I have mentioned before that I have been taking Ayurvedic herbs as a way to help balance my doshas, but I am also taking these herbal supplements to help with other things as well. Such as stress relief, detoxification, promote healthy hair, and to help facilitate some mental clarity. My focus is severely lacking at times, people. I am such a doer, I can hyperfocus on things, I can facilitate things getting done, but some days I see distracting little squirrels everywhere!
Shatavari Plant
Ashwagandha was the star of an earlier blog post, and today Shatavari takes center stage. Both are in a stress relief formula (the root of each plant is used) I am taking, so I thought I would explore these herbs and what makes them tick for us. I think most of us can agree that the stress of modern living is one of the biggest obstacles we have in maintaining our health and well-being. That is just on a normal day, then we add all the craziness 2020 is throwing at us and it seems very overwhelming for a lot of people. There are herbs that help the body cope with stress by supporting things like resiliency and tone of the neuromuscular system and providing a source for natural energy.
Shatavari root is said to promote vitality and strength and can work to help with infertility, low libido, menopausal symptoms, fatigue, poor appetite, anemia, cachexia (weakness due to chronic illness), and chronic fatigue immune deficiency syndrome. Apparently used for millennia in Ayurvedic medicine as an aphrodisiac, enhancing fertility in both men and women. Hmm..you had me an aphrodisiac (but lost me at enhances fertility). What Shatavari has that makes it unique, it’s most active compound(s) is anti-inflammatory steroidal glycosides and immune-stimulating polysaccharides.
Honestly, as I sift through the modern and ancient uses for this herb and all its parts, I am amazed. I feel like because it’s the ability to stimulate prolactin and libido, it may have the ability to stimulate the pituitary gland as well. Why is this important? Because this tiny, pea-sized gland in our brains plays a huge role in regulating body functions and our general well-being. It’s our body’s “master gland”, controlling the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands.
Shatavari roots
Honestly, the only side-effects I am finding is that it may cause abdominal bloating or aggravate someone if they are prone to diarrhea. I have been taking this herb in my supplement for a few months now. What I can tell you, is that I am finding it easier to deal with day to day stressors (plus I took the Facebook app off my phone). I have noticed when I become lazy and forget my supplements for a few days, that I am feeling more fatigued and irritable. After doing further research on Ashwagandha and Shatavari, with 9 more to research in this specific supplement, that it seems like it may be easier to remember to take it with all the possible positive outcomes.
I will keep you all posted. Please, if you have any questions, or information to add, I would love to explore.