Shatavari, a cornerstone herb in Ayurveda, offers numerous health benefits, particularly for women. Shatavari has many synonyms in ayurvedic texts, wiz. Bahusuta (capable of providing many offspring), Abhiru (helps in removing the fear), Vari (the best one), Shatavirya-Sahasravirya (having enormous strength) etc.
For nursing mothers, Shatavari acts as a natural galactagogue to enhance lactation. In this blog, we will explore the use of Shatavari, including Shatavari Kalpa, a popular preparation for lactating mothers.
Understanding Shatavari:
Shatavari, scientifically known as Asparagus racemosus, is celebrated for its nourishing and rejuvenating properties, particularly in women's health. It’s well-regarded as a galactagogue, promoting milk production in nursing mothers. It also helps in strengthening women's bodies in general as well. (शतावरी… स्तन्यकरी बल्या…। भावप्रकाश निघण्टु)
Benefits of Shatavari for Lactation:
- Enhancing Milk Production: Shatavari naturally increases the production of prolactin and corticoids, which are essential for boosting milk production.
- Nutritional Support: It’s rich in essential nutrients, providing vital nourishment to both mother and baby.
- Hormonal Balance: Post-childbirth, Shatavari helps in regulating hormonal levels, crucial for lactation and overall well-being.
- Other Health Benefits: Apart from the above effects, Shatavari helps in fertility. It is useful in the fatigue and general debility experienced in the diabetic conditions. It helps in enhancing the quality of sperms and ovum. Shatavari is also useful in the uterine as well as urinary bleeding. Traditionally Shatavari is consumed with milk and sugar when body strength is to be improved. Vegetable preparation of Shatavari shoots are given in adversed digestive condition.
Other Health Benefits:
Beyond lactation, Shatavari enhances fertility, combats fatigue in diabetic conditions, improves sperm and ovum quality, and is useful in uterine and urinary bleeding. Traditionally, Shatavari consumed with milk and sugar improves body strength, and its vegetable preparations aid in digestive conditions.
Shatavari Kalpa: A Convenient Option
- Description: Shatavari Kalpa is a granular drink mix, combining the benefits of Shatavari with additional nutritious ingredients, tailored for nursing mothers.
- Usage: Easily mixable with milk or water, Shatavari Kalpa offers a convenient and pleasant way to consume Shatavari daily. This way, the original bitterness of Shatavari is properly masked and consumption becomes a happy activity.
- Advantages: Alongside the lactation benefits of Shatavari, this formulation provides a wholesome, easily digestible, and convenient supplement for nursing mothers. This preparation also helps in fighting the general debility condition in all women.
Incorporating Shatavari in Your Routine:
Shatavari can be consumed in various forms, including powder, tablets, and as Shatavari Kalpa. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for the appropriate form and dosage suitable for individual health needs.
Shatavari, particularly in the form of Shatavari Kalpa, is an invaluable herb for nursing mothers. It supports lactation, offers nutritional benefits, and aids in hormonal balance, making it a key component of postnatal care in Ayurveda.
