How Shatavari Can Help Improve Fertility and Support Pregnancy

When it comes to continuing the human race, fertility and pregnancy are pretty important milestones. They’re not just significant for the individuals involved, but for society as a whole. 

Unfortunately, infertility is an issue that affects about 10% to 15% of couples worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). And even if you’re able to get pregnant, there are still plenty of factors that can impact the health of both you and your baby.

Things like genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors can all play a role in your ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term. Certain conditions like PCOS and endometriosis can make it harder to get pregnant, while smoking, excessive drinking, and a poor diet can all impact your fertility. 

And even if you do get pregnant, there are still plenty of potential complications to worry about, like gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia.

Dealing with infertility and pregnancy complications can be really tough, both emotionally and financially. Treatments like IVF and surrogacy can be expensive and out of reach for many couples. And in really serious cases, pregnancy complications can even lead to hospitalisation, long-term health issues, or worse.

That’s why a lot of people are turning to natural herbs and supplements as a way to support their fertility and pregnancy. Shatavari (also known as Asparagus racemosus) is one herb that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help with both conception and pregnancy. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at how shatavari works and what Ayurveda has to say about it.

Shatavari: Tracing its Rich History and Traditional Uses in Ayurvedic Medicine

Due to its therapeutic qualities, shatavari has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Shatavari is regarded as a rasayana in Ayurveda, which is a term for a tonic that revitalises the body. It is employed to advance general health and wellbeing, particularly in females.

Historically, Shatavari has been used to cure a number of ailments, including fever, bronchitis, and cough. And, it is used to boost vitality, stimulate the immune system, and improve digestion. Shatavari is a powerful aphrodisiac and is used to increase fertility and sexual function in Ayurvedic medicine.

Active Compounds and Scientific Evidence Behind Its Benefits

The active ingredients of shatavari include asparagamine A, flavonoids, and saponins. Saponins are substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Antioxidants called flavonoids shield the body from oxidative stress. A substance known as asparagamine A has anticancer properties.

Numerous academic studies have looked into the potential advantages of shatavari for conception and pregnancy. 

According to a study that appeared in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, shatavari root extract significantly increased the amount and quality of oocytes in female rats. ¹

Another investigation indicated that Shatavari root extract protected female rats from oxidative stress in the Journal of Medicinal Food. ²

Boosting Fertility Naturally: The Role of Shatavari in Promoting Reproductive Health

Female fertility refers to a woman’s capacity to become pregnant and carry it to term. Age, hormonal balance, ovulation, and the condition of the reproductive system are some of the variables that affect female fertility. Age-related decreases in female fertility result in markedly lower pregnancy rates beyond the age of 35.

Role of Shatavari in Improving Female Fertility

An effective herb for increasing female fertility is shatavari. Shatavari is classified as a rasayana in Ayurvedic medicine, which indicates it helps improve general health and wellbeing, particularly in women. Shatavari is said to benefit the female reproductive system by balancing hormones and promoting ovulation. ³

Phytoestrogens, which are substances found in plants and imitate the actions of oestrogen in the body, are present in shatavari. These substances may aid in controlling oestrogen levels and enhancing hormonal harmony, which may promote regular ovulation and enhanced fertility. 

Shatavari is also said to support the reproductive organs, enhancing their performance and fostering a regular menstrual cycle. ⁴

The Role of Shatavari in Supporting Maternal Health and Wellness

The health of the mother and the unborn child depend on a healthy pregnancy. The body changes significantly throughout pregnancy, so it’s important to have enough nourishment and assistance to achieve a good result. 

Pregnancy complications include gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, and pre-eclampsia can have a lasting impact on both the mother and the unborn child. Consequently, it is crucial to promote a healthy pregnancy.

Shatavari is believed to have several benefits during pregnancy, including:

1. Supporting Foetal Development 

Shatavari includes vital vitamins and minerals required for the foetus’s proper growth, supporting foetal development. Folic acid, calcium, and iron are a few of them. ⁵

2. Supporting Milk Production

Shatavari is thought to encourage the production of breast milk, which is crucial for the baby’s nourishment. ⁶

3. Reducing Stress and Anxiety 

Shatavari is said to have a relaxing impact on the mind, decreasing tension and anxiety during pregnancy, which may be a trying period. ⁷

4. Promoting Healthy Digestion

Shatavari is said to enhance digestion and lessen signs like bloating and constipation. ⁸

Ayurveda’s Holistic Approach to Fertility and Pregnancy

Preparing the body for pregnancy is essential in Ayurveda’s concept of fertility and pregnancy as important aspects of life. Ayurveda holds that conception and pregnancy are reliant on the reproductive system’s health, which is impacted by a number of variables including nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional well-being.

To encourage conception and support a healthy pregnancy, Ayurveda places emphasis on a balanced diet, frequent exercise, and stress-reduction methods like meditation and yoga. Ayurveda also suggests using herbal medicines to promote reproductive health.

Role of Shatavari in Ayurvedic Medicine

Since ancient times, Shatavari has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support fertility and improve reproductive health. Shatavari is regarded as a revitalising herb in Ayurveda that supports a healthy pregnancy and promotes fertility by balancing the reproductive system.

Shatavari is believed to have several benefits in Ayurvedic medicine, including:

1. Supporting the Female Reproductive System

Shatavari is believed to have a nourishing effect on the female reproductive system, supporting the healthy function of the ovaries and uterus. ⁹

2. Balancing Hormones

Shatavari is believed to have a balancing effect on hormones, supporting the production of oestrogen and progesterone, which are essential for fertility and pregnancy. ¹⁰

3. Supporting Lactation

Shatavari is believed to stimulate the production of breast milk, making it an essential herb for lactating mothers. ¹¹

4. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Shatavari is believed to have a calming effect on the mind, reducing stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on fertility and pregnancy. ¹²

Shatavari is frequently used with other herbs in Ayurvedic medicine to boost fertility and promote reproductive health. There are several different forms of it, including capsules, powders, and teas.

Tips for Safe and Effective Use of this Versatile Herbal Supplement

When used as recommended, shatavari is usually regarded as safe. To prevent any negative effects, it is necessary to utilise it properly and efficiently, just like any other herbal supplement. Here are some things to think about before using Shatavari:

1. Dosage and Forms of Shatavari

There are several ways to buy shatavari, including in pill, powder, tea, and tincture form. Shatavari’s dose and form may need to be adjusted based on a number of variables, including the patient’s age, health, and the ailment being treated. It is crucial to adhere to the suggested dosage shown on the label or as instructed by a licensed healthcare professional.

2. Possible Side Effects and Precautions

Shatavari is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience side effects such as:

• Upset stomach
• Diarrhoea
• Headache
• Allergic reactions

If any side effects appear, it is imperative to cease using Shatavari and speak with a doctor. Shatavari may also interact with specific drugs or dietary supplements. Before using Shatavari, it is imperative to speak with a healthcare professional, especially if you are on medication or have underlying medical issues.

3. Consultation with a Healthcare Provider

It is crucial to speak with a licensed healthcare professional before using Shatavari, particularly if you are expecting, nursing, or have other medical issues. A healthcare professional can advise you on the dose and form of Shatavari, assist evaluate whether it is safe and suitable for you, and monitor any potential side effects.

In order to guarantee the quality and purity of your Shatavari purchase, make sure you get it from a reliable supplier. Look for items that have a quality assurance seal or are verified by a third party agency.

Final Thought

The Ayurvedic herb shatavari is well-liked for its possible advantages in promoting pregnancy and conception. Shatavari may increase female fertility by balancing hormones, boosting ovarian weight, and encouraging the development of healthy eggs. By lowering the risk of issues including preterm labour, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes, shatavari may help promote a healthy pregnancy.

Shatavari may provide health advantages, but it’s also typically safe when used as recommended. However, it is crucial to use it safely and productively by adhering to the advised dosage, buying top-notch products, and speaking with a licensed healthcare provider.

It is crucial to speak with a healthcare professional if you’re thinking about taking shatavari to boost your fertility or pregnancy to make sure it’s safe and suitable for you. Your healthcare practitioner may advise you on the best way to include shatavari into your regimen for reproductive health, as well as the right dosage and type to use. They can also keep an eye out for any possible side effects.

Shatavari can be a useful complement to a comprehensive strategy for reproductive health in general. You may be able to benefit from this conventional herb and assist your efforts to become pregnant by using it safely and successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

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2. Jagetia GC, Baliga MS, Malagi KJ, et al. The evaluation of the radioprotective effect of Triphala (an Ayurvedic rejuvenating drug) in the mice exposed to gamma-radiation. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(2):99-108[↩]
3. Thakur, M., Bhargava, S., Dixit, V. K., Gupta, S. K., & Joshi, S. C. (2015). A randomized controlled pilot study to compare the effect of shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) granules and placebo granules on menstrual cycle and hormonal profile in 50 females with oligomenorrhea. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 6(4), 257-262.[↩]
4. Gupta, P. (2018). Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): A review. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 15(3), 1-9.[↩]
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7. Gupta, M., Shaw, B., Mukherjee, A., & Mukherjee, R. (2018). Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) in alleviation of stress and anxiety in animal models: Implications for veterinary practice. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 12(10), FF01-FF05.[↩]
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