium heat! It looks burnt and unusable did i do some thing wrong? Was the heat too high? ? Sad cos wasted my money now! Think you shoil include some pics with recipe so we can see how it is supposed to look etc as we go along
Hi Lisa!
Oh no! Thank you for taking the time to let me know of your trouble. I’ve used this same recipe myself many times, but making medicated ghee is an art, so I went back and carefully updated my instructions to be more exact. I also had a memory of the first time I was instructed to make ghee as an assignment from my teacher. It didn’t go well either. Keep practicing. Here is my updated instruction. https://motherofhealth.com/shatavari-ghee-recipe Also, I’m including this video from YouTube which may help you. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tID0lLAHL5I Also, I came across this interesting different way to make it. I don’t like it as much because it’s not creamy, but if you don’t mind the lumps, it may be another way to make it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fFqoQ86_CQ Please let me know how it turns out! Keep practicing and keep trying because honestly as a woman, Shatavari ghee is one of the best medicines you can take. love and peace to you, Jackie Parker
Thank you so much for this information. I would like to buy some Shatavari ghee first so that I can begin working with it, and will then attempt to make some. Can I buy that here? It was recommended to me today by my homeopathic M.D. and an Ayurvedic doctor who are working cooperatively. You were very explicit in your directions and I appreciate all the time that had to take.
Hi Charolette, Here’s the link for the Mama Sattva Ghee. Seriously, I’ve tried many different brands plus made my own. Her’s is amazing. Here’s the link: https://motherofhealth.com/Shatavari Ghee
If that pretty link doesn’t work, try this one: https://products.theayurvedaexperience.com/products/shatavari-ghee-by-mama-sattva?variant=28970259659
Let me know if I can further support you. xo Jackie
I thought I had heard that the shatavari ghee could be used topically for vaginal dryness associated with aging, but now I am having trouble finding this information. Could you please discuss this?
Shatavari helps to regulate estrogen and progesterone plus it has cooling properties to help balance the heat (and dryness) that can arise during menopause. Shatavari ghee can help to moisten your vaginal area and besides providing lubrication, this herb has antibacterial properties. You can use it topically and ingest it as well. You can add Shatavari ghee to hot water and sip it as a sort of tea to lubricate from the inside out.
Where to apply a daily dose of Shatavari Ghee?
Was advised to apply to both bosoms, but after a year now, would like to know of other locations equally effective, to avoid accumulations in one area. Many thanks!
Hello Irene,
Besides taking it internally and applying it to my breasts, I’ve also used it on my lower abdomen. But really I see no harm in using it as a body oil anywhere on your body. I hope this helps. If you are seeing an Ayurvedic practitioner, you may ask them as well as they may have a specific purpose for it. I hope this helps. Be well, xo Jackie
I have the organic Shatavari root, what do I do to make this useable for its great benefits
Hi KJ,
Do you have the powder? If so, you can stir 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon into a glass of lukewarm milk. You can add honey, maple syrup, and ghee. I also add a pinch of cardamom and cinnamon. You can also add saffron if you are menopausal.
Unfortunately I only have the dried root form, not powder. How can I prepare the root for this recipe? Also, can I use coconut oil instead of ghee?
Hello Ingrid,
I’ve not ever used the dried root form, but I see no reason why you could not substitute. You will need to experiment on your own, however. If you substitute coconut oil for the butter in the recipe, it won’t be ghee, so I think you should use an organic butter instead to make your ghee. Hope this helps!
Awesome information. I heard about shatavari when reading about apanu vayu and how when used in combination with triphala it is very therapeutic. Having challenges with both reproductive and digestive, I’m excited to see the impact it has. I just ordered the Banyan tablets but am definitely interested in the medicated ghee…. anything I can do to get more butter… haha?
Thrilled you are studying Ayurveda, Tracy! I’ve both made it (shatavari ghee) and bought Mama Sattva’s. Making it is was so gratifying because there’s something about making your own medicine that is unique… But Mama Sattva’s is amazing if you decide to go that route. Thanks for commenting. I love reading your comments. Take care. xo