Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Photo: Vengolis · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Female Reproductive
- 6 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Shatavari is a slender perennial fern that can grow up to 23 feet in height, featuring fronds of needle-like leaves, tiny white flowers, and purple-black berries. Known as the 'Queen of herbs' in Ayurvedic medicine, its name literally means '100 spouses,' reflecting its reputation as a sexual tonic and fertility promoter. The root is the medicinal part used. Native to the Himalayas and Indian subcontinent, it grows wild in gravelly soils up to 3,900 feet above sea level and is also found in western China.
Traditional uses & properties
Shatavari is primarily a women's reproductive tonic that aids fertility, promotes conception, and supports general reproductive and sexual health. It helps ease menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and poor stamina. The herb appears to improve fertility in both men and women and may be used to treat impotence. As a strengthening adaptogenic herb, it supports immune function and has applications in immunosuppressed conditions. It acts as a restorative for those suffering from nervous exhaustion and demonstrates diuretic properties. The root contains steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and mucilage. Some research suggests it may have antidiabetic effects by lowering blood glucose and stimulating insulin secretion. It may also affect gastric emptying rate, potentially altering the absorption of concurrently taken drugs.
Traditional preparations
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person.
Standard decoction: 2-4 ounces 3 times daily. Capsules: 1,000-2,000 mg, 3 times daily.
Safety & precautions
Should be avoided by pregnant women. May have additive effects with conventional antidiabetic drugs, so monitor blood sugar if taking diabetes medications. May alter drug absorption by affecting gastric emptying. Contains phytoestrogens, so use caution when combining with conventional estrogenic drugs or estrogen antagonists like tamoxifen, as effects may be antagonistic or synergistic. Consult healthcare provider before combining with medications.
Drug & food interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to the Himalayas and Indian subcontinent, growing wild in gravelly soils up to 3,900 feet above sea level. Also found in western China.
Traditionally used for
- Low Sex Drive4 herbs · 2 free
- Menopause5 herbs · 2 free
- Diabetes11 herbs · 2 free
- Erectile Disfunction6 herbs · 2 free
- Stress13 herbs · 2 free
- Asthma14 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
What is Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) traditionally used for?
Traditional sources describe Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) as follows: Shatavari is primarily a women's reproductive tonic that aids fertility, promotes conception, and supports general reproductive and sexual health. It helps ease menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and poor stamina. The herb appears to improve fertility in both men and women and may be used to treat impotence. As a strengthening adaptogenic herb, it supports immune function and has applications in immunosuppressed conditions. It acts as a restorative for those suffering from nervous exhaustion and demonstrates diuretic properties. The root contains steroidal saponins, alkaloids, and mucilage. Some research suggests it may have antidiabetic effects by lowering blood glucose and stimulating insulin secretion. It may also affect gastric emptying rate, potentially altering the absorption of concurrently taken drugs.
How is Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) prepared?
Traditional texts describe the preparations below, and where those texts give specific amounts, the amounts are quoted here as part of that record. This is a record of historical practice, not a dosage recommendation - the figures are what the sources say, not what HerbMate tells you to take. Amounts, potency, and safe use vary enormously by preparation, plant part, and person. Standard decoction: 2-4 ounces 3 times daily. Capsules: 1,000-2,000 mg, 3 times daily.
What safety cautions apply to Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)?
Should be avoided by pregnant women. May have additive effects with conventional antidiabetic drugs, so monitor blood sugar if taking diabetes medications. May alter drug absorption by affecting gastric emptying. Contains phytoestrogens, so use caution when combining with conventional estrogenic drugs or estrogen antagonists like tamoxifen, as effects may be antagonistic or synergistic. Consult healthcare provider before combining with medications.
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