ROLE OF SHATAVARI IN UTERINE FIBROIDS

WHAT IS UTERINE FIBROIDS?

Uterine fibroids or uterine leiomyomas are the tumorous growths of the uterus that are usually benign. And the woman may present with the dysmenorrhea or DUB (dysfunctional uterine bleeding). This condition may develop various complications related to conception, in pregnancy and may lead to impotency if not treated on time. The causes behind this are unwholesome diet and lifestyle, genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalance, history of other ailments and is due to the deficiency of nutrients. In order to avoid the complications and treat this disorder “Shatavari” is one of the best medicines. Shatavari known as Asparagus is an important herb that is widely used in traditional Ayurvedic practice to deal with the problems related to female health especially related to the disorders of the female reproductive system.

CLASSIFICATION AND BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF SHATAVARI

Shatavari in Latin language is called Asparagus racemosus. This herb is categorized under kingdom ‘Plantae’, belongs to the family ‘Asparagaceae’ under the order ‘Asparagales’ and from the species and genus ‘Asparagus’ respectively. And is a native to Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. This herb grows up to 1 to 2 meters in height and its leaves and roots are widely used for the medicinal purpose. This herb can be used in all age groups suffering from uterine fibroids.

PROPERTIES, QUALITIES AND MAIN ACTIONS OF SHATAVARI AS PER AYURVEDIC CLASSICS

• Rasa (Taste) – Madhura (sweet) and Tikta (bitter)
• Guna (Quality) – Snigdha (unctuous in nature) and Guru (heavy to digest)
• Veerya – Sheeta (cold in potency)
• Vipaka – The end product of digestion is Madhura (sweet) in taste
• Effect on Tridoshas – Balances Vata and Pitta dosha
• It acts as Rasayana (Rejuvenating)
• Improves digestive fire and vision.
• It promotes strength and milk production hence beneficial for lactating mothers.
• Enhances memory, improves sperm quality and count in males, and is beneficial in treating inflammatory disorders, tumors, heart diseases, bleeding disorders such as hemorrhoids, menstrual disorders, tuberculosis, etc.

In general, this herb is aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic, immune modulator, anti- diabetic, anti-inflammatory in nature and is a general health tonic that maintains the overall health of the females.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ASPARAGUS

The active phytochemicals of the Shatavari are asparanin A, filiasparoside C, tannins, asparagamine A, shatavaroside A, shatavaroside B and shatavarins.

HOW SHATAVARI CONTRIBUTES IN CURING UTERINE FIBROIDS?

Maintains HPO-axis

Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian axis is the channelize way that defines that hypothalamus gives signals to release the neurotransmitters from the pituitary to initiate the functions of the respective organs. If any imbalance occurs in this axis, the tissues may get improper signals and develop a growth that is called as fibroid so in this condition Shatavari plays an important in this condition. It helps by stimulating the nervous system and directly targets the pituitary gland.

Regulates the menstrual cycle

As menses are irregular in uterine fibroid, Shatavari regulates them. It improves the interval, duration and bleeding during menses. As irregularities in the menses is the main symptom of this disease, shatavari can help to cover-up this condition.

Balances hormones

For growth hormonal imbalance is the main reason. So Shatavari helps to manage FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (Luteinizing hormone) level, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone hormone. This herb helps to maintain the functions of the uterus and also provides strength to the uterus.

Boosts Immunity

Shatavari is a generalized health tonic that has immune modulator property. This herb helps to stimulate the defensive mechanism of the body thus protects the body from the infections. By increasing immunity it averts the chances of reoccurrence.

Alleviates Stress level

Stress is the main exaggerating factor for all the diseases in the body. Stress deteriorates the health in means of physical and mental levels. Shatavari is the herb that manages this vitiated Vata and brings the equilibrium in the Mansik Doshas hence alleviates the stress.

Maintains equilibrium in Tridosha

For growth or fibrosis Kapha is the main aggravating factor. So Shatavari is an herb that brings the equilibrium in the Tridosha thus, won’t allow the accumulation of kapha in the uterus. Moreover, for fibrosis and Vata especially Apana Vata is responsible for the growth and development of the cyst and tumors. So Shatavari effectively manages the aggravated Vata dosha. On the other hand pitta dosha is responsible for all the diseases in the form of deranged digestive fire. So shatavari due to its cool potency helps to subside the excessive heat in the body and improves the digestive fire.

Eliminates Toxins

Ama or toxin accumulation is the main cause for the development of disorder. Here the ama is deposited which in turns vitiates the Rasa (lymph), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscles) and meda (adipose tissues) dhatu and gives rise to a fibroid which is developing pain in the abdomen, menstrual irregularities and so on. So shatavari is helpful to eliminate these toxins from the body and manages the health of the uterus. It helps to improve the functions of the uterus.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT CONTAIN SHATAVARI

1. Shatavari Capsules

Planet Ayurveda offers Shatavari Capsules which are prepared from the pure and standardized herb that are effective to cure all the ailments related to the female reproductive system. Moreover, these capsules are encapsulated in the vegetarian shell which can be easily digestible and eliminates from the body. These capsules are free from the chemicals, additives, fillers and have no side effects on the body. These capsules are very effective in treating uterine fibroids.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water or lukewarm water.

2. Shatavari Powder

Planet Ayurveda also offers Shatavari Powder which is also a pure extract of Shatavari roots. This powder can be taken in the dosage of 3-6 grams twice daily, after meals.

Shatavari can also be used in other forms like Ghrita (5 to 10 ml), Fresh juice (10 to 20 ml), Decoction (25 to 50 ml), Powder (3 to 6 grams) and Taila (for external use).

It can also be used in the Panchakarma procedure in the form of “Uttar Basti” that directly cleanses and rejuvenates the cells of the uterus.