Shatavari (asparagus racemosus) is an herb that acts as a galactogogue to increase milk production for breastfeeding mothers. It aids women trying to get pregnant, it can prevent threatened abortion and it supports the menopausal women. It is native to the Himilayas and has evolved over 5000 years. It is known as “the one who possess 100 husbands”. It is widely used in India and China but less well known and popular here in the United States.
The main constituents in this asparagus root herb are steroidal saponins which act as estrogen regulators. It is rich in calcium, iron and folic acid. It coats, soothes and nourishes the mucus lining of the reproductive organs to help with conception. It is a rich source of physoestrogens helping to balance the female reproductive system and to aid with hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
As a galactogogue to increase breast milk yield it stimulates the release of prolactin and increases the weight of mammary tissue. It does not work as fast as the more popular herb fenugreek but it also does not have the GI side effects of fenugreek. Results from Shatavari can be seen in the first few weeks. The action of Shatavari has been paralleled with Reglan but without the extra pyramidal and depressive side effects seen with this drug. Shatavari is used to treat ulcerative disorders of the stomach. It is also reported to help support immunologic function in the body. It is not to be consumed by anyone allergic to asparagus. Side effects are minimal with one being a possibility of gaining weight. Dosing is 1000-2000 mg daily in divided doses. Motherlove most recently started to carry Shatavari in capsule form. 4-6 capsules per day depending on your body weight.