Shatavari (शतावरी), known as the “Queen of Herbs” in Ayurveda, is a rejuvenating, cooling, and deeply nourishing plant used primarily for female health, hormonal balance, and skin hydration. The Sanskrit name Shatavari translates to “one who possesses a hundred husbands”, symbolizing its potency to enhance vitality, fertility, and longevity.
In Ayurvedic skincare, Shatavari is celebrated for its ability to moisturize dry, aging, or sensitive skin, balance Vata and Pitta doshas, and promote youthful glow and firmness. It is a classical Rasayana dravya (rejuvenative tonic) known to support collagen production, calm inflammation, and slow signs of aging, making it a must-have for anti-aging, dry, and hormone-sensitive skin routines.
Botanical Profile
- Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus
- Common Names: Shatavari, Wild Asparagus
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Part Used: Root (dried and powdered)
- Rasa (Taste): Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter)
- Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cooling)
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
- Guna (Qualities): Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)
- Doshic Action: Pacifies Vata and Pitta, may slightly increase Kapha if overused
Skin Benefits of Shatavari
1. Deeply Moisturizes & Nourishes
With its Snigdha guna (unctuous nature) and sweet post-digestive effect, Shatavari helps hydrate skin from within—perfect for Vata-dominant or dry, flaky, and mature skin.
2. Reduces Heat and Inflammation
Its cooling (sheeta) virya makes it ideal for Pitta-type issues such as redness, burning sensation, rashes, and sensitive skin prone to inflammation.
3. Supports Collagen & Skin Elasticity
As a rasayana, Shatavari rejuvenates all seven dhatus, especially rasa (plasma) and shukra (reproductive tissue). It improves elasticity, plumpness, and gives a firm, youthful texture to aging or thinning skin.
4. Balances Hormonal Skin Fluctuations
Shatavari is a natural phytoestrogen, making it highly beneficial in menstrual or menopausal acne, pigmentation, or dryness linked to hormonal imbalance.
5. Antioxidant & Anti-Aging
Rich in saponins and flavonoids, Shatavari protects skin from oxidative stress, free radical damage, and slows premature aging signs like wrinkles and dullness.
Classical References
- Charaka Samhita: Listed as Jeevaniya (life-promoting), Balya (strength-promoting), and Rasayana.
- Sushruta Samhita: Recommended for increasing shukra dhatu (reproductive fluid) and rejuvenating rasa dhatu (hydration and glow).
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu: Highlights its cooling, nourishing, and rejuvenating effects, especially in women’s health and skin disorders.
External Applications in Skincare
Shatavari is not only powerful internally but also excellent in moisturizing and calming topical skin care:
- Hydrating Face Packs: Shatavari + aloe vera + rose water for dry, irritated skin
- Anti-Aging Lepas: Shatavari + manjishtha + milk cream to improve elasticity
- Cooling Compress: Shatavari root powder infused in rose or cucumber water
- Under-Eye Mask: Shatavari + licorice + cow’s milk to reduce puffiness and dryness
- Soothing Massage Oil: Shatavari-infused oil for sensitive or inflamed skin
Internal Use in Ayurveda
Shatavari is a cornerstone of Ayurvedic internal rejuvenation therapy, especially for women’s wellness and skin nourishment:
- Shatavari Churna: 3–5g with warm milk or ghee for hydration, hormonal balance, and skin glow
- Shatavari Ghrita: A ghee-based formula used in dry, sensitive, and aging skin conditions
- Shatavari Kalpa: A sweet preparation to support pregnancy, postpartum, and skin regeneration
- Rasayana Formulations:
- Chyawanprash – Often includes Shatavari for whole-body rejuvenation
- Sukumara Ghrita – Beneficial in hormonal acne and inflammatory conditions
- Ashokarishta + Shatavari – Used in menstrual-related skin breakouts
Ayurvedic Remedies Using Shatavari
| Skin Concern | Remedy Idea |
|---|---|
| Dry, Flaky Skin | Shatavari + almond oil + honey face mask |
| Hormonal Acne | Shatavari powder + turmeric + rose water |
| Menopause Dryness | Shatavari + ghee + licorice internally |
| Sunburn & Heat | Shatavari decoction with vetiver & cucumber |
| Under-Eye Wrinkles | Shatavari + aloe vera + sandalwood paste |
Related Terms
- Ashwagandha
- Yashtimadhu (Licorice)
- Vata Skin
- Rasa Dhatu
- Rasayana Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Shatavari only for women?
While most popular for women’s health, Shatavari is beneficial for men and women alike, especially for hydrating, calming, and anti-aging skin support.
Q2: Can Shatavari be applied to the skin?
Yes. It can be mixed into face masks, creams, or used as a poultice for dryness and inflammation.
Q3: Is Shatavari good for hormonal acne?
Yes. Shatavari balances estrogen, cools inflammation, and reduces hormonal breakouts, especially during menstruation or perimenopause.
Q4: Does Shatavari brighten the skin?
Indirectly. It supports rasa dhatu, improves hydration, elasticity, and radiance, making your skin naturally luminous and even-toned over time.