Salila introduces the Actionable Ayurveda sacred herb series, sharing her lineage as a generational Ayurvedic practitioner rooted in Kerala, southern India, now teaching from California. She presents Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), also known as Narayani “the divine sustainer of life” as a foundational rasayana herb for depletion, hormonal imbalance, digestive weakness, nervous system stress, and long-term vitality, particularly for women. Shatavari is described as a climbing undershrub from the lily family with delicate white flowers, and red berries. The medicinal portion is the tuberous root, which is deeply nourishing and rejuvenative. Salila clarifies the Sanskrit etymology: shata (hundred) and aavarana (layers or coverings), referring to the plant’s protective sheaths, correcting the common mistranslation of “she with a hundred husbands.” Salila explains Shatavari’s Ayurvedic profile: madhura (sweet) and tikta (bitter) rasa, guru (heavy) and snigdha (unctuous) guna, madhura vipaka, and shita virya (cooling potency). These qualities make it deeply tissue-building, anti-inflammatory, and supportive for the liver and hormonal system, while requiring caution for cold, dry vata conditions if misused. Shatavari pacifies vata through nourishment and grounding, and pitta through cooling and sweetness. Salila references classical texts. She emphasizes its role as a potent rasayana supporting longevity, fertility, lactation, intelligence, and vitality. Protocol one addresses gastritis and acid irritation: She shares a preparation that soothes the stomach lining, rebuilds digestive tissue, and supports the microbiome, with relief often reported within a week. For hormonal balance, Salila explains Shatavari’s estrogenic action and cautions against continuous use in high-estrogen conditions without guidance. For hormonal acne and inflammatory skin issues Salila shares how the cooling nature addresses pitta-driven inflammation at the root. As a medhya rasayana, Shatavari supports anxiety, chronic stress, and nervous exhaustion. Shatavari nourishes the nervous system, supports sleep, recovery, hair growth, and stress resilience. Salila outlines contraindications including fibroids, elevated prolactin, breast tenderness, diabetes medication use, and pregnancy. Dosage guidelines are included so listeners can safely use the herb. CONNECT WITH SALILA: Instagram: @salila.ayurveda Email: healwithsalila@gmail.com Book a Consultation: https://calendly.com/salilasukumaran/recovery PRODUCTS MENTIONED: Shatavari Gulam (herbal jam) Shatavari Churna (powder) NEXT EPISODE: Sacred Herbs Series continues with another cherished botanical ally, Manjistha, for women's wellness.
