Does Shatavari Really Help Boost Breast Milk Supply?

Suppose you are a new mom who just can't calm your baby, and you fret about whether or not your milk is "insufficient." You've also heard of an herb, shatavari, that some mothers use to increase breast milk. Does it work—and is it safe? On this site here, we're going to look at the evidence, effect, risk, and normal use of shatavari for the purpose of stimulating lactation, so that you can make a very highly-informed choice.

What Is Shatavari & Why It's The Best Bet in Women's Health

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) was formulated as one of the top-selling Ayurvedic herbs more specifically a "female tonic." Over time, it has been used to preserve reproductive wellness, stabilize hormones, enhance fertility, and recover from post-natal shock.

Shatavari kalpa preparations are given at birth or pregnancy by combining shatavari with milk and other drugs for body upkeep. 

Shatavari is most traditionally employed postpartum, as galactagogue — an herbal drug which augments the amount of breast milk. 

Does Shatavari Really Increase Breast Milk?

In double-blind randomized trial, shatavari bars with shatavari consumed by lactating women were revealed to have higher amounts and faster filling of breast without reported side effects. 

• Lactating women taking fresh root of shatavari (20 mg/kg, 3 times daily) in a trial showed 33% increase in serum prolactin level as compared to placebo with 10% increase; the babies also improved. 

• A trial of Ayush-SS granules (with shatavari) was registered with more frequencies of augmented milk supply in low-supply mothers. 

• Shatavari (shatavarins) steroidal saponins stimulate mammary gland tissue and prolactin release leading to lactation, according to experimental and animal data.

• Promising results, in spite of limited trials, and further large high-standard trials would be warmly greeted. 

• Bottom line: Shatavari can perhaps be used to increase milk supply in some mothers, but only briefly, not necessarily, and never instead of good breastfeeding technique.

How to Utilize Shatavari Powder to Increase Breast Milk

1. Begin with infinitesimal quantities, i.e. 1 teaspoon (≈ 3–5 g) of shatavari powder daily or alternate days.

2. Combine powder with lukewarm milk and honey or jaggery to taste.

3. With non-dairy, combine with warm water or weak herbal tea.

Shatavari kalpa: Ayurvedic kalpas combine shatavari with other drugs, milk or ghee, to enhance its effect. Shatavari kalpa and vidarikanda churna aided the milk production and infant weight in a case report. 

Positive effects of Shatavari Powder on Women (apart from Lactation)

1. Hormone balance & fertility stimulation — Same as a phytoestrogen and will regulate menstrual cycles. 

2. Post-childbirth recovery — Enhances digestion, strengthens immunity, restores tissue that was ruptured in childbearing. 

3. Adaptogenic effect — Will make the body adapt to stress and increase energy overall. 

4. Gastrointestinal & antioxidant protection — May calm inflammation, show a mild demulcent effect, and resist oxidative stress. 

All of these reasons being recalled, most women also take shatavari again after lactation in an effort to promote overall women's health.

Shatavari During Pregnancy: Shatavari Kalpa & Safety

Shatavari kalpa is also employed by some Ayurvedic doctors during pregnancy, the second trimester, for nursing the mother and stimulating the production of milk. (FirstCry Parenting)

Not recommended by certain authors at risk of teratogenic effect (harm to fetal development) of shatavari, particularly in early pregnancy. 

Due to such nonspecificity, all applications other than caution or against its use in early pregnancy except with the guidance of an expert practitioner. 

Secondly, as shatavari is an estrogen mimic, pregnant women with overabundance of estrogen or breasts too full may find it impossible to take during pregnancy. 

If you wish to take shatavari kalpa during pregnancy, at least go to an Ayurvedic doctor or your doctor.

Buy Shatavari Powder: “https://www.vedikroots.com/products/shatavari-powder”

Side Effects & Precautions: Side Effects of Shatavari during Lactation

Shatavari is quite safe to take if taken in moderation, but risk and caution must be remembered:

• Allergy

• Gastrointestinal distress

• Diuretic effect/potassium depletion

• Blood sugar

• Hormonal effects

• Drug interactions

Also, since supplements are not regulated, purchase from ethical companies and insist on purity.

Management of Shatavari in Healthy Lactation Practice

Shatavari or indeed any galactagogue is best as an addition to, rather than a replacement for, good lactation practice:

• Permits good baby latch and positioning

• Feed often frequent feeding often, day and night

• Empty breasts completely (avoids tension breast or hand expression if needed)

• Humms along and feeds sufficiently enough

• Stress levels reduced, sleeps when needed

• It is recommended to visit one to consult a lactation counselor or breastfeeding counselor

Conclusion

Shatavari is the ladies' natural first choice for increasing the level of breast milk. Its Ayurvedic heritage and backed-but-not-wholly-proven-clinical-trials credentials should grant it a very high likelihood of performing the task. Magic wands are not strictly necessary in this case, though; breastfeeding fundamentals always prevail.