Saturday, August 6, 2016

HEALTH SPECIAL .....HELPFUL HERBS: SHATAVARI

HELPFUL HERBS: SHATAVARI

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THERE’S a reason why ancient medical systems, such as ayurveda, focus so much on herbs – they can treat, heal and prevent many diseases. While allopathy has its place in the world of medicine, there is a renewed focus on medicinal herbs so that bodies are not loaded with too many chemicals.

Banish ulcers, acidity, dry cough and reproductive disorders

In an occasional series starting from today, I will take you through some of ayurveda’s most popular medicinal herbs.
To begin with, here’s a look at shatavari (Asparagus racemosus).

Properties
Prescribed to reduce acidity and treat ulcers and reflux oesophagitis.
Good for people suffering from severe constipation or stomach cramps. Useful to treat dry cough. Its post-digestive impact is cooling, so it helps balance levels of vata (air) and pitta (fire) in the female body, which is a common cause for problems such as polycystic ovary, painful cycles, fibroids and infections.
Helps strengthen the reproductive tract among women below the age of 40 and is often prescribed to boost fertility.
Also prescribed after childbirth to improve the flow of breast milk.
Can reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.
Can reduce water-retention. Shatavari is available as both powder and tablets, but the powdered version is better. Since it is a herb, it has a short shelf-life once the jar is opened. It should be consumed before the expiry date.
Shatavari is usually prescribed in doses of half a teaspoon twice a day, but it’s best to follow your ayurvedic practitioner’s prescription. It must be taken with half a cup of organic milk. (The hormones used to raise cows at factory dairies can interfere with your own hormones.)

Caution
Avoid this herb if you have active tumours in your body, very high blood pressure, kidney disorders, liver disorders, fever or any kind of inflammation.


SHIKHA SHARMA HT 31JUL6


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