By Guest Blogger on July 5, 2011
Shatavari has been used in Ayurvedic and Himalayan medicine systems for centuries. Though its most common function has been to support reproductive health and fertility in women, it also has shown benefits for sexual potency in men.
Shatavari’s history dates back many hundreds of years in India primarily in the northern region. Since its initial discovery it is now commonly found in Africa, Australia and some parts of China. In most cultures it is also referred to as Asian wild asparagus, or in ancient Sanskrit as “100 spouses,” which is a name given for its ability to increase fertility and vitality.
It has most commonly been considered the main Ayurvedic refresh tonic for females. This herb aids in nourishing, rejuvenating and strengthening reproductive organs and their functions and, in Ayurvedic terms, increasing Yin in the vaginal area. It creates mucus to lubricate the uterine and vaginal walls, as mentioned in the book “Asian Healing Secrets” by Letha Hadady. This supports female reproductive tissues in maintaining a healthy environment for reproduction.
Shatavari has also been shown to supply phytoestrogens to enhance estrogen production and balance overall hormone levels, and act as an anti-inflammatory agent to support reproductive organs during menopause and in premenstrual syndrome. There have been a few studies, including one in the “Indian Journal of Medical Sciences,” to support its ability to increase milk production during lactation periods.1
Beyond these many great supportive attributes for women, it provides fertility-enhancing benefits in both sexes,2 according to The Chopra Center. In men, it acts as an aphrodisiac and stimulates semen production and supports sexual debility and infertility,3 according to Ayurveda Herbal Medicine.
If you’re looking to give it a try, you should know it may be applied in a variety of ways. As a drink it can be made into a juice, which is common to India traditionally. As an alternative many boil the root to make a tea. As a powdered supplement it may be mixed into a food or beverage or simply taken as a capsule. If you’re still hesitant to try it outright it has also been suggested that common asparagus at the supermarket carries some of the same properties.
As with any new supplement there are some important considerations. There have been reports of allergic reactions, which include dizziness or fatigue. Taking this supplement should be cautioned if there is a predisposition to estrogen-induced disorders. And it has also been reported in very rare cases to be associated with massive fibrocystic breast.
Though there are many studies and text to support its health benefits, it is always important to consult your physician ahead as well as tuning into your “inner MD.”
Ty Stevens enjoys traveling and spending time with his greatest life teacher – his 8-year-old son, Caleb. He has represented many companies and publications as a freelance journalist, and public relations guru in the outdoor and natural products industries.
Sources
1. Asparagus racemosus–an update. Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. http://www.indianjmedsci.org/article.asp?issn=0019-5359;year=2003;volume=57;issue=9;spage=408;epage=14;aulast=Goyal Accessed June 9, 2011.
2. Shatavari. The Chopra Center.http://www.chopra.com/shatavari Accessed June 9, 2011.
3. Asparagus Racemosus. Ayurveda Herbal Medicine. http://www.ayurveda-herbal-medicine.com/indian-herbs/asparagus-racemosus.html Accessed June 9, 2011.
Photo credit: oceanoaloha
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By Frank Lipman, MD on February 23, 2010
Although we may not like to admit it, many of the sleep problems we experience are the result of bad habits and behaviors. We stay up late or sleep in late. We eat foods that disagree with us or enjoy a drink late at night, oblivious to their disruptive impact on our sleep rhythms. Over time, we teach our body not to sleep and for relief we often turn to sleeping pills, which mask rather than solve the problem, and can lead to addiction. Ultimately for real success, with insomnia as with any chronic problem, one must look for the underlying imbalances and root causes and address those.
Here are the common sleep “mistakes” I see in my practice and their solutions.
MISTAKE #1 Using sleeping pills to fall and stay asleep.
Sleeping pills mask sleep problems and do not resolve the underlying cause of insomnia. Many sleep studies have concluded that sleeping pills, whether prescription or over the counter, over the long term, do more harm than good. They can be highly addictive and studies have found them to be potentially dangerous. (see studies below)
For short term use, there may be indications for sleeping pills, but over time, sleeping pills can actually make insomnia worse, not better. If you have been taking them for a long time, ask our doctor to help you design a regimen to wean yourself off them.
SOLUTION Learn relaxation techniques.
Aside from physical problems, stress may be the number one cause of sleep disorders. Temporary stress can lead to chronic insomnia and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. Many people tell me they can’t switch off their racing minds and therefore can’t sleep.
Do some breathing exercises, restorative yoga or meditation. These will calm the mind and reduce the fears and worries that trigger the stress.
MISTAKE #2 Using alcohol to fall asleep.
Because of alcohol’s sedating effect, many people with insomnia drink alcohol to promote sleep. Alcohol does have an initial sleep-inducing effect, but as it gets broken down by the body, it usually impairs sleep during the second half of the night leading to a reduction in overall sleep time. Habitual alcohol consumption just before bedtime can reduce its sleep-inducing effect, while its disruptive effects continue or even increase.
SOLUTION Take nutrients that calm the body and mind, getting you ready for sleep.
Don’t drink alcohol to help you sleep. Look for a calming formula that has some of the following: amino acids, L theanine, taurine, 5 HTP and GABA, and herbs like lemon balm, passion flower, chamomile and valerian root. Taking the minerals, calcium and magnesium at night is also helpful. For some people, especially folks over 50, melatonin can be helpful too. This is because the body produces less melatonin with advancing age and may explain why elderly people often have difficulty sleeping and respond well to melatonin.
MISTAKE #3 Watching television to fall asleep.
Because we have no trouble at all falling asleep in the living room in front of the TV many of us watch TV in bed to fall asleep. But when we fall asleep in a bed watching TV, we invariably wake up later on. This sets up a cycle or conditioning that reinforces poor sleep at night. I have had many patients over the years develop insomnia due to this type of conditioning.
SOLUTION Get the TV out of the bedroom.
Don’t watch TV in bed, the bed should be associated with sleep (and sex).
MISTAKE #4 Staying in bed hoping to fall asleep.
If you can’t fall asleep within 30-45 minutes, chances are you won’t for at least another hour, and perhaps even longer. You may have missed the open “sleep gate” or missed catching the sleep wave. A “sleep gate” is the open window of time your body will allow you to fall asleep. Researchers have found that our brain goes through several sleep cycles each night where all sleep phases are repeated. These cycles last from 90 minutes to 2 hours, and at the beginning of each cycle, the body’s “sleep gate” opens. You won’t be able to fall asleep when your sleep gate is closed.
SOLUTION Catch the sleep wave.
If you find you can’t fall asleep within 45 minutes, get up and get out of the bedroom. Read a book, do a restorative yoga pose or do some other calming activity for another 1 -1½ hours before trying to sleep again. Staying in bed only causes stress over not sleeping.
It is like surfing, you need to catch that sleep wave. Haven’t you noticed that you can be exhausted and yet you avoid going to sleep and then a few hours later when you are ready for bed, you are suddenly wide awake? You missed the wave.
MISTAKE #5 Making sleep a performance issue.
Often just thinking about sleep affects your ability to fall asleep. What happens frequently is that the way you cope with the insomnia becomes as much of a problem as the insomnia itself. It often becomes a vicious cycle of worrying about not being able to sleep, which leads to worsening sleep problems. Like so many things in life, it is about letting go, going with the flow. Sleep needs to become a natural rhythm like breathing, something that comes automatically and you don’t think about.
SOLUTION Let go and go with the flow.
Use the time to practice breathing exercises or meditation and to become aware of how what you eat, what medications you take, what behaviors or certain activities can affect your sleep cycle.
Increase your awareness by paying attention to your body and becoming conscious of how you react to different foods and situations. Use this time productively, instead of getting upset that you can’t fall asleep.
One final point.
For chronic insomniacs, especially if you are heavy snorer, it is a good idea to rule out Sleep Apnea as the cause. This is a serious condition that affects at least 12 million Americans, many of whom have not been diagnosed. Usually they are heavy snorers. What happens is that the tissues at the back of the throat relax and in so doing block the airways. The brain senses oxygen deprivation, and sends wakeup signals. There is a release of adrenaline and cortisol, the stress hormone. Not only does this interfere with sleep, it can increase blood pressure, raising your risk of heart problems and stroke. It can also interfere with insulin sensitivity, and increases your risk of diabetes.
For more of Dr. Lipman’s tips, follow him on Twitter!
REFERENCES
1. “What’s wrong with prescribing hypnotics?”. Drug Ther Bull 42 (12): 89–93. December 2004. doi:10.1136/dtb.2004.421289. PMID 15587763. http://www.nelm.nhs.uk/en/NeLM-Area/Evidence/Drug-Class-Focused-Reviews/498264/.
2. D. Maiuro PhD, Roland (13 Decemember 2009). Handbook of Integrative Clinical Psychology, Psychiatry, and Behavioral Medicine: Perspectives, Practices, and Research. Springer Publishing Company. pp. 128–130. ISBN 0-8261-1094-0. http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=4Tkdm1vRFbUC.
3. Lader, Malcolm Harold; P. Cardinali, Daniel; R. Pandi-Perumal, S. (22 March 2006). Sleep and sleep disorders: a neuropsychopharmacological approach. Georgetown, Tex.: Landes Bioscience/Eurekah.com. p. 127. ISBN 0-387-27681-5.
4. Authier, N.; Boucher, A.; Lamaison, D.; Llorca, PM.; Descotes, J.; Eschalier, A. (2009). “Second Meeting of the French CEIP (Centres d’Evaluation et d’Information sur la Pharmacodépendance). Part II: Benzodiazepine Withdrawal.”. Therapie 64 (6): 365–370. doi:10.2515/therapie/2009051. PMID 20025839.
5. Glass J, Lanctôt KL, Herrmann N, Sproule BA, Busto UE (November 2005). “Sedative hypnotics in older people with insomnia: meta-analysis of risks and benefits”. BMJ 331 (7526): 1169. doi:10.1136/bmj.38623.768588.47. PMID 16284208. PMC 1285093. http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/331/7526/1169.
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By Guest Blogger on August 14, 2009
We’ve learned about the risks associated with being uneducated about personal care products from Stacy Malkan and Mia Davis. Today we’re shining a spotlight on a company we love because of the time, care, and mindfulness they put into their products. We wanted to pull back the curtain and give Mountain Spirit Botanicals the chance to share what goes into their wonderful creations, some of which are now featured in our Crazy Sexy Shop! Take it away Eli!
I created Mountain Spirit Botanicals as an alternative to products that are chemically mass-produced. Every ingredient in my product line is either a plant or the by-product of plants or trees that have been organically cultivated or ethically wild-harvested. When I’m unable to procure “organic” – which rarely happens – I use plants grown without chemicals, harvested mindfully and processed in a manner that retains their medicinal qualities.
The methods I’ve adopted cause no harm. Quite the contrary, my work supports your health and well-being as well as that of the environment. The fields and meadows where organic practices are in place encourage natural habitats. Birds, bees, and butterflies go around “kissing” flowers all day. That, in turn, ensures the pollination necessary for the continued and abundant growth of species – which, in turn, supplies us with an everlasting source of beauty and nourishment.
I firmly believe that all of this – the songs of birds, the buzz of bees, the caring intent of the farmer, the manner in which I “stir the pot” – goes into my end result: products born of integrity and love. (As noted in an old herbal text, “Cooking salves is a holy task, demanding concentration and devotion; harvest plants with gratitude and process carefully.”)
I represent a lineage, traditions I’m blessed to be a part of. Mountain Spirit Botanicals is a reflection of these traditions – the complete antithesis of what the “beauty industry” promotes: unnatural products that do harm every step of the way.
What we put on our skin is absorbed deeply and affects us in ways we’re just beginning to recognize. (One example: Consider how the “birth control patch” alters the reproductive system.) All the more reason for you to educate yourself about everything you put on your body. Be informed. Be selective. Enough said, yes?
My labels won’t confuse or manipulate you; a “Rose” is a rose. “Olive oil” is olive oil. “Bee’s wax” is bee’s wax. Straightforward and honest / no guesswork necessary. That said; let me share a few of the benefits of just a few of the ingredients I use.
Calendula: Soothes dry, reddened skin/useful for sensitive skin.
Lavender:Flowers have a mild, calming effect
Chamomile:Cleanses and soothes the skin.
Comfrey: Stimulates blood circulation & firms the skin.
Carrier Oils: I use the finest quality cold-pressed vegetable, seed & nut oils; these oils are carriers of healing substances & vitamins A, D, & E. They penetrate the deepest layers of your skin to support its ability to function, as well as soften & give it elasticity. (Contrary to “popular” belief, using fine quality oils will not block pores or leave you feeling greasy; in fact, quite the opposite is true).
Olive Oil: Clinical research supports the fact that Olive Oil has extraordinary anti-aging properties; it allows your skin to breathe while absorbing the nourishing qualities of the herbs in the formula.
Kukui Nut Oil: High penetrability and soothing properties; contains high levels of essential fatty acids; readily absorbed into the skin.
Evening Primrose Seed Oil: Contains essential fatty acids essential for the health of the organs and overall health; a rich source of Omega 6 fatty acids; anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Contains 19 of the 22 minerals required by the body for maintenance, growth & repair. When plant material is steeped in vinegar, it is further enhanced with a rich supply of nutrients.
Essential Oils: The “soul of a plant” / the essence of all that a plant has to give. I use these precious oils as the “final note” when blending each formulation.
A final word: None of what I do would be possible without the medicine and beauty given so abundantly by the plant world; the elders who kept the traditions alive; the small, organic farmers who work ethically and sustainably. Without these gifts, Mountain Spirit Botanicals would not exist.
Elise Muller
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By Latham Thomas on March 30, 2009
*CSL received so many recipes in response to our contest that we will be announcing the winner in Wednesday’s Goddess Group blog! Take it away, Mama Glow Guru…
I woke up this morning with a gentle dewy breeze slipping through my window, tickling my face. Slowly I opened my eyes and noticed right away that there was a new and distinctive quality of light in the sky. I rose up to start the day- starting with my prayers of gratitude. Then gathered myself to go hike and run through Central park nearby. The warmth of the morning sun and the cool breeze had Spring written all over it. I’m solar powered, so the sensation of evanescent warmth ignited in me a vigor to be active and explore the outdoors.
I have a background in plant sciences and botanical studies, so I always take note of the plants, what they are doing, how they are growing, as I am well aware that Mother Nature speaks to us through her intricate plant world. Sometimes I stop and pick what I consider to be powerful plant medicine-dandelion, red clover, plantain leaf, lamb’s quarters, mullein; all growing in a most peculiar way. It amazes me that a tiny seed would see fit to germinate, take root, and sprout up through the cracks of asphalt- that’s what I call an Uprising! Such determination inspires me to do the work that I do with Tender Shoots Wellness. Sprouting seeds and budding new life giving hope and possibility beyond what we can imagine.
Look around- these powerful weeds are nestled in with other vegetation, so you may not even notice them at first glance. I’m starting to see a lot of dandelion and red clover bunches which indicates that it is time to collect these plants and do our own spring cleaning- internally. Dandelion is a strong bitter herb that has an astringent and cleansing action on the liver and kidneys. It helps to break down fats stored in the liver and gallbladder and promotes healthy colon function. Its a great plant to introduce especially as we transition from eating hearty winter foods to light spring inspired meals. The young leaves are a great addition to salads, and sandwiches.
Red clover has a cleansing quality as well. It is a wonder herb, used in treatment of cancer, joint disorders, skin inflammations, mastitis, it acts as a blood purifier, cleanses the liver, a diuretic- helping to remove excess fluid from the body, and helps clear the lungs of mucous, it improves overall circulation in the body.
Take a moment to check out some tasty ways to incorporate these spring cleaning greens into your diet. Enjoy.
Sauteed Dandelion Greens with Garlic
2lbs dandelion greens, thoroughly washed
2 tbsp olive oil
5 cloves garlic, bruised and smashed open
crushed red pepper to taste
sea salt to taste
Boil the greens in salted water for up to 2 minutes. Shock in a bowl of ice water to stop the greens from cooking, and to retain the green color. Drain and lightly squeeze out water. Heat the oil in a skillet then add the garlic, cooking over low heat, as the garlic begins to brown add in the greens, stirring, to mix in the garlic flavor, cover and allow to cook, increasing the heat for 3 minutes. Season with sea salt and crushed red pepper. Please buy organically grown dandelion because since most folks consider them a pesty weed, they are usually heavily sprayed.
You can also add Dandelion greens to a mixed green salad, to pack in some extra protein, add some raw pumpkin seeds, or walnuts, or hemp seeds. Sprinkle some dulse flakes, add some avo slices, and add your favorite salad dressing and you’re in business.
To have a gentle cleansing herbal tea, try the red clover tea below.
Red Clover Herbal Tea
1 cup red clover blossoms (fresh or 1/2 cup dried)
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
4 cups filtered water
agave nectar to taste
Bring water to boil, add clover blossoms and mint. Allow to steep up to 10 minutes, strain off the liquid and sweeten if desired. You can find organic red clover blossoms at herbal shops and farmer’s markets, and online. If you take the time to wander through some blossoming fields outside of the city limits you can harvest bundles of this herb yourself.
Welcome Springtime!
Guidance,
Latham
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