How Shatavari is helpful in Ovarian Cysts?

Introduction

Women have two ovaries on each side of the uterus, each about the size and shape of an almond. Now-a-days, ovarian cysts are becoming very common. The problem sometimes leads to multiple cysts also known as PCOS or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. Most of the time they are benign or non-cancerous but some of them may be malignant or cancerous.

Ovarian cysts are considered as fluid-filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or at its surface. Most women with ovarian cysts or cystic mass are asymptomatic but some cysts may be associated with the range of symptoms which can be severe. It is the most common cause of infertility in females.

What are the symptoms of Ovarian Cysts?

• Infrequent menstruation or amenorrhea
• Infrequent or no ovulation
• Increased levels of male hormones which lead to symptoms such as excess facial and body hair growth, male pattern baldness or thinning of hair.
• Dark coloured patches of skin especially on neck, groin, and underarms.
• Obesity or increased body weight
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Lipid abnormalities
• High Blood Pressure

What is the treatment of Ovarian Cysts?

• According to modern medicine, the treatment of ovarian cysts depends on the age, size of the cyst and the symptoms. It includes the prescription of hormonal contraceptives such as birth control pills, to  prevent the ovarian cysts from recurring but the birth control pills won’t shrink the existing cyst and these birth pills have various side effects such as hormonal changes.If the cyst is large, surgery may also be recommended.
• Due to unsatisfactory results in the treatment of ovarian cysts in modern medicine, the universal trend has been shifted from synthetic to herbal medicine as medicinal plants serve as a therapeutic alternative, safer choices as well as an effective treatment.

According to Ayurveda

• According to Ayurveda ovarian cysts can be managed on the line of Kaphaja Granthi disease. These cysts can be treated with Ayurvedic line of management and surgical intervention can be avoided.
• According to Ayurveda, pelvic region cystic pathology indicates that there is a derangement of Apana Vata due to which it does not perform its normal functioning. Henceforth, the tissue metabolic end products are not drained away and get accumulated in the ovaries thus giving rise to a cyst.
• The sac of ovarian cyst is filled with a fluid which symbolizes Kapha Dosha in Ayurvedic perspective.
• Asparagus racemosus or Shatavari is one such important medicinal plant which is regarded as ‘Rasayana’ (Rejuvenating) in Ayurvedic system of medicine. Its medicinal usage has been reported in the traditional medicine and Indian and British Pharmacopoeias.
• It is considered as  general tonic and female reproductive tonic. The word ‘Shatavari’ may be translated as “100 spouses” indicating its ability to increase fertility and vitality. It is an herb which is used as an ingredient in almost all Ayurvedic gynecological preparations.

Scientific Classification of Shatavari:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Monocots
• Family: Asparagaceae
• Genus: Asparagus
• Species: A.racemosus
• English Name: Buttermilk root, wild asparagus, climbing asparagus.
• Hindi Name: Satavare
• Urdu Name: Satawar
• Other names: Narayani, Shatmooli, Indeevari, Sukshamapatra etc.

It has Madhur-Tikta Ras (Sweet-bitter taste), Madhur Vipaka (undergoes sweet taste conversion after digestion) and Sheet Virya (cold potency). This herb balances Vata and Pitta doshas. The tuberous roots of this plant are used for medicinal purposes.

The qualities and uses of Shatavari herb are also mentioned in Ayurvedic texts.

(Reference: Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Guduchiyadi Varg, Shlok No. 186-188)

Meaning: According to this shloka, shatavari is heavy in nature, cold, bitter and sweet in taste. It increases strength, digestive fire, and good for eyes, increases sperm count, beneficial for breast disorders and increase production of breast milk, rejuvenative, useful in diarrhea, Vata and Pitta disorders and inflammation. Its sprouts are light and balance the three doshas and beneficial in hemorrhoids and tuberculosis.

Phytochemicals: Shatavari is known to possess a wide range of photochemical constituents such as steroidal saponins, isoflavones, flavonoids, flavon compounds, sterols etc. The trace elements that are found in roots are zinc, manganese, copper, cobalt, potassium, selenium etc.

How Shatavari is helpful in Ovarian Cysts?

Shatavari is a woman friendly herb that can be used by females of all age groups.

• Shatavari has an important role in maintaining the health of females because of its actions such as Rasayana (rejuvenative) and Balya (promotes strength).
• Shatavari corrects the hormonal influence and enhances  follicular maturity.
• This herb gives strength to the female reproductive organ and normalizes the functioning of the hormones as well.
• It accelerates the transition of estradiol into estrone in the liver and stimulates the synthesis of progesterone hormone.
• Shatavari helps in correcting the normal levels of LH/FSH hormone and therefore helps in the treatment of ovarian cysts.
• It also helps in Garbhasthapak (maintaining pregnancy) and useful in the prevention of abortions as well.
• The use of this herb regularizes the functions of Apana Vata, reduces the accumulation of Kapha and further inhibits the secretory activity by normalizing the Pitta. The reduced Kapha leads to the opening of micro-channels of the body which further help to regularize the Vata.
• Thus, the imbalance of Vata and Pitta doshas is corrected by the use of this herb and thus the pathology is reversed.
• Shatavari also possesses anti-cancer properties, reduces inflammation of the female reproductive organs, moistens the dry tissues, enhances folliculogenesis, ovulation, balances hormones etc.
• Thus Shatavari is a safest herb for the treatment of ovarian cysts. It balances the doshas without causing any side effects.

Shatavari Capsules by Planet Ayurveda

• Planet Ayurveda uses the standardized extract of the herb Asparagus racemosus for the preparation of Shatavari capsules. These capsules do not contain any harmful chemicals or preservatives. The rhizome of this herb is a soothing tonic that is useful for female reproductive organs.
• These capsules are safe for long term use and can be used for the prevention of ovarian cysts. They are also useful in emotional disorders and helpful in overcoming negative emotions and mood swings due to hormonal imbalance in the females due to its soothing effect.

Dose: 1-2 capsules twice daily after meals or as directed by the physician.