Growing Shatavari

Shatavari Root: The Underground Treasure

Ayurveda's well-loved rejuvenating herb, shatavari, is closely related to a plant you might find regularly on your dinner plate. Its Latin name is Asparagus racemosus, and it's actually a member of the asparagus family! While shatavari's better-known European cousin produces tender, delicious shoots above ground, Indian asparagus stores its treasures below the soil. 

Upon first glance, you may be surprised to find what lies at the base of this delicate plant with soft, feathery leaves. Attached to its slender stem is an extraordinary mass of long succulent roots—some growing up to 3 feet in length.

The name shatavari is derived from the Sanskrit words shat, meaning “100” and vri, meaning “roots.” The word vari can also mean “husband,” which may explain why shatavari is often referred to as “she who has a hundred husbands.”  The association with husbands and fertility is also a reference to the traditional uses of the roots, which for centuries have been used to treat and nourish women's reproductive health. In fact, shatavari is often called the quintessential women's herb.

The succulent roots of shatavari have the capacity to capture and store moisture in dry soils, which reflects its potential for replenishing fluids in the human body. The sweet and bitter tastes of shatavari give it the energetic qualities to reduce vata and pitta, while increasing kapha if in excess. As an adaptogenic herb, shatavari's nourishing properties are most notably used to rejuvenate the reproductive system of both men and women, supporting the healthy production of female hormones, milk in lactating mothers, and semen in would-be fathers.

Sustainably Harvested and Fairly Traded Organic Shatavari

Sustainable sourcing is essential for shatavari. Traditionally, shatavari was always collected from the wild where it used to grow in abundance. Unfortunately, the growth in demand, combined with a gradual loss of traditional knowledge, has led to over-exploitation of shatavari in its natural habitat, and in some areas it is now considered endangered. 

At Banyan Botanicals we only source organic shatavari from farms where we have full assurance that it has been sustainably and organically grown. This commitment protects both the integrity of our herbal formulas as well as the future of the plant itself.

Furthermore, our shatavari root powder and tablets are certified Fair for Life Fair Trade, a rigorous certification, which means that all members of the supply chain, from our farming partners who tend the shatavari fields to those who package orders, are treated fairly and ethically. Certification takes into account working condition, wages, and much more.

Where Shatavari Grows Best

Shatavari thrives across a surprising range of environments but produces its best roots in the arid heat of Rajasthan. It demonstrates a strong ability to adapt to the surroundings of its native Indian subcontinent. From the tropical jungles of Sri Lanka to the foothills of the Himalayas, it can be found growing in surprisingly diverse environments. Although it is happy growing in humid jungles, shatavari can also thrive in extremely dry conditions.

Being an extremely adaptable plant, it was hard to pin down its preferred natural habitat. They tried forests, open fields, different soil types, and ultimately, to everyone's surprise, found the herb was happiest growing in the extreme heat of the desert of Rajasthan.

From Planting to Harvest

Shatavari grows for 18 months before the roots are ready to harvest. On our partner farms in Rajasthan, shatavari seeds are sown in the light sandy soil. The plants are gently nurtured with the help of a solar-powered drip-irrigation system, providing the ideal conditions for its many roots to reach their full potential.

The harvest itself is no easy task. A large hole has to be carefully dug around the roots so that they are not damaged in the process of pulling them out. It can take up to half an hour per plant, longer if it is deep in rocky ground.

Once harvested, each root is carefully washed and peeled to remove the thick outer layer. On our last visit to Rajasthan, we were lucky enough to taste freshly harvested shatavari root, a rare and refreshing delicacy.

After they are peeled, the roots are then laid out on drying racks where it rapidly dries in the hot desert air.

The dried roots are then ground into a fine shatavari powder. This powder is also pressed into tablets for easy daily use and is used in many of our formulas.

FAQs: Shatavari Root

What is shatavari root used for?

Shatavari root offers many health benefits and is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenative tonic, especially for women's health. It is most known for supporting female reproductive health, healthy hormone balance, and lactation. As an adaptogenic herb, it is also used to help the body adapt to physical and emotional stress and to support overall well-being. Classical Ayurvedic texts describe shatavari as nourishing to the deep tissues of the body.

At Banyan Botanicals, our shatavari is grown organically on our partner farms in Rajasthan and is available as shatavari powder or shatavari tablets. Both are made from the dried roots of the same carefully harvested plants described in this article, with every batch tested to our organic quality standards.

Where does shatavari grow?

Shatavari grows across the Indian subcontinent and is found from the tropical jungles of Sri Lanka to the foothills of the Himalayas. The plant is remarkably adaptable and can thrive in both humid and arid environments. After years of experimentation, our partner farms discovered that shatavari produces its best, juiciest roots in the dry desert heat of Rajasthan, where sandy soil and intense sun conditions allow the succulent roots to develop fully underground. This ability to adapt to harsh conditions alludes to shatavari's adaptogenic properties.

Banyan sources its shatavari exclusively from these organic partner farms in Rajasthan. Wild shatavari populations have been overharvested in many regions, so we rely on sustainable farm cultivation to protect the plant while producing a consistent, high-quality root.

How is shatavari root harvested?

Shatavari root is hand-harvested after an 18-month growing cycle. A large hole is carefully dug around each plant so the long succulent roots, which can reach up to 3 feet, are not damaged during removal. The process can take up to half an hour per plant, sometimes longer. After harvest, each root is washed, peeled, and air-dried on open racks in the hot desert sun to preserve its quality.

This slow, careful approach is the opposite of industrial root harvesting. It is why Banyan Botanicals partners with small farms committed to traditional methods, ensuring the dried roots that become our shatavari powder and tablets retain the potency that Ayurveda prizes.

Is shatavari root safe to take?

Shatavari root has been used safely in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is generally well-tolerated by most. As an adaptogenic herb, it is often used daily as part of a long-term wellness routine. That said, anyone who is pregnant, nursing, taking medication, has a medical condition, or is managing a health condition should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before adding a shatavari supplement to their routine.

Our shatavari products are organic, third-party tested, and made from these organic, fairly traded, and sustainably grown roots described in this article. For personalized guidance on dosage and use, we recommend talking with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor recommendations to your unique constitution.