Shatavari

I was with a friend who has studied plant medicines; she was sweetly introducing me to each of her homemade flower essences and tinctures for spring when she also introduced me to Shatavari. We had a tea with her in combination with Ashwaganda, and it was the most calm I had been all spring (maybe the various flower essences we had tried also contributed). Shatavari is considered an adaptogen and is known to treat anxiety and depression and is wonderful for women's health. She is also an excellent antioxidant! "She who has 100 husbands" is roughly what the name translates to, according to this Well and Good article about it (go there to learn so much more about her!). I think that really sums her up, as she is a wonderful aphrodisiac for both men and women. She is the root of Wild Asparagus found in Nepal and tropical regions of Asia, India, Australia, and Africa. You can usually find powdered Shatavari. I picked mine up at a local Baltimore apothecary, Zensations.

Shativari Protein Shake

Some experts say that Shatavari should be used only as needed and not everyday. I made this sweet treat specifically for my PMS symptoms that I feel coming on right now. It's also a healthy answer to my sugar craving. But you don't have to be having PMS to make this! Use this shake to jump start your day anytime you are feeling the effects of hormones that are out of balance and/or you want a calming sweet, delicious treat.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Nut Milk (I used Macadamia b/c it's extra sweet)

  • 1/2 cup Plain Coconut Water

  • 1/4 cup Walnuts

  • 3 or 4 figs

  • 1 tbs protein

  • 2 tsp Shatavari

  • Optional: 4 cubes of ice

  • Optional: 1/2 a banana (skip this if you tend to have higher blood sugar)

Blend on high in a blender for a minute or until everything is ground (there will be chunks of figs most likely but all the sweeter when you get a sip with a fig chunk). If you like, sprinkle a little cinnamon on top. Sip and enjoy!

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