Benefits of Shatavari in Pregnancy

Introduction

Shatavari is known as the ‘Queen of herbs. It is a rejuvenating herb from menarche to menopause, pregnancy, and motherhood. It is an elixir to women that helps women with their emotional and hormonal imbalances. Shatavari means ‘one with a hundred husbands .’It is a herb many desire, signifying its feminine charm and ability to strengthen female reproductive organs. It rejuvenates cells and lowers stress. It is a general health supplement for mental wellness, immunity, energy levels, digestion, and respiratory health.

What Is Shatavari?

Shatavari is also called wild asparagus. It is scientifically known as Asparagus racemosus and belongs to the Liliaceae family. Being discovered in 1799, it is essential in many ayurvedic treatments. It is a staple Ayurvedic medicine native to Australia, Africa, China, and the Indian subcontinent. It is a powerful adaptogenic herb that helps our body to manage stress and helps our body to recover after stress. It is rich in steroidal saponins, essential to the herb’s health benefits.

It grows as a short, branched, woody shrub that grows spinous, climbing to a height of one to two meters. It prefers well-drained, fertile clayey-loamy to sandy-loamy soil. However, it also thrives well among rocky and gravelly soil. It is usually found in thickets, forests, moist and shady places, scrubby jungles, borders of the forests, hilly slopes, fallow lands (plowed and tilled but left without sowing), and plains from the coast.

What Are the Other Common Names of Shatavari?

Many other names across the globe know the female-friendly herb. Some of them include:

• Asparagus fern.

• Indian asparagus.

• Sataver white.

• Sparrow grass.

• Satawari.

• Buttermilk root.

• Water root.

• Climbing asparagus.

• Sataver yellow.

• Wild asparagus.

• Wild carrot.

• Mang Tay.

What Are the Benefits of Consuming Shatavari in Pregnancy?

Shatavari is used as a traditional healing from ancient times. It contains phytochemicals that help with anti-fungal, diuretic, anti-tumor, and immunostimulatory properties. It is a galactagogue or a substance that can be used to induce, maintain and increase the production of breastmilk in women. It also contains saponins, sulfur-containing acids, oligosaccharides, and amino acids, which promote health. Some of the benefits of consuming Shatavari during pregnancy can include:

• Rich in Folic Acid: Asparagus fern is rich in folic acid, which is essential for the development of the fetus. Folic acid is an essential nutrient before and during pregnancy. It helps to prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida (a birth defect where the baby’s brain, spinal cord, and the tissues enclosing them are not formed properly). Folic acid is also essential for forming new cells and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in the body. It reduces the risk of heart problems and cancer. In short, it promotes and maintains good health.

• High in Calcium: Calcium is an inevitable nutrient for the proper functioning of the body and the formation of healthy teeth and bones. A pregnant and lactating mother should take ample amounts of calcium to help the baby be healthy and prevent osteoporosis (a condition where the bone becomes weak and brittle) in the mother. It assists fetal development in the uterus and aids in preventing abnormalities associated with teeth and bone formation.

• Abundant Source of Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant and protects the body from free radical damage. It boosts the body’s immunity and prevents colds and flu. It is essential for producing collagen for good skin and connective tissue.

• Copious in Vitamin E: Vitamin E is another essential nutrient for the mother and the baby. It protects the body from pollutants and toxins. It plays an inevitable role in preventing nerve-associated discrepancies in babies. It boosts immunity and protects from infection. In short, it helps the mother to maintain a healthy and vital life.

• Prolific in Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is a much-required vitamin both for the mother and the fetus developing in the womb. It boosts immunity and regulates the functions of the body. It also helps in controlling morning sickness and blood pressure.

• Rich in Vitamin K: This vitamin is essential for cardiovascular health and helps prevent coronary artery disease. It also maintains the blood vessels in the mother and baby and plays an essential role in blood clotting.

• Nourishes and Protects the Fetus: The magic herb is full of vitamins and nutrients required for the growth and development of the fetus. Studies show that consuming Shatavari daily during pregnancy is twice effective as consuming iron and folic acid tablets. Moreover, It contains antispasmodic, anti-oxytocic, and vasodilating properties that help to control premature uterine contractions. This can help to prevent miscarriages.

• Helps to Manage Symptoms: The shrub is a natural anxiolytic and mood elevator. It helps to manage mood swings, irritability, headaches, stress, and anxiety during pregnancy. Research also shows that women who consume Shatavari during pregnancy find it easier to manage their morning sickness.

• Promotes the Production of Breastmilk: Shatavari, rich in antioxidants, promotes cellular rejuvenation and rebuilds immunity and strength after childbirth. It also minimizes hair loss, baby blues, insomnia, and skin changes due to its properties to regulate hormones. It is a natural galactagogue that helps the body prepare ample milk for the baby. Studies have shown that consuming Shatavari helps boost prolactin levels in women without adverse effects. Prolactin is a hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk.

What Are the Side-Effects of Consuming Shatavari?

Research in the field of Ayurveda proves that Shatavari is safe for long-term use, even during pregnancy and lactation. However, solid pieces of evidence are still under research, and experts recommend the cautious use of the shrub to avoid any possible side effects. People who are allergic to Shatavari should avoid it. The side effects, if any, can include:

• Rashes.

• Increased heart rate.

• Itching in the eyes.

• Itching in the skin.

• Difficulty in breathing.

• Dizziness.

• Lowers blood sugar.

Conclusion

Shatavari has been noted in the Ayurvedic scripts since time immemorial because of its immense benefits. The medicinal herb is an adaptogen and helps manage stress and anxiety. It helps to improve libido and fertility and solves many sexual and reproductive issues in men and women. Moreover, being rich in nutrients, it is a blessing for pregnant women as well. Like its name, it can cure a hundred diseases and is considered a blessing for mankind. However, it may cause some unpleasant signs in those who are allergic, and hence, should be used with caution.