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Shatavari Plant: Benefits, Cultivation Guide, Uses, and Ayurvedic Importance

Published on: 04-Feb-2025
Updated on: 04-Feb-2025

The name Shatavari is derived from a Sanskrit word that means ‘she’ and is dedicated to the women who have a hundred husbands or curer of one hundred diseases that symbolize the feminine energy and fertility of women.

You all must be thinking about why we are discussing the meaning of the word Shatavari well! The name Shatavari indicates a traditional status of the plant in terms of Ayurvedic medicine where it is considered a powerful tonic for women's health and fertility. Let's understand more about the Shatavari plant:

What is the Shatavari plant?

The Shatavari plant gets its scientific name as Asparagus racemosus. It is a plant that belongs to the perennial herb family that has great importance in Indian medicine culture, especially in Ayurveda.

It is a 1-2 meters long climbing plant with thin line leaves and slender stems, it produces small, white, fragrant flowers that mainly bloom in the summer month of July and it also produces blackish berries in the month of spring season that is September.

The roots of Shatavari plants are tuberous and are more beneficial than plants. It is fleshy and spindle in shape and contains an abundant amount of significance as 100 tubers can be obtained from 1 plant.

Also Read: Mulberries - Types, Benefits, Cultivation & Culinary Uses in India

Shatavari cultivation in India

In India, the Shatavari plant is cultivated in the months of June and July when the seed will sow and in the months of March to April the process of harvesting will take place. There are several steps that must be followed for the cultivation and healthy growth of plants.

1. Climate range

  • Shatavari mainly thrives in the warm tropical climate with a high tolerance of ranges between 5°C to 40°C.
  • They generally require annual rainfall between 800 mm to 1200 mm which generally occurs from July to September.
  • The highest amplitude for growing this plant is 1500 meters above sea level, which means slightly hilly regions.

2. Soil preparation

  • It does not require a specific type of soil as it can easily thrive in red loamy, black soil, and laterite soils with good drainage.
  • If we talk about the most ideal soil then sandy loamy to medium black soil with a pH range of 6-8 is suitable for healthy growth.
  • The land should be dug to a depth of about 15-30 cm to ensure fine tilth. Using vermicompost or farmyard manure to provide nutrients to the soil.

3. Seedling production

  • Selecting a high-quality seed is crucial for germination, it contains a hard seed coat that inhibits termination.
  • For better results it was believed to pre-soaked the seeds before for 24 hours, practice of sowing seeds with a spacing of 5 cm apart in front of the nursery bed.
  • The process of germination is from 8 to 20 years after sowing, which depends on environmental conditions. Once it reaches the height of about 45 cm, usually around 45 days after sowing.

4. Transplantation of crops

  • The monsoon season is an ideal period for the transplanting of crops, especially July followed by the rainfall which is necessary for providing moisture to the soil.
  • The transplantation of seeds generally occurs when it gets mature at a height of above 45cm which usually happens in between 50 to 60 days.
  • Prepare a field by plowing the soil to a depth of about 20-30 cm and also make furrow channels for the irrigation method, ensure the spacing of 2 feet by 2 feet for air circulation and non-congested growth.

5. Fertilizers application

  • Fertilizers play a vital role in the healthy growth of plants, therefore, Shatavari plants also have the same requirements as other plants, for root development, surplus fruit-bearing, and many more.
  • Use farm yard manure ( FYM) of 4-5 tons per acre while preparing the soil for soil fertility along with this apply vermicompost to provide nutrients to the soil that can future adapted by the plants.
  • To avoid pests and diseases, using bio-pesticides made from neem or other natural sources can complement fertilizer application and promote healthy plant growth.

6. Harvesting

  • The Shatavari plants mature at the time period between April and May and take 14 to 18 months after the planting period. Plants turn yellowish while getting mature.
  • Gently dig around the base of the plant to loosen the soil before pulling up the roots. Always be careful while extracting the plants so that they may not harm the roots.
  • Wash and peel the roots and then dry to remove the excess moisture until moisture content is below 10%. Keep them in a cool and dry place to prevent damage or spoilage.

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Traditional and cultural health benefits of the Shatavari plant

As we really discussed, this plant is a symbol of health and fertility which means in India it is used as Indian herbal medicine, unlike allopathy. There are several cultural and traditional significance and benefits of Shatavari, here are some of them:

Traditional benefits

1. Reproductive health

  • Shatavari primarily plays a role in enhancing female reproductive health.
  • It is beneficial for the irregular menstrual cycle and supports the cramp and pain relief during this period.
  •  Along with this it also supports fertility in women by flourishing uterine lining and promoting ovulation.

2. Digestive Health

  • This is a stomach-friendly herb known for its soothing and maintaining digestive health.
  • This eases acidity, constipation, or any common discomfort by enhancing the healthy digestive enzymes of the stomach.

3. Support the Immune system

  • Shatavari plants consist of antivirals that fight against the viral infection of the body.
  • It has several antioxidant compounds which have immunomodulatory effects that help to boost immunity and reduce inflammation.

4. Hormonal balance

  • This herbal plant is entirely beneficial for maintaining the hormonal disease called polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and enhances the reproduction system of women’s bodies.

Cultural benefits

  1. Symbol of fertility: Indian shatavari is recognized as the symbol of fertility and motherhood, and according to some Indian beliefs it also indicates feminine energy and power.
  2. Ayurvedic practices: Shatavari is well known as Rasayana (rejuvenating) herb in Ayurvedic terms which helps to increase the vitality and longevity of an individual.
  3. Culinary use: It can be used as a powder that can be added to the milk for immunity. In traditional use, you can add it to khakra, a delicious Gujarati dish.