Is Shatavari helpful in Menopause?

Menopause or Rajonivritti is one of the most significant milestones in a woman's life which marks the closure of menstrual life.

Nowadays, the problems during menopause in women have become a cause of concern. A large number of patients suffering from this disorder is not satisfied with the treatment provided by modern medicine.

Modern medicine prescribes treatment such as HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) by which one can get relief in the symptoms associated with menopause but it has a wide range of secondary health complications such as endometrial cancer, vaginal bleeding, breast cancer etc. On the other hand, this therapy is not much effective in psychological manifestations during this stage. The long term usage of sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytic drugs etc. lead to various side effects such as drowsiness (feeling abnormally sleepy or tired), loss of memory, allergic reactions etc. Thus, modern science mainly concentrates on tackling the physical problems of menopause but the psychological aspect is most often neglected.

AYURVEDIC CONSTITUTION AND DOSHA IN MENOPAUSE

According to Ayurveda, the tridosha system in Ayurveda generally serves as a central guiding principle. These three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Recognizing which dosha dominates the body, this will help to identify which treatment best match the constitution.

1. During Vata-dominant menopause, there will be symptoms such as:

• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Constipation
• Mild hot flushes
• Poor skin tone
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression

2. Women whose menopause is dominated by Pitta have symptoms such as:

• Angry outbursts
• Hot flushes and night sweats
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)
• Skin rashes
• Irritability

3. Women whose menopause is dominated by Kapha Dosha, its natural elements water and earth can manifest heaviness in the body. There are symptoms such as:

• Feeling tired
• Weight gain
• Sleepiness
• Slow digestion
• Fluid retention
• Fungal infections

HOW AYURVEDA CAN HELP IN THE TREATMENT OF MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS?

According to Ayurvedic texts, Rasayana is the only way to combat the symptoms associated with menopause.

Here, Rasayana refers to the means of obtaining the optimum nourishment to the Rasadi Dhatus. Thus, Rasayana is considered as the specialized type of treatment which influences the Dhatus, Srotas and Agni which helps in an overall improvement and maintenance of the living tissues and also helps in the prevention of aging, improving resistance against diseases, bodily strength and improves mental faculties as well.

One such herb that is regarded as Rasayana in Ayurveda is Shatavari which proves beneficial to women in all stages of life.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF SHATAVARI

Shatavari is a tall, climbing and thorny shrub which can grow 1-2 meters tall. The roots are light pale to brown in color and they are soft and pliable. The leaves are small, uniform and pine needles. Its flowers are white in color having small spikes. The fruits are round berries having purple to black color. It belongs to the family Asparagaceae.

MEDICINAL PARTS OF SHATAVARI

The roots of this plant are mainly used for therapeutic purposes.

PHYTOCHEMISTRY OR ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF SHATAVARI

It is a good source of phytochemicals such as steroidal saponins, isoflavones, alkaloids, mucilage, oligosaccharides etc.
In addition to phytochemicals, the roots are a rich source of copper, magnesium, cobalt, zinc, calcium, selenium, potassium, vitamins such as Vitamin A and C, essential fatty acid such as gamma linoleic acid etc.

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES OF A. RACEMOSUS

• Rasa (Taste): Madhura (Sweet), Tikta (Bitter)
• Veerya (Potency): Sheet (Cold)
• Guna (Qualities): Snigdh (Unctuous), Snehana (Oily), Guru (Heavy)
• Vipaka: Madhura (Undergoes sweet taste conversion after digestion)
• Effect on Tridosha: Pacifies Vata and Pitta Doshas.

QUALITIES AND BENEFITS OF SHATAVARI WITH AN ANCIENT REFERENCE

Reference: Bhava Prakasha Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Shloka No. 186-187

Meaning: In this shloka, the qualities and benefits of shatavari are explained. Shatavari is heavy, cold, and bitter in taste and acts as Rasayana (rejuvenative). It promotes intelligence, increases memory power, enhances digestive fire and keeps the body healthy. It is also beneficial for eyes, increases the sperm count, improves the production of breast milk in lactating mothers, and provides strength to the body. It can also be used in case of inflammation, tumor and diarrhea.

IS SHATAVARI HELPFUL IN MENOPAUSE?

Yes, Shatavari is extremely beneficial in menopause.

• Shatavari contains natural phytoestrogens therefore can be used as an alternative to the synthetic HRT (Hormonal Replacement Therapy) which naturally and gently rebalance the estrogen levels.
• Ayurvedic treatment with the use of Rasayanas such as Shatavari is potent, safe, cost-effective, increases longevity and do not cause any side effects.
• It helps to manage the symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flushes, insomnia etc. due to its balancing action of phytoestrogen.
• Shatavari has a cooling action on the body which balances the Agni in the body.
• This herb is helpful in balancing the Sadhak Pitta which governs the emotions and Ranjak Pitta which governs the blood.
• During menopause, there is low ojas (quantifiable liquid in the body which is responsible for overall health, energy and liveliness). Due to this there is a lessened ability to maintain balance. Due to low ojas, the cortisol level, heart rate and blood pressure increase. Shatavari which acts as a Rasayana helps to increase Ojas.
• Many women experience emotional challenges during menopause which also need to be addressed. These include disturbances such as depression, anxiety, anger etc. Shatavari is also useful in combating these psychic symptoms during the menopause.

SHATAVARI CAPSULES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers Shatavari Capsules which are prepared using the standardized extract of the herb Asparagus racemosus.

These capsules contain the goodness of the herb Shatavari without any chemicals, artificial colors or preservatives. Even the shell used for the manufacture of these capsules is 100% vegetarian. The capsules are manufactured in the cleanest environment and the processing and packaging of this herbal product is done with high-end technology with minimal human intervention so as to make the product 100% pure and free from any adulteration. Therefore, Shatavari Capsules by Planet Ayurveda are very effective in dealing with the symptoms of menopause.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily to be taken with plain water after meals.