Quick facts
| Botanical name | Asparagus racemosus |
|---|---|
| Other names | Satavar |
| Part used | Root |
| Common forms | Powder with milk; granules; Shatavari ghrita. |
Ayurvedic properties
Ayurveda describes every herb by its taste (rasa), qualities (guna), potency (virya), post-digestive effect (vipaka) and effect on the doshas.
| Taste (rasa) | Sweet, bitter |
|---|---|
| Qualities (guna) | Heavy, unctuous |
| Potency (virya) | Cooling |
| After digestion (vipaka) | Sweet |
| Effect on doshas | Calms Vata and Pitta |
Traditional uses
- Menopausal dryness and hot flushes
- Breast-milk supply
- Acidity and ulcers
- Female fertility and general nourishment
These are uses described in Ayurvedic practice; they are not all supported by clinical research.
What research shows
Very limited
Limited
Moderate
Strong
Small studies on breast-milk supply and menopausal symptoms show mixed results. Good-quality trials are lacking.
Safety
Avoid or ask a doctor first if you have:
- Hormone-sensitive cancers — ask your specialist
- Allergy to asparagus
- Pregnancy unless your doctor approves
Possible interactions
- Diuretics — may add to the effect
- Diabetes medicines
Side effects
Generally well tolerated. Can cause weight gain or bloating in some people.
Stop and seek medical advice if you develop yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, a rash, or feel unwell after starting any herbal product.
Buying safely
- Buy licensed products whose label shows the manufacturer's name and address, an AYUSH licence number, batch number and expiry date.
- Prefer products that name the botanical species and the part used.
- Be wary of products promising cures, “no side effects”, or rapid results — some have been found to contain hidden steroids or other drugs.
- Tell every doctor and pharmacist about all the herbal products you take.
- Report side effects through the Ministry of Ayush pharmacovigilance programme. See our Ayurvedic medicine safety guide.
Related conditions
Shatavari is discussed on these condition pages:
Other herbs
Ashwagandha Turmeric (Haridra) Triphala Tulsi (Holy Basil) Guduchi (Giloy) Brahmi Amalaki (Amla) Neem Guggulu Kapikacchu Yashtimadhu (Liquorice)
Please note: this page is general education, not medical advice. Take herbal medicines only on the advice of a qualified practitioner who knows your health and your other medicines.