Latin Name: Asparagus officinalis
Alternate Names: Sparrowgrass, Tien Men Tong (Chinese), Shatavari
Family: LILIACEAE
Parts Used: Root, shoots, seeds.
Properties: Aphrodisiac, Cardiotonic, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Female Tonic, Galactagogue, Laxative, Nutritive, Rejuvenative, Reproductive Tonic, Kidney Tonic, Sedative.
Internal Uses: Cancer, Convalescence, Cystitis, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Female Weakness, Fever, Frigidity, Gout, Herpes, Impotence, Indigestion, Infertility, Irritability, Jaundice, Kidney Stones, Memory Loss, Menopause, Posthysterectomy Tonic, Rheumatism, Sciatica, Sexual Weakness, Tuberculosis
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules
Because Asparagus helps to dissolve uric and oxalic acid it benefits arthritic conditions and kidney stones. It is also a nourishing, blood-building tonic that enhances the health of both male and female reproductive organs. In India, the racemosa species is used to increase sperm count and nourish the ovum.
Topical Uses: Joint Stiffness, Muscle Spasms
Topical Applications: Poultice, compress for muscle spasms and stiff joints.
Culinary uses: Young shoots are eaten raw or cooked in salads and omelets. Root and shoots are added to soups. Seeds can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute.
Energetics: Cool, Bitter, Sweet, Moist.
Chemical Constituents: Essential oil, steroidal glycoside (asparagoside), asparagine, arginine, tyrosine, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercitin, rutin), resin, tannin.
Contraindications: Do not eat raw seeds, as they can be toxic.
Comments: The word Asparagus is from the Persian asparag, referring to tender shoots that can be consumed. Due to its phallic shape, it has long been regarded as an aphrodisiac. The Ayurvedic name, Shatavari, means ’she who has one hundred husbands’. Asparagus root has been used to help one develop peace of mind, a loving nature, a good memory and calm spirit.
The common name Asparagus also includes the species Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) and Asparagus cochinchinensis, which are often used interchangeably with Asparagus officinalis.