Shatavari

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is one of the most important Rasayana drugs in Ayurveda, especially for women. The name 'Shatavari' literally means 'she who possesses a hundred husbands', indicating its powerful reproductive tonic properties. It is a thorny climbing plant with needle-like phylloclades (modified stems). The tuberous roots (10-20 or more from a single plant) are the main medicinal part. Multiple species exist - A. racemosus is the primary species. A. sarmentosus Linn. is mentioned as a related species used similarly. The roots are white, fleshy, and fusiform (spindle-shaped). They contain Shatavarin (steroidal saponin glycoside) and high mucilage content. Shatavari is the premier Stanyajanana (galactagogue) drug and is extensively used to promote lactation. It is also a powerful Rasayana and Vrishya drug. Used in Pitta disorders, burning sensation, hyperacidity, and debility. The roots are processed in milk for maximum efficacy. It is considered the best female reproductive tonic in Ayurveda. Chemical analysis shows 4-5% saponin content. Also used in male reproductive health. Dose: root powder 1-2 masha; with milk; root decoction 2-4 tola.

• Rasayana (rejuvenative)
• Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
• Stanyajanana (galactagogue)
• Balya (strengthening)
• Medhya (intellect-promoting)
• Netrya (good for eyes)
• Shukrala (promotes semen)
• Pittahara (alleviates Pitta)
• Vatahara (alleviates Vata)

Similar is the case of Anuvasana – fat enema and Matra basti – fat enema with very little oil 34-36 Anu taila जीव तीजलदे वदा जलद व से यगोपी हमं दाव व मधुक लवागु वर पु ा व ब वो पलम ् धाव यौ सरु भं ि थरे कृ महरं प ं ु ट रे णक ु ां कि ज कं कमला वलां शतगुणे द ये अ भ स वाथयेत ् ३७ तैला सं दशगण ु ं प रशो य तेन तैलं पचेत ् स ललेन दशैव वारान ् पाके पे चदशमे सममाजद ु धं न यं महागुणमुश यणुतैलमेतत ् ३८ Jivanti, Jala, Devadaru, Jalada, Twak, Sevya, Gopi (sariva), Hima, Darvi twak, Madhuka, Plava, A

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 20: Nasya Vidhi Nasal