Shatavari the “Queen of herbs”

By: Sabrina Granniss, IBCLC

3 min

Overview

Background of the plant Benefits of Shatavari for reproductive health and lactation Legendairy Milk lactation supplements that contain Shatavari What is Shatavari’s nutritional profile? Risks and cautions:

The word Shatavari is a combination of two Sanskrit words. “Shat” meaning “she who has” and “Var” meaning “of partners or husbands”. It is also known to mean “she who has a hundred roots” as “Vri” in Sanskrit means “roots”. While Shatavari, the queen of herbs, has many medicinal uses, it has a rich history supporting women’s fertility and milk supply.

Background of the plant

Shatavari is part of the Asparagus racemosus family and originates from India. It likes to grow in tropical environments but can also thrive in more arid climates. The roots are long and tuberous with thorny, climbing stems with sweet-smelling white flowers that produce red berries. The root is the part of the plant typically used.

Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb and phytoestrogen. It has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine, a system of medicine that helps balance the body, mind, and spirit. It is used as a general tonic to address many health concerns. It helps boost the immune system, treats ulcers, kidney stones, and diarrhea, and has been shown to be anti-inflammatory. (1)

Benefits of Shatavari for reproductive health and lactation

It is used to balance hormones and support each stage of a woman’s reproductive cycle, including menstruation, fertility, lactation, and menopause. Shatavari has been used to help regulate the menstrual cycle and boost fertility. It supports ovulation and increases cervical mucus, helping sperm to reach the egg. (2) Ayurvedic medicine claims it is safe throughout pregnancy, but there is not enough research to support this, so use during pregnancy is not recommended. (6)

Shatavari is a galactagogue often taken as a supplement to support healthy lactation and increase milk production. It increases prolactin and corticoid levels, helping to boost milk supply and mammary gland growth. (3) Prolactin is a hormone responsible for making milk. When you nurse your baby and remove milk, the release of prolactin is triggered and signals the body to make more milk. The more often milk is removed, the more often milk is made.

Legendairy Milk lactation supplements that contain Shatavari

Milkapalooza can increase the nutrition of your milk. If you have concerns with your milk supply after delivery or were given fluids or medications, taking Milkapalooza can help nourish your body and increase your supply.
Liquid Gold has Shatavari and other powerhouse herbs to increase milk production and flow. This can be a good starting point for boosting milk supply when things get off to a rough start.

A study was done including 60 women with decreased lactation who were randomly assigned to either the research group or the control group. The research group was given powdered Shatavari root, while the control group received a placebo. At the end of 30 days, they stopped taking the supplement. The women taking Shatavari had a 33% increase in prolactin, and their babies had gained 16% more weight than the control group. (4) The mothers in the research group also reported they felt their babies' overall wellness and happiness increased.

What is Shatavari’s nutritional profile?

Steroidal saponins
Zinc
Manganese
Copper
Calcium
Magnesium
Selenium
Cobalt
Potassium
iron
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Essential fatty acids

Shatavari may help with edema or swelling due to its natural diuretic effects. It helps with postpartum fatigue and can help balance stress and your mood. It has been shown to be helpful for relieving depression. (5)

Risks and cautions:

People who are allergic to asparagus should not take Shatavari
If you have low blood sugar or are on blood sugar-lowering medication, check with your care provider before taking Shatavari
Shatavari has a diuretic effect, so it should not be taken with other diuretic medications without speaking to your healthcare provider first.

Shatavari has a long history as a health tonic and a supportive lactation supplement. It has also been used to support men’s reproductive health and increase sperm count. (7) Both men and women can benefit from the many health-promoting benefits of Shatavari, known as the “Queen of herbs”.

Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb that supports each stage of your reproductive journey, from regulating your menstrual cycle to enhancing fertility and lactation. Shatavari helps you produce more milk to nourish your baby by increasing prolactin levels and mammary gland growth. Shatavari is a popular herbal galactagogue for promoting a healthy and abundant milk supply that can help you reach breastfeeding goals.