The amazing benefits of shatavari
What is shatavari?
Shatavari is one of Pukka’s hero herbs. Part of the asparagus family, the root has been used as a traditional reproductive tonic to support women of all ages. Ayurveda, the ‘science of wellbeing’ that developed in India over 5000 years ago, has a long history of using shatavari’s roots to benefit women’s health. Translated as ‘the woman who has 100 husbands’, Shatavari nourishes the reproductive system, helping to regulate hormones and restore harmony. For these reasons, this balancing herb known as the ‘Queen of Herbs’ can be found in our Womankind Tea.
So why's shatavari so special?
Shatavari has wonderfully strengthening and nourishing properties. It contains active plant compounds that can support hormonal balance. Shatavari is also an adaptogen, meaning it supports our ability to manage stress, making it especially helpful if hormone imbalances are stress-related. It shares many of these properties with ashwagandha, another celebrated rejuvenating adaptogen from the Ayurvedic tradition.
Why is shatavari good for you?
The health benefits of shatavari are vast and include (1):
Shatavari supports a wide range of women’s health issues by regulating key hormones, such as oestrogen.
Shatavari can ease symptoms related to excess dryness and heat with its deeply nourishing, moistening, and cooling properties.
Shatavari is an adaptogen, meaning it helps us to manage the negative effects of physical and emotional stress.
Shatavari has been found to support immune system function due to its rejuvenating properties, particularly when immunity is depleted by stress.
Shatavari supports a healthy inflammatory response which can be helpful in many health issues involving the reproductive, urinary, and digestive systems.
More research is needed to fully understand how this amazing works, and Pukka’s Herbal Research team is looking into pinning down the exact mechanisms with ongoing research projects. We are currently supporting a human clinical trial looking at the effects of shatavari on women’s health post-menopause.
How we grow our highest quality shatavari
Traditionally, shatavari is collected from the wild. It is vital to ensure some roots are left undisturbed, so that the plant is able to regrow. The rise in global demand for this amazing herb has led to over-exploitation of shatavari in its natural habitat. To be sure that we are not contributing to this impact, Pukka only source shatavari from organic farms, where it has been sustainably grown. The harvests are almost all undertaken by women.
1 Singh R. 2015. Asparagus racemosus: A review on its phytochemical and therapeutic potential. Nat Prod Res 30: 1896-1908.