natureherbs
New Member
Native to the Himalayas, at elevations from 300 to 6,500 feet, hardy to 20° F. Shatavari is a spiny-stemmed, woody climber reaching as high as 6 feet, bearing small, white flowers that give way to red berries. In Sanskrit, Shatavari means "one who posesses a hundred husbands." The spring shoots, mucilagenous roots and the leaves are all used. This is the main Ayurvedic rejuvenative tonic for females, used for treating sexual debility, infertility, menopausal symptoms and as a galactagogue. Current studies show marked adaptogenic, cytoprotective, and anti-oxytocic effects. Plant prefers a south or west exposure and deep, rich soils. Germination in 35 days warm/moist. The best soil pH for growing Shatavari is barely acid (pH 6-6.7) Note: if your climate is too cold for overwintering, the rhizomes may be lifted, stored in the root cellar, and replanted the following spring. Harvest is in the second year and ongoing. The tubers are washed, parboiled, the outer skin removed, and the tuber dried in the sun. The tubers may then be ground to a powder and taken in the usual Ayurvedic manner, as a powder placed on the tongue and washed down with water, milk or juice. Otherwise, they may be made into tea, encapsulated or made into a tincture at 1:4 50% alcohol and 50% water. The herb contains proestrogenic steroidal saponins.
[video=youtube_share;q13Q67YhUh4]http://youtu.be/q13Q67YhUh4[/video]
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) flowers exude an alluring aroma reminiscent of sweet almond, they are pollinated by tiny wasps. The flowers give way to red berries containing the round, black seeds, which remain viable for about a year after harvest. In nature, the plant grows in the tropical understory, tuberous roots giving forth multiple twisting stems that climb and cling by way of sharp thorns. Shatavari tuber, dried and ground up, is the most important female tonic of Ayurveda, containing Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, and E, Calcium, Iron and Folic Acid--all the things your doctor tells you to take! The tubers are loaded with proestrogenic steroidal saponins and cooling mucilage. Shatavari is a Rasayana, promoting the vital essence, mental function and increasing resistance to stress. It will balance the hormones, cure white vaginal discharge, stop diarrhea, and promote mother's milk. The literal translation "one who possesses 100 husbands" alludes to its ability to promote longevity as well as the most fun quality of all--it is a potent aphrodisiac