Asparagus racemosus ( Shatavari ) is a relative of the vegetable Asparagus and is native to India, Nepal and China. The plant; mainly the roots, have a long history of use in traditional medicine. Some of the more common uses were fertility issues in women; the loss of libido; and menstrual complaints; as well as aiding with diarrhoea; rheumatism; and diabetes.
As of yet; not a huge amount of scientific research has been done in regards to Shatavari’s medicinal properties; but you will however find herbal supplements of this species in chemists. There is information available online from the studies conducted so far.
Growth
Asparagus racemosus grows to around 2 metres tall; and has small green, pine-needle like branches. It produces tiny white flowers on spiky stems in the summer and purple-black berries in the autumn. The plant fruits in early autumn, is tolerant of most soils and prefers warm frost-free climates. Mulching well around the base of the plant prior to winter; will help to protect the roots from frost in colder regions.
Their root system can produce up to one hundred tubers per plant but due to high demand; deforestation; and over harvesting by locals; the Shatavari plant has become endangered in its native region.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Asparagaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Sub Tropical, Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
5 to 35°C / 40 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
High nutrient compost.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 2 metres (8 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 2 metres (8 feet)
pH:
6.5-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
2-3 years depending on climate.
GERMINATION RATES:
55-65%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 30 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS (Shatavari)
Asparagus racemosus is said to promote love and devotion, so is known as the ‘Queen of herbs’ and the common name has an strange translation, which means to ‘possess 100 husbands’, this name was given due to its use to treat a lack of fertility in females. Shatavari roots were also used to increase libido and appetite; as well as in the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. The plant was also used to treat ailments such as fevers; diarrhoea; and respiratory problems.
In Ayervedic medicine the Shatavari plant is used for such a huge amount of remedies; that they are way too numerous to list them all, but here are just a few; for immunity; to prevent aging; for nervous disorders; to increase life; to reduce inflammation; as an antioxidant and as an antiseptic.
