Description

Asparagus racemosus (satavar, shatavari, or shatamull) is a species of asparagus common throughout Nepal and few south Asian countries and the Himalayas. It grows 1–2 m (3 ft 3 in–6 ft 7 in) tall and prefers to take root in gravelly, rocky soils high up in piedmont plains, at 1,300–1,400 m (4,300–4,600 ft) elevation.

Famous worldwide, with the name of Asparagus, Asparagus (it is called ‘Asparagus’ in Nepali and for my convenience I will use that name, my apology to the foreign readers, throughout this post) is not a new plant in Nepal. It is a subtropical plant that can be found easily in the forests of the Hilly and Terai regions of Nepal. Our fathers and grandfathers generations were well aware about the benefits and utility of Asparagus. They used to collect the shoots of Asparaguss for consuming them as vegetable from the forests. (I am jealous that they didn’t even have to cultivate and grow it in their farms!) Similarly, they used its root as a medicine notably for animals like cows and buffaloes. Therefore, it is a popular plant for it great nutritional and medicinal value.

Asparagus as a Vegetable

Young Asparagus shoots can be used to prepare the vegetable. The vegetable of Asparagus is very tasty, according to the claim of those who have eaten. However, it is not only tasty but quite nutritional as well. That is the justification of its high selling price in the market. The foreign researches also indicate its supreme nutritional value. Therefore, since it is good for our health it is important for us to consume it, at least occasionally.

Asparagus Medical & Other Uses

Uses – The root of Satavari (Kurilo)is used in the form of juice, paste, decoction and powder to treat intrinsic haemorrhage, diarrhoea, piles, hoarseness of voice, cough, arthritis, poisoning, diseases of female genital tract, erysipelas, fever, as aphrodisiac and as rejuvinative.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a subtropical plant found in Asia that has, for thousands of years, been revered as one of the most diverse medicinal plants for women. Shatavari is Sanskrit for, “she who posses one hundred husbands” and in ayurvedic medicine of ancient India it is considered the most important rejuvenative plant for women.

It is said that this wild asparagus is especially effective in preserving the beauty and vitality (ojas) of whoever consumes it, and thus has healing qualities for both men and women. However, Shatavari is mainly used due to its rejuvenative effect on the female genitalia. The plant contains saponins, which harmonize and stimulate the body’s hormone balance, which can be a vital support during menopause.

Consumption of Shatavari stimulates milk production and nurtures the ovaries. This wonderful root is prescribed to promote milk secretion during and after pregnancy, while fostering healthy development of the breasts, and having a beneficial and strong effect on the embryo. It also helps to prepare the female genitalia for birth.

Shatavari’s adaptogenic effect also bestows the strength to deal with times of extreme stress in one’s life.

By balancing pitta and vata, shatavari nurtures interpersonal love and awakens commitment, so having a calming effect on both body and mind. This also enables one to overcome fiery emotions such as anger, jealousy and hate, and thus Shatavari is recommended for those in romantic relationships and those suffering from uneasiness.

Shatavari is known as a potent aphrodisiac for both genders, and is said to increase fertility. Additionally, this plant is known to support digestion and is often used to treat internal and external ulcers because of its anti-bacterial properties.

As rejuvinative/ Rasayana

Ghee cooked with paste and decoction of satavari and added

with sugar is used as a rejuvinative (AH.U.39.157)

As galactagogue / increases breast milk

Satavari pounded and taken with milk increases the flow of

breast-milk (10-20 gms) (YR.P.427)

Traditionally, juice pressed from the fresh root, or a tea brewed from dried roots is prescribed. For external use the powder is mixed with ghee and applied to the skin. The oil is also known to posses healing properties free of side effects when applied both internally and externally.

In preparation for birth, women in the ninth month are recommended to insert a cotton cloth soaked in the oil of asparagus racemosus. The oil functions as a lubricant, and strengthens the muscles of the genitalia as well as increasing their flexibility.

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