iAM Himalayan Shatavari

ENERGETICS

Rasa (taste) Bitter, sweet

Virya (energy) Cooling

Vipaka (post-digestive effect) sweet

Guna (quality) Unctuous, heavy

Dosa effect VP-,K+

Dhatu (tissue) All tissues

Srotas (channel) Digestive, female reproductive, respiratory

 

CONSTITUENTS

Alkaloids- Asparagamine

Steroidal glycosides and saponins Shatavarin, sarasapogenin, diosgenin

Mucilage

(Williamson 2002)

 

AYURVEDIC ACTION

Balya- Gives strength

Vrsya Aphrodisiac

Vajikarana Enchances sexual  appetite

Rasayana Rejuvenative, especially to the female reproductive system

 

Artavajanana Promotes menses

Prjasthapana

 Prevents miscarriage

Ojovardhanam Increases ojas

Stanyajanana Nourishes breast milk

Medhya Nervine

Mutravirecana Diuretic

Sukrajanana Promotes sperm production

Sukrasodhana Purifies the sperm

Rktapittaghna Alleviates bleeding from heat

Caksusya Benefits eye sight

Sulaprasamana Alleviates colic

 

BIOMEDICAL ACTION

Demulcent, galactagogue, anti-inflammatory, aphrodisiac, female reproductive tonic, spermatogenic, antihemorrhagic, expectorant ,adaptogen, immunomodulator, antibacterial

 

INDICATIONS

Gynaecology Shatavari is the foremost uterine tonic. Primarily used as a menstrual irregularity. As pitta dosa moves in both the blood and the artav srotas, the cycle is often used disturbed heat can condense the blood (due to dehydration), cause it to move too quickly (due to its catalytic activity), cause it to over flow (due to its ‘rebellious’ nature) and cause inflammations (due to its irritating tendency). Its affinity for sukra dhatu tonifies female fertility; the unctuous properties increase the reproductive fluids, enhancing both conception and uterine strength. It can be used to help prevent miscarriage. Shatavari is very useful in menopausal symptoms with hot flushes, irritability, irregular memory, and dryness (Frawley & Lad 1994).

Lactation Its nourishing effect on rasa dhatu make it specific for increasing milk flow and quantity.

Digestion Its unctuous , bitter and sweet qualities soothe inflammation of the mucous membranes with high pitta: colitis, Crohn’s disease, dysentery with bleeding, inflammation and pain. It is specifically active against Entamoeba histolytica. For conditions of gastric hyperacidity (amlapitta) with sour reflux and burning in the stomach it is a cooling anti-inflammatory. Its demulcent properties are specifically useful for healing bleeding ulcers gastritis (Paranjpe 2001 Williamson 2002).

Lungs Where there is inflammation from dryness and heat shatavari increases moisture and haemoptysis.

Male fertility Wherever there is low sperm count and irregularity consider using shatavari (Bhavaprakasa)

Urine Very useful in dysuria with hot and smelly urine with haematuria.

Anabolic Shatavari’s rasayana properties increase mamsa dhatu building body mass, muscle tissue and nourishing the blood it nourishes ojas and can enchance immunity in the treatment of cancer (Tilloston 2001).

Nerves It nourishes majja dhatu and calms the nerves . It specifically nourishes the brain and reduces vata disorders: spasms, pain and insomnia.

 

CONTRADICITONS

Acute lung congestion, high kapha, low digestive fire, high ama.

 

SAFETY

No drug-herb interactions known.

 

DOSAGE

3-0g per day dried or 3-15ml of a 1:3 @25% tincture.