Ashwaganda and Shatavari

As much as I dislike that people always focus on differences between men and women, I have to admit that we’re not all constituted exactly the same way. There are flagrant discrepancies between the two. Have you ever noticed that men use twice as much of the amount of product in the shower than women? Shampoo, conditioner, body wash: stock up on those if you live with a man. How clean can inch-long hair get? I sometimes wonder why we’re the ones stuck with the stereotype of being high maintenance. I’ll stop horsing around and get to the point: men and women have different needs when it comes to health, and the herbs Ashwaganda and Shatavari fill the needs of men and women respectively.
Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) means 'horse' in Sanskrit. Yes, you guessed it. A man likes to feel “manly” (whatever that means *pounds chest*) and this herb is perfect for that, as Ashwaganda increases your… err… manlyhood. But, apparently just like your Victoria’s Secret body wash that gets depleted at an abnormally rapid rate, Ashwagandha can be used by both men and women. It rebuilds vitality and especially sexual ability. It’s not only an aphrodisiac and builds libido in both sexes, but also increases male fertility and semen. Ashwaganda works also on the brain, as it decreases stress. Ashwagandha is also known as "indian ginseng" and works to improve mental clarity.Overall, Ashwaganda will increase your energy and helps build strong muscles and bones. It is anti-carcinogenic and is known to restore overall health to the body.

Now that we have the horse issue covered, let me present you with Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), otherwise known as “woman with a hundred husbands”. Like Ashwaganda, Shatavari is good for eliminating stress and building Ojas (vitality, prana). It is extremely good for women (and tastes good!), as it helps with PMS, infertility, hormonal imbalance, pregnancy and lactation. It increases the quantity and quality of breast milk. It further helps with any female related issues, such as menopause or post-hysterectomy recovery. Shatavari will help with any inflamed area, will rebuild the tissues, and will PH balance the cervix.. It also has a rejuvenative effect on the female reproductive system. Men need not abstain though, as Shatavari also increases male fertility.

Shatavari is primarily good for strength and vitality as it is rejuvenative and balancing, especially for pitta and vata (it’s not good in excess for kapha doshas). Shatavari decreases body heat and cleanses the blood. It will help with all pitta-related disorders such as ucers, acid-reflux, inflammation, indigestion.

Shatavari is also said to increase spiritual love, devotion and healing power. No wonder it is a great herb for fertility.

It is important to note that neither Ashwagada nor Shatavari should be taken if you are congested or if you are suffering from excess Ama.