Asparagaceae
Shatavari
Asparagus racemosus
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: India, Sri Lanka, Himalayas
Also known as: Wild Asparagus Root, Satmuli, Shataver, Queen of Herbs
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Root
Therapeutic Uses
Female reproductive tonic (Ayurveda's primary female herb), insufficient breast milk (galactagogue — clinical trials), menopausal symptoms, infertility, PCOS, gastric ulcer (antacid mucilage), immune support.
Herbal Actions
Galactagogue, phytoestrogenic (mild), adaptogen, immunomodulator, antacid, diuretic, tonic (female reproductive)
Active Constituents
Steroidal saponins (shatavarin I–IV — primary, shatavarins), alkaloids (asparagamine A), isoflavones, mucilage polysaccharides, vitamins B and C, minerals
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🍵 DecoctionPowder
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp root powder in warm milk with honey, 2x daily (traditional preparation) |
| Tincture | Standardized extract: 500mg 2x daily. Powder: 2–5g daily in warm milk. |
| Notes | Traditional: 1–2 tsp powder with warm milk and honey daily as tonic. Standardized extract (20% shatavarins): 500mg 2x daily. For lactation: 60ml Shatavari kalpa preparation daily. Central in Ayurvedic female tonic formulas. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Hormone-sensitive conditions (mild estrogenic). Caution with diuretics. Caution in hyperestrogenic states.
Side Effects: GI upset at high doses. Rare allergic reactions. Estrogenic effects. Generally very well tolerated.