Shatavari: the Ayurvedic feminine tonic for your fertility and hormonal balance

Its Sanskrit name, which literally means "she who has a hundred husbands", reflects its reputation as a plant that fortifies female vitality and fertility in the Ayurvedic tradition.

Its roots contain steroidal saponins, notably shatavarins, flavonoids and polyphenols — active compounds with well-documented phyto-oestrogenic, antioxidant and adaptogenic properties. Its benefits cover a broad spectrum of female reproductive life, from fertility to menopause, including the postpartum period and breastfeeding. The standardisation in steroidal saponins of the extract used determines the consistency and depth of its benefits.

In its natural form, Shatavari is not present in everyday Western diets, but it is an integral part of Indian and Ayurvedic medicinal cooking. Its roots can be prepared as medicinal ghee, a sweetened milk decoction called shatavari kalpa, or as a powder incorporated into traditional sweets. In India, these preparations are commonly offered to pregnant and breastfeeding women to support their vitality and lactation. Other plants with similar phyto-oestrogenic and adaptogenic benefits include Andean maca, wild yam and red clover, often used in combination depending on hormonal profiles. The absorption of shatavari's saponins depends on the form of consumption, the presence of fats to facilitate absorption of fat-soluble saponins, and the quality of the powder or extract used.

In supplement form, Shatavari is found primarily in the form of dried root powder, dry extract standardised for steroidal saponins, capsules, or incorporated into functional women's powders to mix into a drink. The powder format, as found in Pink Balance by Jolly Mama, has the advantage of being pleasantly integrated into a daily red berry drink, making regular and enjoyable consumption easy. To ensure consistent efficacy, a standardised extract in shatavarins is preferable to a simple raw root powder, whose content can vary considerably. The plant is naturally vegan. It should be used with caution in cases of thyroid disorders, sensitivity to phyto-oestrogens, or ongoing hormonal treatment.