Special Reports
A royal tonic for female health

In traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, Asparagus root has many uses, including powerful rejuvenating properties that act on the female reproductive system.

Unlike the West, where it is often viewed as a nuisance, menstruation in the Ayurvedic tradition is considered an essential process of cleansing and renewal. As a result, women are thought to be healthier and longer living than men, and menstrual blood is deemed sacred.

The queen of herbs
Asparagus root, or Shatavari as it is known in Ayurvedic medicine, is often referred to as the ‘queen of herbs’ because it is said to promote love and devotion (the Hindu word Shatavari actually translates as ‘capable of a hundred husbands’). It is also sometimes considered the female equivalent to Ashwagandha (Withania somniferia), a herb that is often used to increase energy and stamina, reduce anxiety and mental fatigue, improve immunity and boost sex drive in men.

From puberty to menopause
With its cleansing, nourishing, soothing and strengthening effects on the female reproductive organs, asparagus root can be used throughout a woman’s entire reproductive life cycle. Traditionally, it has been used to treat premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), pelvic infl ammatory diseases such as endometriosis, and the various symptoms of menopause.

The herb also helps to build blood and support deep tissue, making it useful in preparing the uterus for conception. It can also act as a postpartum tonic by helping to increase lactation and normalising the uterus and fl uctuating hormones. Asparagus root has even been shown to help in cases of infertility, by improving egg quality in older prospective mothers.

During menopause, and for women who have had hysterectomies, the herb helps to boost the supply of female hormones that usually become defi cient around this time. It can also soothe vaginal dryness, another typical result of the natural ageing process.

Evidence and availability 
Until recently, Asparagus root was only available to Western herbal practitioners in an alcohol tincture. Now it is available over the counter in capsule form.

In addition to its role in female sexual health, Asparagus root is also indicated for gastrointestinal disorders, such as heartburn, nausea and stomach ulcers, as well as for relieving constipation. Research results and years of use have shown Asparagus root to be an extremely effective and low-risk prescription for all of the symptoms mentioned, but it should not be taken during pregnancy.

Tracey Yeend, ND, RN/RM, Cert Pharm, is a registered nurse, midwife and naturopath practising in South Australia.

Case Study
Elizabeth, aged 52 came to my clinic after experiencing several symptoms of menopause. She was having hot flushes throughout the day, and night sweats were affecting her sleep pattern. She was also feeling very fatigued and was experiencing the occasional anxiety episode. Her periods were intermittent – one every two or three months – and they were extremely heavy on the first day or two. On these days Elizabeth had to change her pad every hour or so. She really just wanted the periods to stop as she’d had these symptoms for years and was finding them extremely draining. Her doctor spoke to her about taking HRT, but Elizabeth was keen to go with natural options.

We commenced Elizabeth on a liver tonic for one month, two capsules of Asparagus twice a day for the first month, and I also prescribed two capsules of Withania per day for its suppor tive action to the adrenal glands and to help her body cope and resist stress.

After four weeks, Elizabeth was already feeling a lot less fatigued and was no longer waking up feeling as if she hadn’t slept. Her energy levels during the day also improved. The anxiety had not returned and her periods were lighter.

The hot flushes became a lot less frequent and intense. I continued the Asparagus at two capsules per day and also the Withania at two capsules per day, as continuing support for the adrenals was vital to the long-term success of her treatment.

After three months, Elizabeth was only experiencing the odd hot flush, usually when she was experiencing more stress than normal. Elizabeth recognised this and was trying exercise and meditation to assist with her management of stress. She had not had another period at this time. Her stamina was much better and she found she was coping better on a day-to-day basis and the ‘little things’ were no longer upsetting her.

At six months, Elizabeth had no more periods and only minimal symptoms associated with her menopause. She is with two Asparagus capsules per day as she says they make her feel healthy.

Supplied by Tracey Yeen