Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

Basic Information

Family: Asparagaceae

Genus: asparagus

Plant ID (slug): asparagus-racemosus

Numeric ID: 20748

USDA Hardiness: 8-11

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Asparagus racemosus is a PERENNIAL growing to 7 m (23ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, India.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Tender young shoots - cooked as a vegetable[272]. A preserve prepared from the blanched shoots is said to be very agreeable[2]. The tuber are candied as a sweetmeat[2]. The only flavour is said to be that of the sugar[2]. The roots are 5 - 13cm long[243].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Demulcent Digestive Diuretic Dysentery Galactogogue Infertility Women's complaints Shatavari (this is an Indian word meaning 'a woman who has a hundred husbands') is the most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for dealing with problems connected women's fertility[238]. The rhizome is a soothing tonic that acts mainly on the circulatory, digestive, respiratory and female reproductive organs[238]. The root is alterative, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, galactogogue and refrigerant[240, 243]. It is taken internally in the treatment of infertility, loss of libido, threatened miscarriage, menopausal problems, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and bronchial infections[238]. Externally it is used to treat stiffness in the joints[238]. The root is used fresh in the treatment of dysentery. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for use in treating other complaints[238]. The whole plant is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, rheumatism, diabetes and brain complaints[243].