Asparagus Root

History:

Asparagus, the well-known table delicacy, is an herbaceous perennial that is native to the eastern Mediterranean area; and now over one-hundred and fifty species are cultivated throughout much of the world. Interestingly, most species contain asparagine, a powerful diuretic that gives the urine a characteristic odor in those who lack the gene to break it down. Asparagus officinalis has been cultivated for over two thousand years as a vegetable and also as a medicinal herb with noticeable diuretic and laxative effects. The botanical specific, officinalis, was bestowed on the plant to recognize its status as "official" with a long commercial history in herbal medicine. In ancient times, it was greatly esteemed as a nutritious vegetable by the Greeks and Romans. In 200 B.C., Cato, in his On Farming, gave directions for growing Asparagus that are similar to those in a modern manual of agriculture, and there is a recipe for cooking Asparagus in the oldest surviving book of recipes, Apicius's third-century A.D. work, De Re Coquinaria. Woody, thick-rooted crowns bear buds that produce tender spears, which may reach a height of five feet. Those short, thick rootstocks send up the tender, young shoots that we enjoy as vegetables. Young shoots are steamed and served hot or cold as a vegetable and pureed or finely chopped in soups. The parts of A. officinalis that are used medicinally are the rhizomes (root), young shoots and leaves. Traditional Chinese herbalists consider the plant able to promote feelings of love and compassion, and Chinese pharmacists save the best roots of this plant for their families and friends. In Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Asparagus Root (particularly the species, A. racemosa or 'Shatavari') is used to increase fertility, reduce menstrual cramping and boost milk production in nursing mothers. The Japanese report that green Asparagus may aid protein conversion into amino acids. In the Western world, Asparagus has long been touted as a botanical aphrodisiac. Asparagus contains compounds called steroidal glycosides (asparagoside), substantial amounts of folic acid and other B-vitamins, ascorbic acid, alanine, alpha- and beta-carotene, alpha-linolenic acid, arginine, asparagusic acid, essential oil, asparagine, arginine, tyrosine, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, rutin), resin, zinc, phenylalanine, potassium, calcium, selenium, magnesium, iron, silicon, monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, diosgenin, fiber, glucose, glycine, inositol, inulin, iodine, trace amounts of oxalic acid, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycine, manganese, sulfur, tryptophan, tyrosine, tocopherol and tannin.

Highly regarded as a natural diuretic, Asparagus Root supports the body's efforts to increase cellular activity in the kidneys, increasing the rate of urine production, which may, thus, help to rid the body of excess water and potentially relieve edema and a bloated feeling. It is considered an herbal tonic for supporting the cleansing and opening of the kidneys and bladder, assisting the body's own resources to clear sediment from the bladder and inhibit kidney stones. Asparagus may also support the body's natural capacity to aid in reducing uric acid deposits in the extremities.*

Considered an herbal anti-inflammatory, the diuretic activity of Asparagus has been used as a support to work with the body's own healing properties to soothe inflammation and the pain and swelling of joints due to rheumatism or arthritis by helping to increase urine flow and flushing impurities from the system.

Asparagus is reputed to have antibiotic properties. Along with its excellent diuretic qualities, these actions are said to support the body's natural efforts to improve urinary tract function, reducing bladder infections and other urinary infections, including cystitis.

Some studies report that the roots may help to support lower blood pressure, and Asparagus Root may be especially useful in cases of hypertension where the amount of sodium in the blood far exceeds the potassium present.

Asparagus extracts may ease and support relief of hangover, according to new research (2009) from Korea. Researchers from Jeju National University found that extracts from Asparagus officinalis may increase the function of liver enzymes and boost the metabolism of alcohol, thus potentially helping to relieve alcohol hangover and protecting liver cells against toxicity. Extracts of Asparagus were also tested to discover if they could reduce liver toxity in human liver cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide and the results found that toxicity to the cells from hydrogen peroxide were also significantly alleviated.

Asparagus is rich in folic acid, which is essential for the production of new red blood cells and may therefore be helpful as a support to manage anemia.

As an traditional plant-based aphrodisiac, the compounds called steroidal glycosides contained in Asparagus Root are reputed to directly affect and support the body's natural efforts to stimulate hormone production, which may very possibly influence emotions.

Often called an herbal tonic for the female reproductive system, steroidal glycosides in Asparagus, which may influence hormone production, have also been used to work with the body's own natural capacities to promote fertility, reduce menstrual cramping and increase milk production in nursing mothers.

Asparagus Root is regarded as a gentle and mild herbal laxative that may assist the body's own resources to stimulate bowel evacuations by increasing fecal bulk with undigested fiber.

The asparagusic acid in Asparagus Root is reputed to be nematocidal, or substance that may destroy roundworm.  Furthermore, the acid has been used to support management of schistomiasis (snail fever), a tropical disease caused by infestation with schistosomes in contaminated water, and characterized by infection of the kidneys, liver and other organs.

Asparagus has long been used to relieve nausea, while at the same time calming the stomach. Its probiotic fiber content (inulin) is thought to help support and activate healthy stomach bacteria that promote a healthy digestive system.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Do not take Asparagus Root Herbal Supplement when kidneys are inflamed, as it increases the rate of urinary production. Do not use Asparagus Root if you have edema (swelling) due to impaired kidney or heart function. *Although used as a diuretic to flush impurities from the body and dissolve uric acid deposits, ingestion of Asparagus may aggravate gout in certain individuals, due to purine content.

Capsule Information:
Our Asparagus Root supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.