Shatavari Lehyam uses have a range of health benefits, particularly for the female reproductive system. Shatavari Lehyam supports female health from menarche to menopause, conception to postpartum, and any hormonal imbalance or issue in between (1). One of the most important Shatavari Lehyam uses is that it helps to produce breast milk in new mothers and helps with mood swings and fertility issues.
Shatavari Lehyam is a natural remedy long used in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. Shatavari means ‘the plant of one hundred roots’ which has been cunningly modified into ‘she who has one hundred husbands’ as it gives women boundless resources.
Sourced from the roots of the Asparagus racemosus plant, it is available in dietary supplement form usually as a pill or powder. Shatavari Lehyam is said to offer a variety of health benefits.
This plant has unique properties because it’s an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants that help bring your body back to balance. They work to counteract the effects of stress in the body (2). Stress causes very real physical changes in the body, including harming the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems.
Shatavari Lehyam has a wide range of benefits. A study showed that the herb strengthens the immune system by enhancing the functioning of macrophages―the immune cells responsible for digesting potentially destructive organisms and cancer cells (3).
Learn more about Shatavari Lehyam benefits in the video below and continue reading for more.
Shatavari Lehyam Uses
Shatavari Lehyam can be taken as a powder, in a tablet form, or as a liquid extract.
- Herbalists prefers the powder form of herbs because tasting the herb starts the digestive process and sends signals to the body to initiate the body’s own supportive mechanisms.
- Tablets can be easier to use for those who desire the convenience of a tablet (traveling, on the go, at the office), or do not like the taste of the powder.
- Liquid extract provides an alternative method of taking Shatavari Lehyam. It can be added to teas and drinks. It’s convenient, easy to assimilate, and has a long shelf life.
Used to Improve Female Reproductive System
Shatavari Lehyam’s main components are steroidal saponins that make it an estrogen regulator. This helps to regulate menstrual cycles, manage PMS symptoms, alleviate menstrual cramps, and control the amount of blood lost.
A review of studies in 2018 suggests that Shatavari Lehyam may improve conditions such as hormonal imbalances and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Shatavari Lehyam greatly helps with fluid retention and may also be helpful with the uncomfortable bloating often suffered before a period.
Used to Improve Menstrual Cycle
Shatavari Lehyam use provides relief in dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation. Racemofuran, which is found in Shatavari Lehyam, also has notable anti-inflammatory abilities. Rracemofuran acts similarly in the body as prescription anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors (4).
The saponins contained in Shatavari Lehyam have been shown to have an “anti-oxytocin” effect which in turn may help uterine contractions subside – protecting against threatened miscarriage.
It also promotes local healing of linings of the uterus by accelerating endometrial microvascular thrombosis. It restores the health of the endometrium.
Used to Treat Digestive Problems
Shatavari Lehyam uses includes treating digestive problems. The dried roots are turned into powder and it can be made into a juice. The consumption of this juice is ideal to cure ulcers and other ailments occurring in the digestive tract. If this plant is consumed regularly, it can also cure gastroparesis (5).
Used to Increase Breast Milk Production
Shatavari Lehyam is also a well-known galactagogue, meaning it’s able to increase breast milk production. Research shows that Shatavari Lehyam can increase breast milk supply by increasing prolactin (the hormone that stimulates milk production).
Shatavari is a known phytoestrogen, which acts to regulate estrogen and menstruation. During the postpartum period, hormones are fluctuating, especially while breastfeeding. Shatavari Lehyam can help bring hormones back into balance.
Used to Improve Mood and Reduce Stress
Shatavari Lehyam is used in Ayurveda to treat depression. It can help bring hormones back into balance. And a 2009 study on rodents found the antioxidants in Shatavari Lehyam have strong antidepressant abilities.
Adaptogens support the ability of an organism to cope with stress and thereby conserve energy. Shatavari Lehyam rejuvenates and tonifies the entire system, especially the endocrine and immune systems.
They also impact neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters communicate information throughout our brain. Some are associated with depression. Thus, it can prevent postpartum blues or depression that often affects nursing mothers.
Shatavari Lehyam also stimulates and balances the production of happy hormones; endorphins, serotonin and dopamine – meaning it can greatly reduce mood swings, irritablility and menopause induced depression.
Used as an Aphrodisiac
Shatavari Lehyam has been used for centuries to increase sexual vitality in men and women.
Research shows that Shatavari increases blood flow to the female genital area, enhancing sexual sensation, sensitivity, and increasing vaginal lubrication.
For men, when taken regularly, the herb increases and prolongs sexual arousal and erections.
It is known to have a hormone balancing effect, making it useful for women who experience loss of libido as a side effect of the menopause.
Used to Support Immune System
Studies show that Shatavari Lehyam plays a very important role in stimulating immune cells. This is thought to be due to the steroidal plant compound contained within the root “sapogenin”, a potent immune stimulator.
Shatavari Lehyam is high in compounds that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are extremely important for protecting the body from cellular damage from oxidative stress.
It enhances the body’s resistance during normal and immune-suppressed conditions, helping to boost immunity during immune-suppressed conditions and aiding in recovery the immune system itself.
Other Shatavari Lehyam Uses
- Anti-inflammatory
- To relieve cough
- To treat diarrhea
- As a diuretic
- To treat ulcers
- To treat kidney stones
- To maintain blood sugar
- To reduce the signs of aging
Additional Information
A typical dose of Shatavari Lehyam tablets is 500 milligrams, up to twice daily. A typical dose of Shatavari Lehyam extract is 30 drops in water or juice, up to three times daily.
Shatavari Lehyam uses in Ayurveda balance Pitta and Vata, but can increase Kapha due to its heavy nature.
The taste of Shatavari in Ayurveda are sweet, and bitter, and consumption of the plant reflects this with a somewhat bittersweet taste and oiliness that have a natural cooling effect on those who consume it.