Shatavari Kalpa is a renowned Ayurvedic formulation, celebrated for its wide range of health benefits, particularly for women's health. Derived from the root of the Shatavari plant (Asparagus racemosus), this herbal preparation has been used in traditional Indian medicine for centuries. In this 2-minute read, let us know more about the benefits, uses, formulations, ingredients, preparation, method, dosage, precautions, and potential side effects of Shatavari Kalpa.
Also Read: Shatavari: Benefits, Uses, Formulations, Ingredients, Method, Dosage and Side Effects
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What Is Shatavari Kalpa?
Shatavari Kalpa is an age-old ayurvedic mixture of shatavari and elaichi that helps mothers feel less discomfort, tired, and weak overall in addition to increasing their ability to produce breast milk. It gives the new mother vitality and general sustenance while successfully balancing the Pitta and Vata doshas. In addition to new mothers, women of all ages can use this formulation to boost their immunity and stamina during their menstrual cycles, the postpartum phase, and even during pregnancy.
How To Make Shatavari Kalpa?
Ingredients:
Each 10 gm of the formulation contains:
4 g Shatavari - Asparagus racemosus root
0.05 g Elaichi/ Cardamom - Ela Elettaria cardamomum
5.95 g Sharkara or Sugar
Method of Preparation:
Shatavari and elaichi should both be washed under running water.
Place it in the sun for four to five days, or until the moisture content is completely gone.
Pulverize both of them into a fine powder.
To obtain a fine combination, strain the powdered herbs through sieve number 100.
Melt sugar in a big container with a bottom.
Stir in the dried herbs.
Stir well.
After letting it cool, roll them into tiny grains.
Allow the grains to air dry.
For later use, store it in a jar in a cold, dry location.
Benefits Of Individual Ingredients:
The primary ingredient in Shatavari Kalpa is the root of the Shatavari plant. Other supporting ingredients may include:
Ghee (clarified butter): Enhances the absorption of Shatavari.
Sugar or Jaggery: Used as a base to create a palatable formulation.
Cardamom: Adds flavour and aids in digestion.
Mishri (rock sugar): Sometimes added for its cooling properties.
Pharmacological Actions Of Shatavari Kalpa
Anti-inflammatory: Lessens pain and swelling following a spontaneous abortion as well as during menstruation.
Antioxidant: Prevent skin damage from free radicals caused by the sun's damaging rays.
Carminative: Treats flatulence and distension of the abdomen by preventing the development of gas.
Estrogenic: Shatavari contains phytoestrogen, an estrogenic molecule that efficiently balances estrogen levels, reduces bleeding, and aids in the endometrium's healing.
Galactagogue: When used in recommended dosages, its effect encourages breastfeeding in females.
Ayurvedic Indications Of Shatavari Kalpa
This Ayurvedic formulation is often cited in multiple Ayurvedic texts and periodicals for a variety of indications, according to Ayurveda, the holistic science of herbal medicines. These indications include:
Deepana (enhances stomach fire)
Pachana (helps in digestion)
Rochana (stimulates appetite)
Anulomana (improves breathing)
Vamana (prevents nausea and vomiting)
Trutahara (relieves excessive thirst)
Mehahara (treats urinary tract disorders)
Rasayani (rejuvenates the whole body)
Balya (improves muscle strength)
Vayasthapana (prevents ageing)
Jvara (useful for fever)
Kasahara (Relieves cough)
Shwasha (relieves breathing difficulties)
Amahara (treats indigestion)
Dahahara (relieves burning sensation)
Prameha (manages diabetes)
Gulmajit (useful in abdominal tumours)
Hikkanigrahana (controls hiccups)
Kantya (relieves sore throat)
Triptighno (relieves pseudo-satiation)
Hridaya (treats heart problems)
Chakushya (treats eye problems)
Garbhaprada (treats infertility)
Vamanopaga (treats emesis)
Shonitasthapana (prevents bleeding)
Pandu (treats anaemia)
Sangrahini (treats diarrhoea)
Kustha (treats skin disorders)
Kamala (prevents jaundice)
Medhya (improves intelligence)
Varnya (improves complexion)
Kshayajit (treats tuberculosis)
Krimihara (relieves intestinal worms)
Kanthya (improves voice)
Arsha (treats piles)
Krichra (treats painful micturition)
Pushtida (good for nutrition)
Health Benefits of Shatavari Kalpa
Regulates PMS Symptoms
Shatavari Kalpa is renowned for its ability to balance hormones in women. It helps regulate menstrual cycles and alleviates symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) such as cramps, mood swings, and bloating. This makes it a valuable remedy for women experiencing irregular periods or hormonal imbalances.
Enhances Lactation
This formulation is often prescribed to nursing mothers as it enhances lactation. Shatavari stimulates the production of prolactin, a hormone that increases breast milk production. It also improves the quality of milk, ensuring that the newborn receives adequate nutrition.
Supports Reproductive Health
Shatavari Kalpa is beneficial for overall female reproductive health. It strengthens the uterus, supports fertility, and is often used to treat conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis. It also helps in maintaining the health of the female reproductive organs.
Also Read: Top Most Fertility Foods
Boosts Immunity
Shatavari Kalpa is rich in antioxidants and has immunomodulatory properties. It enhances the body's natural defence mechanisms, helping to protect against infections and diseases. Regular consumption of this potent formulation can lead to a fortified immune system and better overall health.
Aids Digestion
Shatavari Kalpa has soothing properties that help in maintaining a healthy digestive system. It aids in the treatment of gastrointestinal issues such as acidity, ulcers, and indigestion. The formulation promotes healthy gut flora, which is essential for optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Also Read: Digestive Disorders: 7 Ways To Improve Gut Health
Reduces Inflammation
The anti-inflammatory properties of Shatavari Kalpa help reduce inflammation in the body. It can be beneficial for individuals suffering from inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. By ameliorating inflammation in the body tissues, it helps alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Remedies Stress
Shatavari Kalpa acts as an adaptogen, which means it helps the body cope with physical and mental stress. It improves the body's resilience to stress and enhances mental clarity and focus. This makes it an excellent supplement for individuals with high-stress lifestyles.
Also Read: Anxiety Attacks? Here’s How You Deal With It
Supports Respiratory Health
Shatavari Kalpa is beneficial for respiratory health. It helps in the treatment of respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic cough. The formulation soothes the respiratory tract, reduces inflammation, and supports healthy lung function.
Treats Oxidative Damage
Rich in antioxidants, Shatavari Kalpa helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body. This protects cells from oxidative damage and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants also promote healthy skin by preventing premature ageing.
Improves Skin and Hair Health
Regular consumption of Shatavari Kalpa can lead to healthier skin and hair. It hydrates the skin, reduces dryness, and improves complexion. For hair, it promotes growth, reduces hair fall, and prevents dandruff. The nourishing properties of Shatavari make it an excellent natural remedy for maintaining beauty.
Promotes Male Reproductive Health
Shatavari Kalpa is primarily used to treat issues related to the female reproductive system, but it also has a positive impact on men's health. The powder derived from the root has strong spermatogenic properties that are very effective in treating a variety of conditions, including teratospermia (abnormal sperm shape), asthenozoospermia (i.e. sperm motility), oligospermia (low sperm count), hypospermia (low volume of semen), and enhances spermatogenesis (i.e. sperm production). As a natural antioxidant, it also increases the production of male hormones like testosterone and luteinizing hormone and helps treat conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Regulates Hormones
The effect of Shatavari Kalpa on the adrenal glands is well-known. Rich in phytoestrogenic bioactive ingredients, Shatavari Kalpa plays a vital role in maintaining hormonal equilibrium, combating cramps during menstruation, and offering relief from mood swings, sadness, sleeplessness, hot flashes, sweating, and other related symptoms throughout the menstrual cycle. In addition to helping women overcome PMS symptoms, a recommended dosage of root powder aids women who are attempting to get pregnant by facilitating hormone regularization.
Aids In Weight Loss
The abundance of flavonoids in Shatavari Kalpa speeds up the body's weight loss. Rich in dietary fiber and other minerals, shatavari plays a vital part in weight reduction regimens by curbing appetite and preventing overeating when consumed on a regular basis.
Manages Diabetes
The superior hypoglycemic ability of Shatavari Kalpa is mostly responsible for lowering the body's blood sugar levels. When taken in prescribed quantity, the pancreatic β-cells start producing insulin. It assists in lowering the rate at which starch is converted to glucose, which lowers blood glucose levels.
Also Read: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Treats Ulcers and Wounds
The potent anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer qualities of Shatavari Kalpa are crucial in the treatment of a variety of ulcers, including canker sores, peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and mouth ulcers. The plant's bioactive compounds promote tissue regeneration, and the juice that is taken from the leaves is also used topically for
wounds.
Shatavari Kalpa Dosage:
Depending on factors including age, bodily strength, effects on hunger, severity, and patient condition, the appropriate therapeutic dosage of Shatavari Kalpa may differ from person to person. Seeking advice from an ayurvedic physician or practitioner is highly advised, as they will assess the patient's indications, and medical history, and offer an appropriate dose for a certain amount of time.
The typical dosage of Shatavari Kalpa is:
Adults: 1-2 teaspoons mixed with milk or water, taken once or twice daily.
Children: ½ to 1 teaspoon, adjusted according to age and weight.
It is recommended to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalised dosage.
Shatavari Kalpa Precautions
Pregnancy: While Shatavari is generally considered safe, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy.
Diabetes: Due to the sugar content, those with diabetes should use it with caution.
Allergies: Individuals allergic to asparagus or any other ingredient should avoid it.
Shatavari Kalpa Side Effects
Shatavari Kalpa is generally safe for most people. However, potential side effects may include:
Gastrointestinal Issues: Mild digestive upset in some individuals.
Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible in those allergic to its ingredients.
Weight Gain: Due to its rich composition, it may lead to weight gain if consumed in excess.
Conclusion
Shatavari Kalpa is a versatile Ayurvedic formulation with a plethora of health benefits, particularly for women. Its natural ingredients and holistic approach make it a valuable addition to one's wellness regimen. However, like any supplement, it is crucial to use it under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional to ensure its safe and effective use.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
1. Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A reviewAuthors: Shashi Alok,1,* Sanjay Kumar Jain,1 Amita Verma,2 Mayank Kumar,1 Alok Mahor,1 and Monika Sabharwal3
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4027291/
2. Formulation and Evaluation of Shatavari GranulesAuthor: Suraj T Jadhav
