The major ingredient in shatavari ghrita or shatavari ghee is shatavari. Shatavari or Asparagus racemosus helps mothers to lactate more. It is useful in treating male and female infertility, induces sleep, calms the mind and stomach, and assists with women’s health problems.1
The botanical name for Shatavari is Asparagus racemosus. Shatavari mitigates vata and pitta dosha. Hence it is used in diseases which originate due to vitiation of these two doshas.
The traditional preparation of shatavari ghee includes the following 12 ingredients.
1.Clarified butter (Murchhit Goghrita), processed in aqueous extract (on dry base)
2. Microstylis wallichii (Jeevaka)
3. Microstylis wallichii (Rishabhaka)
4. Litsea gultinosa (Meda)
5. Litsea gultinosa (Mahameda)
6. Roscoea procera( Kakoli)
7. Cilium polyphyllum (Ksheer kakoli)
8. Vitis vinifera (Draksha)
9. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yashtimadhu)
10. Phaseolus trilobus (Mudgparni)
11. Honey
12. Cane sugar
Learn more about Ayurveda and sexual wellness below.
Shatavari ghrita is made by decocting 1 part shatavari root in 4 parts ghee, 8 parts water and 8 parts milk (or just 16 parts water) over a low heat, until all water is evaporated and only the medicated ghee remains. After it cools, vitamin E can be added to preserve it, if desired. This ghee is used internally and externally.
Dose: 10–20g per day with warm milk.
It is very useful in conditions like cystitis and urethritis, conditions in which a person experiences difficulty to pass urine.
Shatavari is “Shukrala”. Shukrala means that which increases shukra dhathu in men. An increase in shukra dhatu helps in conditions like low sperm count, low sperm motility and less ejaculation fluid.
In women it can give support in irregular menstrual bleeding. It also increases quantity of milk in lactating mothers.
It is excellent for burning sensations in the stomach and aches in the limbs.
While taking Shathavari Ghrita one should avoid the intake of spicy and sour food. Also, usage of horse gram and asafoetida should be avoided. This preparation can safely be taken for 2-4 months.
Research has found that shatavari root possesses diuretic activity.2 A diuretic is a class of drugs that increases the excretion of urine. It is usually recommended when fluid has accumulated in the body (edema).
In Ayurveda it is said that all the diseases begin in the gut. Therefore, it is very important to keep the gut clean and healthy. Research has found that shatavari root is useful in cleansing the gut. It improves digestion by increasing the activity of the digestive enzymes lipase and amylase.3
Shatavari is very commonly known as a female tonic. Shatavari increases female libido, moistens dry tissues of sexual organs, reduces and cures inflammation of sexual organs, and enhances ovulation. Thus shatavari is very beneficial for female infertility. It also is known to assist in the prevention of miscarriages and prepares the womb for conception.
Shatavari is also very useful in the treatment of problems related to menstruation such as irregular bleeding, premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). It reduces abdominal cramps and spasms that usually take place during menstruation.4
The adaptogen property of shatavari in Shatavari Ghrita makes it ideal in the treatment of improving mental health.
The anti-stress properties of shatavari are due to the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols and saponins. They reduce the production of stress hormones and increase the production of hormones or chemicals that make one feel calm and happy.5
Self medication with this medicine is strictly not recommended. Take this only under strict medical supervision. Overdosage may cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying the remedies mentioned in this article.
References
1 Sahasrayogam Ghrita Prakarana 23, AFI Vol. 2, 6:4.
2 Kumar, M. C., A. L. Udupa, K. Sammodavardhana, U. P. Rathnakar, U. Shvetha, and G. P. Kodancha. “Acute Toxicity and Diuretic Studies of the Roots of Asparagus Racemosus Willd in Rats.” The West Indian Medical Journal. U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2010. Web. 04 July 2017.
3 Braun, Lesley, and Marc Cohen. “Herbs and Natural Supplements, Volume 2.” Google Books. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2015, n.d. Web. 04 July 2017.
4 Sharma, Komal, and Maheep Bhatnagar. “Asparagus Racemosus (Shatavari): A Versatile Female Tonic.” International Journal Of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archive. IJPBA, 28 May 2011. Web. 4 July 2017.
5 Dhingra, Dinesh, and Vaibhav Kumar. “Pharmacological Evaluation for Antidepressant-like Activity of Asparagus Racemosus Willd. In Mice.” Pharmacology Online 3 (2007): 133-52. Print. https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/archives/2007/vol3/11_Dhingra.pdf
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