Shatavari is one of the essential herbs used in Ayurveda. It is very commonly used for female reproductive health like in conceiving, prevention of miscarriage, and improves libido. In Sanskrit, the name Shatavari means “having one hundred roots,” which can also be referred to as another meaning “having one hundred husbands.” The name Shatavari itself suggests a rejuvenating tonic, which means it helps to develop and maintain good health or general well-being of any individual.
Traditional use of Satavari had already been mentioned in the ancient texts of Ayurveda like “Charak Samhita,” which generally describes that it is used in certain conditions like epilepsy or as a brain tonic, managing Vata disorders, cardiac disorders, and hypertension.
Male sexual problems like impotence, poor or low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, oligospermia, spermatogenic irregularities, and other male issues like painful micturition are becoming very common these days. Vata Dosha governs all these sexual health issues. Any imbalance in Vata Dosha might lead to any of such sexual disorders. Shatavari, being Vrishya (aphrodisiac) in nature, helps in the management of all sexual health issues by balancing Vata Dosha.
Urinary problems like incomplete micturition, painful or burning sensation in urine or stones, all occur due to poor eating habits or lack of water or any other such reason. These reasons then lead to imbalanced conditions of Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) because of which an individual suffers from all such conditions. Consuming Shatavari might prove to be very helpful in all these conditions due to its Mutral (diuretic) property. This property of Shatavari increases the urine production in the body, which then helps to reduce the symptoms and also prevent their further occurrence of any urine related problems.
Shatavari is also considered to provide good health to an individual due to its Balya (strength provider) property. This property offers strength to the muscles and tissues of the body, which in turn helps an individual to develop and maintain a healthy physique. Nervous problems like stress or epilepsy are all governed by the Vata Dosha in the body. Imbalanced Vata Dosha leads to the poor functioning of the nervous system and might lead to any such disease. Consuming Shatavari in any of these conditions helps manage the Vata Dosha by improving the proper functioning of the nervous system by providing excellent nourishment to the nerves due to its Medhya (brain tonic) property. It also provides a good strength to the nervous system, which can further improve their functioning and prevent such disorders.
Shatavari is also considered to maintain healthy digestion by improving the Agni (digestive fire) due to its Agnideepak (digestive fire enhancer) property. This helps to improve the poor appetite and leads to the healthy digestion of any individual. This improved digestion then leads to proper metabolism, which in turn prevents the occurrence of any metabolic diseases like cholesterol.
To conclude, Shatavari is considered as one of the essential herbs in Ayurveda, which carries multiple health benefits with it. Among them, Rasayana (rejuvenation) and Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) have significant benefits that lead to a healthy and disease-free body inside out as well as maintain good sexual health.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
