#Shatavari,शतावरी (Asparagus racemosus)

Botanical Classification :

Botanical Name : Asparagus racemosus

Family : Asparagaceae

Genus:    Asparagus

Species:  A. racemosus
Comman Name:
                              Sanskrit :  Shatamuli
                              Hindi :      Shatavari
                              English:    Indian Asparagus, Hundred Roots , Asparagus roots
                        Chinese:   Tian men dong

Parts Used: Roots(Tuberous Roots),Leaves,Fruits

Introduction:
 Shatavari is a medicinal plant used for a variety of serious diseases as also impotency of both the sexes. Shatavari is  a general tonic and also a female reproductive tonic. Shatavari is used as the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative tonic for females. Shatavari roots used as a drug acting on all tissues as a powerful anabolic. It is good for eyes, muscles, reproductive organs, increases milk secretion and helps to regain vigour and vitality.

Plant:

 Shatavari, Asparagus racemosus, is a climbing plant which grows in low jungles areas throughout India. Shatavari  plant leaves resembling pine needles, and grows to up to 2 meters in height.

Flower: The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. Its grow July to August.color of flower is white.

Fruits:
Its fruits are small, round and turns red. The fruits contains 2 or 3 seeds.  

 Seeds:
Shatavari seeds are black and dark gray color and its  shape is round.

 Shatavari as Medicinal Plant: 

Shatavari plant is used traditionally for treatment of many diseases. Tuber, leaves and fruits are used in gonorrhea, piles,Diabetes, rheumatism, cough, diarrhoea, dysentery, gastric troubles and headache, also for increasing lactation. In Ayurveda and Siddha medicine system the plant is used for treating madhura rasam, madhura vipakam, seeta-veeryam, polyuria, chronic fevers, soma rogam, white discharge, internal heat and as tonic. 

Generally the root is employed in diarrhoea as well as in chronic colic and dysentery problems. Root boiled with some bland oil, is applied in various skin diseases. Root is boiled in milk and the milk is administered to relieve bilious dyspepsia and diarrhoea and to promote appetite; root is also used in  rheumatism. Tubers are candied and taken as a sweetmeat. Fresh root juice is given with honey as a demulcent.Boiled leaves smeared with ghee are applied to boils, smallpox, etc., in order to prevent their confluence. Juice of this drug taken with milk is useful in gonorrhea. Shatavari is used in Ayurveda for dyspepsia (amlapitta) and it has been shown to improve digestion by increasing the levels of amylase and lipase. 

Medicinal Uses:

The most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for women.Used internally for infertility, loss of libido, threatened miscarriage, menopausal problems. It both nourishes and cleanses the blood and the female reproductive organs. It is a good food for menopause or for those who have had hysterectomies, as it supplies many female hormones. It nourishes the ovum and increases fertility. This herb is known to increase Sattva, or positivity and healing power. It also enhances the feelings of spiritual love, and increases Ojas.The male reproductive system will also benefit from Shatavari. It may be used in cases of sexual debility, impotence, spermatorrhea, and inflammation of sexual organs.Useful for hyperacidity, stomach ulcers, dysentery, and bronchial infections.

Indications:

Shatavari is perhaps best known as a female rejuvanitive. It is useful for infertility, decreased libido, threatened miscarriage, menopause, leucorrhea and has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area. Dry membranes, such as those on the vaginal wall, are also brought into balance through the herbs demulcent action. Men may benefit from the herb as well in the treatment of impotence and general sexual debility. In addition to it's applications for reproductive organs, Shatavari is also quite effective for stomach ulcers, hyperacidity and diarrhea. Dry and irritated membranes in the upper respiratory tract are soothed by this herb making it useful in cases of bronchitis and chronic fevers. It is believed to bring into balance all of the body's fluids.