Asparagus racemosus; Liliaceae Shatavari, "who possesses a hundred husbands," as its tonic and rejuvenative action on the
female reproductive organs is said to give the capacity to have a hundred husbands
(C) Tian men dong
Part Used: root
Energetics: sweet, bitter/cooling/sweet PV- K or Ama+ (in excess)
Tissue: works on all tissue-elements Systems: circulatory, reproductive,
respiratory, digestive Actions: tonic (general, reproductive and nervine), nutritive, rejuvenative,
demulcent, antacid
Indications: debility of the female organs, sexual debility generally, infertility,
impotence, menopause, diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ulcers, hyperacidity, dehydration, lung abscess,
hematemesis, cough, convalescence, cancer, herpes, leucorrhea, chronic fevers
Precautions: high Ama, excessive mucus
Preparation: decoction, milk decoction, powder (250 mg to I g), paste, medicated
ghee, medicated oil
SHATAVARI is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative for the female-as is ashwagandha for the male (though
both have some action on both sexes). It is a rasayan for Pitta, for the female reproductive system,
and for the blood. As such, it can be prepared as a milk decoction, along with ghee, raw sugar, honey
and pippali.
It is an effective demulcent for dry and inflamed membranes of the lungs, stomach, kidneys and sexual
organs. As such, it is good for ulcers, and with its thirst-relieving and fluid-protecting powers it
is good for chronic diarrhea and dysentery.
Externally, it is an effective emollient for stiff joints, stiff neck and muscle spasms.
It soothes and calms Vata.
It increases milk, semen and nurtures the mucous membranes. It both nourishes and cleanses the
blood and the female reproductive organs.
It is a good food for menopause or for those who have had hysterectomies, as it supplies many
female hormones. It nourishes the ovum and increases fertility, yet its quality is sattvic and
aids in love and devotion. Three grams of the powder can be taken in one cup of warm milk
sweetened with raw sugar.
Western asparagus root has some similar properties but is more diuretic.
DIAGRAM 17 Shatavan
This is brought to you by The Yoga of Herbs
For the first time, here is a detailed explanation and classification of herbs,using the ancient
system of Ayurveda. More than 270 herbs are listed, with 108 herbs explained in detail. Included
are many of the most commonly used westernherbs with a profound Ayurvedic perspective. Important
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glossaries, appendices and index are included.
More from The Yoga of Herbs:
The Three Doshas and Plants
The three Doshas exist in plants as they do in all nature. Kapha plants are characterized
by luxuriant growth, abundant leaves and sap; they are dense, heavy, succulent, and contain
much water. Vata plants have sparse leaves, rough, cracked bark, crooked, gnarled branches,
spindly growth habits, and contain little sap. Pitta plants are brightly colored with bright
flowers; they are moderate in strength and sap, and the latter may be poisonous or burning in
its effect.
Soils, climates, geographical zones, and countries can similarly be classified by Dosha. Through
this we can understand the life-forms produced by them and how to adapt to them.
The root and bark of plants (representing the elements of earth and water) tend to work on Kapha
conditions. The flowers (as fire) tend to work on Pitta. The leaves and fruits (as air and ether)
tend to work on Vata.
To use herbs, or to apply effectively any form of therapy, it is necessary to know the unique
constitution of the individual, as well as the specific nature of the disease. Western Medicine,
and to some extent, western herbalism, lacks this science of individual constitution.
The same disease may occur in different constitutions, and as such must be treated differently.
Asthma, for example, may be due to deranged Kapha, excessive water in the lungs; deranged Vata,
nervous hypersensitivity of the lungs; or deranged Pitta, an accumulation of damp-heat in the lungs.
The same treatment cannot work in every case. Merely to know that a certain herb "works" on a certain
disease may not reveal a definitive cure.
On the other hand, the same constitutional problem, the same aggravated dosha, may give rise to
various diseases, and as such all can be treated the same way--by decreasing the aggravated dosha.
High Vata, for example, may manifest as sciatic pain, arthritis, constipation, headaches, dry skin,
gas and indigestion, all of which can be relieved by a single line of treatment.
Knowing which disease an herb treats gives us one reference line. Knowing the constitution on which
it works yields yet another cross reference line. Considering both we are much more able to pinpoint
a truly effective treatment.
Shatavari at The Ayurvedic Institute
The Ayurvedic Institute has nearly 80 Ayurvedic herbs available. All herbs are organic,
whenever possible, and are of the highest quality commercially available.
Most herbs may be purchased in bulk quantites, subject to stock on hand.
For more information on Ayurveda I highly recommend:
The Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico
online resource.
The Ayurvedic Institute is a great place to study and one of the best Ayurvedic
centers in the United States. Dr. Vasant Lad the coauthor of The Yoga of Herbs,
is the President of the
The Ayurvedic Institute.
Dr. Vasant Lad—the founder of the
Ayurvedic Institute
shows you how to apply
Ayurveda for total wellness to your own life.
The Ayurvedic Press (TAP) is a division of The Ayurvedic Institute that primarily
publishes Vasant Lad's new books and articles, but also publishes other traditional
Ayurvedic and Vedic works.
http://www.ayurveda.com/
Nothing in this essay is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Alfalfa has not been approved by the Food & Drug Administration for the treatment of any disease.
