20 Sep Herb of the Month; Asparagus racemosus
The September magickal moon herb goes to.. Asparagus racemosus, better known as Shatavari.
Kingdom: Plantae
Order:Asparagales
Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Asparagus
Species: Racemosus
Native to: Indian subcontinent
Shatavari has been used throughout Ayurvedic medicine for many centuries. It is one of their most important women’s herbs. In Ayurvedic medicine it is referred to as ‘having one hundred roots’, or ‘having one hundred husbands’; a plant that puts a woman into her power. Esoterically Shatavari is said to boost adoration & affection, while physiologically it is nourishing to the reproductive system. Shatavari grows long 1m tuberous roots down into the earth. There can be about 100 of these roots, hence the name. It is an important plant in the Subcontinent, useful for digestion, reproductive health and as a general well-being tonic. It can even be used for general nervous system dysfunction, which is an example it’s all-over adaptogenic actions. It is bitter, sweet, and cooling, making it helpful for balancing pitta heat.
Shatavari in action:
Female sexual tonic: This root helps to support a healthy reproductive system especially for women, but it is also used for balancing male hormones. It is a uterine tonic, meaning it strengthens the tone and therefore function of the uterus. This is great post-birth for new mothers. It is a rejuvenative herb for a woman’s sexual health, including her libido. Shatavari is all about recovering, grounding & nurturing the body.
Galactagogue: Shatavari supports healthy lactation in breast feeding mothers. It’s all about feminine ju-ju when it comes to Shatavari! When you couple this with its digestive stimulant actions, you see a boost in appetite & healthier peristalsis. More food = more milk!
Just to name a few…
Other Medicinal Actions: adaptogenic, antispasmodic, nervine tonic, antioxidant, digestive tonic, bitter, immuno-modulatory, diuretic, antihepatotoxic, hepatoproective, antilithiatic, antimicrobial, antitussive, neuroprotective
Constituents: aparagamine A, steroidal saponins, shatavaroside A, shatavaroside B, filiasparoside C, shatavarins, immunoside, and schidigerasaponin D5 (or asparanin A).
CAUTION: As it is a part of the asparagus family, should be avoided for people with known asparagus allergy. It may have a diuretic effect so caution with diuretic drugs.
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