Asparagus has a long history as a natural medicine

There are thousands of species of asparagus over the world, but each culture has found important medical uses for the plant. Originally found only in Eastern Mediterranean countries, it is now grown worldwide. The San Joaquin Valley is the most prevalent production area for asparagus in the United States. For medicinal purposes, the root, shoots and seeds are all used, and, in ancient times, were used as a stress reducer and memory enhancer.

Today, many additional benefits have been found, especially for asparagus root extract

As the knowledge of the natural ingredients in the asparagus root has grown, asparagus root extract is now available and used widely for a host of other health benefits. The roots contain steroidal glycosides, which are compounds that are known to affect hormone production. This fact is probably why ancient cultures saw mood elevation effects from its use. We also now know that asparagus root is high in folic acid, and essential nutrient for the production of new red blood cells, growth, and the prevention of liver disease. Other ingredients found in good quantities are essential oil and flavonoids.

The benefits of flavonoids found in asparagus root extract.

Ancient cultures used the asparagus root as a diuretic, believing that diseases would be flushed away in the process. They were not far off. Today, we know that flavonoids act as antioxidants in the human body, not by attacking free radicals or by strengthening cell membranes to prevent penetration, but, rather, by assisting in the elimination of them from the body. The body sees flavonoids as a foreign substance and thus works to get rid of them. In doing so, urine production is increased, and the free radicals are flushed out as well.

Digestive benefits of this amazing root

Asparagus root extract has widespread use as a laxative and, because the chemical composition of the root is now known, this benefit is understood. The fiber in the root acts as a natural enhancement to bowel elimination. Because of the diuretic and laxative effects of asparagus root extract, it is often recommended in the treatment of gout, a terribly painful condition caused by the buildup of uric acid, and “dropsy,” an old term for the buildup of fluid in any organ of the body.

Heart health and asparagus root extract

The Chinese have always used asparagus root extract for the treatment of high blood pressure, probably because it is a known emotional stabilizer. We now know that anxiety and stress can cause hypertension in humans, and elimination of these conditions has a positive effect on blood pressure and thus the heart.

Female benefits of asparagus root extract are important

Asparagus root extract is used by Chinese physicians to enhance fertility, assist nursing mothers in the production of breast milk and to provide relief to menstrual cramping. More recently, studies have begun that will look at the possible connection between asparagus root extract and prevention of ovarian and uterine cancer.

Additional benefits of asparagus root extract include hormonal enhancements

Probably because the physical appearance of the asparagus spear could be construed to be a phallic symbol, ancients considered the plant to be an aphrodisiac. Even the Ayurvedic name, Shatavari, means “one who has many husbands.” However, now that science has identified and isolated the exact chemical properties of the root, stem and seeds, this may indeed have some validity. The root especially contains elements and compounds which do affect the production of hormones which we know affect emotions.

Asparagus root extract can be combined with the seeds for greater benefit

When the asparagus root extract is combined with powdered forms of the plant’s seeds, there seems to be antibiotic properties produced, so that this combination therapy can be used in fighting bacterial infections.

Topical application forms of asparagus root extract have healing benefits

The extract can be formulated into a topical poultice and used as a type of compress for muscle and joint pain. For this reason, it is often recommended for use by athletes and arthritis sufferers. The topical form is difficult to find in regular retail establishments but can be located on the Internet

A Final Word

Asparagus has been around for centuries. Early civilizations obviously were able to identify certain medicinal benefits of the asparagus root, and, in recent times, more and more benefits of asparagus root extract have been discovered. Certainly, individuals should consider the addition of this important ingredient into their overall health and prevention regimen