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Anna

Common Name

Shatavari
Shatavari is an Indian word meaning 'a woman who has a hundred husbands' and is subsequently identified as is the most important herb in Ayurvedic medicine for dealing with problems connected women's fertility

Habitat

Shatavari is native to Eastern Asia - China, Japan, India and is generally found at elevations up to 1,200 metres in the Himalayas, eastwards from Kashmir, broad-leaved forests along streams or valleys at elevations of 2100 - 2200 metres in western China.
Cultivated: Cultivated internationally - cultivated Beds; South Wall; West Wall It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It is hardy to zone 9.
Easily grown in any good garden soil, but best in (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils a rich sandy loam. This species is not very frost-hardy and generally needs to be grown in a frost-free or fairly frost-free climate. It can be grown as a half-hardy perennial in areas where the winter is too cold for it to survive outdoors. The tubers are harvested in the autumn, stored in a cool frost-free place and replanted in the spring. The rots of this species are commonly collected from the wild for medicinal use. Over collection in some areas of its range are causing conservation concerns. Dioecious Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required

Description of Plant

A creeper of the plant genus Asparagus, it’s perennial growing to 7m. It contains adventitious root system with tuberous roots. For each plant, many tuberous roots are present. The roots are 5 - 13cm long. Soft, green, leafy leaves and stem. Branches contain spines on them. Small white flowers.

Edible Parts

Root; Stem
Tender young shoots - cooked as a vegetable. A preserve prepared from the blanched shoots is said to be very agreeable. The tuber are candied as a sweetmeat. The only flavour is said to be that of the sugar.

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and then sow in spring or as soon as the seed is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse. It usually germinates in 3 - 6 weeks at 25°c[134]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a sunny position in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer. Division in early spring as the plant comes into growth.

Soap

The squeezed root is used for washing clothes.

Medicinal Uses

Alterative; Antispasmodic; Aphrodisiac; Demulcent; Digestive; Diuretic; Galactogogue; Infertility; Women's complaints.
Shatavari is considered to be the best general tonic for women in Ayurveda. The rhizome is a soothing tonic that acts mainly on the circulatory, digestive, respiratory and female reproductive organs. The root is alterative, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, galactogogue and refrigerant. It is taken internally in the treatment of infertility, loss of libido, threatened miscarriage, menopausal problems, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and bronchial infections. Externally it is used to treat stiffness in the joints. The root is used fresh in the treatment of dysentery. It is harvested in the autumn and dried for use in treating other complaints. The whole plant is used in the treatment of diarrhea, rheumatism, diabetes and brain complaints.

Specifically Womens’ Medical Uses

Clinically proven to promote fertility, strengthen the uterus, regulate menstruation, promote the flow of breast milk, assist in recovery from childbirth and alleviate many symptoms of the menopause (natural alternative to HRT). It helps in minimizing the women's complaints related to menstrual cycles (Statavari minimizes the pain, controls the loss of blood and other fluids during menstrual cycle). It also helps in decreasing the inflammation of female sexual organs, in fighting tiredness and morning sickness, helps in problems related to infertility, leucorrhea, and in regulating ovulation. It contains phytoestrogens, a natural substance that rebalances estrogen levels in women. These hormones play an important role in a woman's long term health, preventing breast cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. It is also known to eliminate the Candida bacteria, so it can be a helpful remedy for thrush, if used regularly and consistently, it is a slow acting plant remedy so it should be used over a period of time for full effect.

Religious Importance

Shatavari is associated with the Divine Mother, especially with the restoration of balance within the cynical nature of creation.

Guild

Shatavari is not very frost-hardy and generally needs to be grown in a frost-free or fairly frost-free climate and could probably grow best in a greenhouse. However the species is easily grown in any good garden soil and it may be grown as a half-hardy perennial in areas where the winter is too cold for it to survive outdoors.
Grow comfrey because its extensive root system will both absorb moisture and provide the Shatavari plant with nutrients from soil. Comfrey also grows quickly enough that if Statavari was being grow as a half-hardy perennial it could be harvested and used as composts. Comfrey leaves can also be used to treat a variety of skin conditions and so it can be harvested for its medicinal value as well. Clover acts as a fertilizer as and is a nitrogen fixer. Coriander would provide a good pesticide and the seeds can also be harvested to aid the digestion and clover leaves as a tea substitute.

Species List

Medicinal value, specifically women’s health, and religious importance

Sage (Salvia)

Medicinal value

This herb relieves excess mucous buildup, eases mental exhaustion, strengthens concentrating abilities, treats sores and skin eruptions, stops bleeding in all cuts, soothes mouth sores and sore throats, is good for all stomach troubles, diarrhea, gas, flu, colds, rinses hair and removes dandruff. It is used to regulate the menstrual cycle, to decrease milk flow in lactating women, aid in treating hot flashes and is used as a deodorant.

Religious importance

It is believed that sage in healing amulets, incenses and sachets bring prosperity and if burned at the altar or in sacred space it consecrates the area.

Habitat

This evergreen perennial with an height of 2 feet does best in sandy, limey soil and full sun.

Spearmint (Mentha viridis)

Medicinal value

This herb help stopping vomiting during pregnancy and is gentle enough to use for colic in babies while aiding in curing colds, flu and gas.

Religious importance

It is believed that Spearmint is added to healing incenses and sachets to aid in healing lung diseases and other afflictions.

Habitat

This perennial form the mint family grows to 3 feet and can tolerate different growing conditions.

Squawvine (Mitchella repens)

Medicinal value

This herb is most beneficial in childbirth as it strengthens the uterus, helps prevent miscarriage and relieves congestion of the uterus and ovaries. Its antiseptic properties make it valuable for treating vaginal infections.

Habitat

This is a perennial evergreen creeper that grows on forest floors.

Scullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia)

Medicinal value

This herb is food for the nerve, it relieves from all chronic and acute diseases that affect the nerves, regulates sexual desires, lessen the affects of epilepsy, aids in easing insomnia and restlessness, is a remedy for feminine cramps and menstrual troubles and reduces fevers.

Religious importance

It is believed that Scullcap is used in spells that bring peace, tranquility and relaxation.

Habitat

Scullcap is a perennial, prefers moist well-drained soils, grows to 3 feet in full to partial shade.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

Medicinal value

It is a herbal tea that is used to treat colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn. It is also a remedy for afflictions of the respiratory system, liver problems and digestive difficulties. This herb also promotes circulation and energy in the body, often stimulates circulation in the pelvic region and also stimulates suppressed menstruation. It is advisable not to be used by pregnant women or diabetics.

Religious importance

If grown in garden it is believe this herb protects the garden and home. The leave is burnt to banish evil and root is used as protective amulet. It is also used to lengthen life and for protection against diseases and spirits. Adding it to a ritual bath will break spells and hexes.

Habitat

This plant needs shade partially, rich and moist soil, wet bottomland, swamps and cool temperature grow. It grows to a 6 feet tall perennial.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Medicinal value

This herb is used to treat liver diseases, exhaustion, fatigue, fever, insomnia, asthma, post-natal depression, malaria, dysentery, congestion, painful or irregular menses, increases the flow of mother's milk and is a pain reliever. Do not use during pregnancy.

Religious importance

It is believed that Vervain is used for cleansing incenses and baths and is buried in the field to have abundant crop. It is burned to attract wealth and hung above a bed to prevent nightmares and above a baby's crib to offer protection and is used as a pledge of mutual faith when given to a friend.

Habitat

It is a perennial herb that grows 1-2 feet tall and prefers full sun, average to rich soils and is grown throughout temperate North America.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)

Medicinal value

This herb normalizes the reproductive system, treats infertility, PMS, menopausal problems and hormonal imbalances.

Religious importance

It is believed that if twigs of Vitex are carried they are a symbol of purity.

Habitat

Vitex is a small shrub with a height of 9 to 16 feet prefers the warm areas of the Deep South.

Caraway (Carum carvi)

Medicinal value

This herb is used for aiding digestion, promoting menses, increasing mother's milk and to add to cough remedies as an expectorant.

Religious importance

It is believed that caraway is used as an amulet for protection, it promotes memory and guards against apart promoting lust when baked into breads, cookies, or cakes.

Habitat

The meadows, woods and rocky areas with rich soil are perfect for the growth of this plant. Areas of Europe, Asia, Africa and North America are appropriate regions for proper growth of this biennial that reaches 1 1/2 - 2 feet high.

Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) (German chamomile)
(Anthemus nobilis) (Roman chamomile)

Medicinal value

This herb is used as tea for nerves and menstrual cramps. The tea is also useful for babies and small children with colds and stomach troubles. For inducing sleep in insomniac conditions and wash sore eyes and open sores this herb is advised.

Religious importance

It is believed that this herb attracts money and if added to incense produces relaxed state for better meditation. If it is added to a ritual bath it is said to attract love.

Habitat

Chamomile is an annual that adapts to most soils, likes lots of water and full sun. It grows up to 20 inches tall.

Hawthorn (Crataegus oxycantha)

Medicinal value

This herb is used to cure insomnia, prevent miscarriage, heart ailments, strengthening muscles, prevent arteriosclerosis, angina, poor heart action and for treating nervousness.

Religious importance

It is believed that the leaves are used to make protection sachets that if carried ensure good fishing. It is incorporated into spells and rituals for fertility and for protecting home from damaging storms.

Habitat

With a height reach of 40 feet this herb grows throughout North America and is tolerant to most soils but prefers alkaline, rich, moist loam.

Permaculture Article

Permaculture Activist- Traditional Plant Medicine and Women’s Health in Nepal

With the onslaught of globalization many traditional values, such as indigenous medicine, have been disappearing from Nepal. This in combination with rampant over-harvesting of medicinal plants and exploration of village resources has aggravated poverty and nearly destroyed ecosystems, leaving villagers living with degenerating health conditions. Subsequently experimental medicine banned within western countries are readily sold, proscribed and dispersed across Nepal. The governmental banned placed upon discussing women’s health, though recently lifted has caused treatment of women’s issues in particular to become increasingly desperate. Many women are afraid to disclose their true medical history which often causes addiction and misdiagnosis and women simply do not have access to medical faculties, as a result women across the country die of easily treatable ailments such as yeast and bladder infections.

Today the Jajarkot Permaculture Project (JPP) is working to institute programs to preserve indigenous traditions. They’re currently discussing and implementing self-sustaining systems for the cultivation of medicinal plants, as well developing ecosystems which will enable small villages to provide for and sustain their entire community. They are also implementing a traveling clinic which will provide women routine medical care.

Bioneers

The conference was incredibly thought provoking. It showed that we as a race must be required to look habitual modalities. Forbearance of ideals seem to constitute realities while the capacity of humanity remains stagnant. We seem to reside in an adolescent state, where choice is the result of sycophantic inclination with finite, if any, awareness of consequence of decision. We seem to assume that there’s a consistency to existence, some certainty necessitating the perpetuation of the human race. We adhere to the familiarity of conformity and in doing so identify the method of our own suffering. Instead we must develop the ability to discern not only our relationship to our self but that relationship to the entirety of creation, we must choose to see all of life.