Embracing Balance: Shatavari and the Menopausal Journey

By Master Herbalist Stacey Littlefield

At Redd Remedies, we believe in empowering women to navigate life’s transitions with confidence and clarity. For women entering perimenopause or moving through menopause, one of my favorite plant allies is Shatavari—a deeply revered herb in the Ayurvedic tradition, often called “Queen of Herbs.” While the name may bring a smile, it speaks to Shatavari’s long-standing reputation for supporting female vitality and adaptability across all stages of life.

What Is Shatavari?

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a climbing plant in the asparagus family. Its roots have been used for centuries in Ayurveda to promote balance in the female reproductive and endocrine systems. Considered a rejuvenating adaptogen, Shatavari is traditionally used to help the body respond to physical, emotional, and hormonal stress—making it especially valuable during menopause.

In herbalism, we look at more than just symptoms—we look at the patterns behind them. And for many women, menopause is not just about changing hormone levels; it's about recalibrating the entire system. Shatavari helps nourish that process.

Why Shatavari During Menopause?

Shatavari offers a unique, plant-based form of support during the menopausal journey. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a female rejuvenative, Shatavari is known to help nourish and tone the reproductive system while supporting systemic resilience. It’s not a hormone replacement, but it does contain phytoestrogens—naturally occurring compounds that mimic the structure of estrogen and can interact with estrogen receptors in the body in a much milder, modulating way.

While emerging clinical research continues to explore this effect, some studies in postmenopausal women have shown improvements in quality of life indicators, particularly in mood, sleep, lubrication, and physical comfort—without the adverse effects often associated with conventional interventions.

But what truly sets Shatavari apart is that its benefits go beyond hormones. This herb supports the entire woman: emotionally, physically, and energetically. As a Master Herbalist, I view Shatavari as an important nourishing companion during one of life’s most significant transformations.

A Multi-System Herbal Support

1. Supports Emotional Well-Being and Stress Adaptation
   
   Menopause often overlaps with pivotal life transitions: career shifts, caregiving roles, empty nesting, or aging parents. These stressors, coupled with hormonal changes, can leave women feeling emotionally depleted.
   
   Shatavari acts as an adaptogen, helping to balance the body’s response to stress. Unlike stimulants or sedatives, adaptogens work by supporting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, encouraging a healthy stress response without overstimulating or suppressing. This may promote a sense of calm, clarity, and emotional resilience—even amidst life’s chaos.
   
   
2. Promotes Vaginal Moisture and Mucous Membrane Integrity
   
   One of the more personal aspects of menopause is vaginal dryness, which can impact intimacy, comfort, and self-confidence. Shatavari is considered a demulcent herb, meaning it provides a natural moistening effect, especially to mucous membranes. This property may help soothe and support healthy vaginal tissue, bladder function, and even dry eyes or mouth—common but under-discussed menopausal concerns.
   
   
3. Gentle Support for Digestion and Elimination
   
   As estrogen declines, women may notice changes in digestion: more bloating, sluggish elimination, or increased sensitivity. In Ayurvedic tradition, Shatavari is said to soothe “pitta” imbalances—including acid reflux and digestive heat. Its mucilaginous properties may help coat and calm the digestive lining, while also gently supporting regularity.
   
   
4. Healthy Immune and Inflammatory Response
   
   Although not a primary immune herb, Shatavari contains bioactive compounds—such as saponins, flavonoids, and racemosol—that exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in laboratory studies. This is of growing interest in menopause research, as inflammation is now understood to play a role in many age-related changes, from joint health to cognitive function.
   
   
5. May Help Support Muscular Strength and Physical Function
   
   Postmenopausal women are at greater risk for sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass. In a small clinical study, women who took Shatavari for six weeks showed measurable improvements in hand grip strength, a key biomarker for physical vitality. While more research is needed, this suggests Shatavari may support neuromuscular coordination and functional strength—key to maintaining independence and activity in later life.

Why We Include Shatavari in MenoWise™

Shatavari plays a key role in MenoWise™ as a foundational ally that complements the other clinically studied ingredient in the formula, including EstroG-100®. Its adaptogenic properties help to create balance in the body to go to work and provide root-cause support.

MenoWise™ is designed to:

• Relieve 10 menopause symptoms; including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and fatigue*
• Support women through the menopausal transition (from pre-menopause through post menopause)
•  Provide a non-hormonal, estrogen-free option

At Redd Remedies, we craft our supplements with a whole-body approach, to not only address symptoms, but to create overall balance in the body you so can feel better and live better.

When formulating MenoWise™, I didn’t want a formula that just masked symptoms. I wanted a formula that nourishes—that partners with the body through this natural transition. Shatavari was a clear choice.

Its unique combination of hormonal modulation, emotional grounding, tissue hydration, and systemic support complements the other clinically studied ingredients in MenoWise™, including EstroG‑100® and herbs selected for cognitive, cardiovascular, and stress resilience benefits.