Shatavari is probably not the first thing that pops into your head when you think of a breastfeeding staple.
You may even be thinking “what the heck is Shatavari?” — and rightfully so! It’s not something you see or hear of daily.
Here at Majka, we understand that as a new mom, you have enough on your plate. Taking care of your new baby is a full-time job in itself!
You don’t have time to stop what you’re doing to research all of the best foods and herbs that support your breastfeeding journey.
That’s why we’ve done that work for you! Today, our registered dietitian is highlighting why Shatavari is good for breastfeeding moms.
Use this as your guide to understanding more about this ancient herb and if it’s right for you!
Shatavari Benefits for Women
In Ayurveda, Shatavari is used to:
- Support reproductive health
- Balance hormones
- Act as an aphrodisiac
- Fight fatigue
- Act as a diuretic
- Reduce anxiety
- Treat PMS and menopausal symptoms
- Support the production of breast milk
- Strengthen the immune system
- Improve digestive health
Shatavari is also known as wild asparagus, which is not to be confused with the common asparagus vegetable you see in the grocery store.
This plant is native to India and has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, especially in regards to women’s health.
This plant has unique properties because it's an adaptogen. Adaptogens are plants that help bring your body back to balance.
Based on what you need, this can range from reducing stress to increasing milk supply postpartum.
Potential Benefits of Shatavari Breastfeeding
Shatavari root is widely used in Ayurveda to support the body, especially for women. Research shows that this ancient herb can support breastfeeding mamas in a variety of ways, including:
A Galactagogue
Shatavari is also a well-known galactagogue, meaning it’s able to increase breast milk production.
This ancient herb is commonly used in India and China to support lactation.
Research shows that Shatavari can increase breast milk supply by increasing prolactin (the hormone that stimulates milk production).
Helping To Balance Hormones
Shatavari is a known phytoestrogen, which acts to regulate estrogen and menstruation.
During the postpartum period, hormones are fluctuating, especially while breastfeeding. Shatavari can help bring hormones back into balance.
Providing Unique Antioxidants
Shatavari is high in compounds that act as antioxidants.
Antioxidants are extremely important for protecting the body from cellular damage from oxidative stress.
As a new mom, incorporating antioxidant-rich foods and herbs is important in order to support healing and reduce the amount of oxidative stress that comes from stress, lack of sleep, and environmental factors.
It’s important to keep in mind that the research of Shatavari in humans is still fairly new, but the outlook is very promising.
How to Incorporate Shatavari into your Postpartum Diet
Shatavari is available in the form of powder, tablets, and liquid. These can be taken daily by mouth or by incorporating them into beverages like smoothies.
To make it easy for breastfeeding moms to incorporate Shatavari daily, we created the Majka Nourishing Lactation Booster.
This versatile powder is packed full of all-natural, lactation-producing galactagogues like turmeric, Shatavari, caraway, flaxseed, and milk thistle.
These unique ingredients not only help to boost the quantity of your milk supply but also improve the quality of your breast milk.
There are numerous ways to include the Majka Nourishing Lactation Booster in your everyday meals.
Here are a few of our favorite recommendations to get you started:
- Make Nice Cream with the Majka Vanilla Chai Lactation Booster
- Stir into a Cinnamon Matcha Latte
- Sprinkle on top of your Lactation-Boosting Overnight Oats
- Mix into your homemade Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip Lactation Cookies
- Enjoy a Majka Booster Bulletproof Coffee
Quick Recap on Shatavari:
- We created the Majka Nourishing Lactation Booster to give you a quick and simple boost of Shatavari every day
- Shatavari is an adaptogenic herb that’s been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
- It’s most recognized for its benefits in regards to women’s health. This can range from reducing stress to increasing milk supply postpartum by increasing prolactin levels.
- Shatavari is good for breastfeeding moms because of its ability to increase milk supply, balance hormones and act as an antioxidant.
- It’s important to remember that nature doesn't give us one single miracle substance. As a new mom, you will benefit from incorporating Shatavari into a balanced postpartum diet.
Try the Majka Nourishing Lactation Booster for yourself! Be sure to let us know how it works for you in the comments below! @lovemajka #lovemajka #fuelingmotherhood
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Amey Fields, founder of AZ Breastfed Babies, has 18 years of experience as a Labor and Delivery Nurse and 8 years of experience as a Lactation Consultant. She offers both in person and virtual breastfeeding and newborn care consultations.
