Other common names: Sparrowgrass, Shatavari, Asperge, Garden Asparagus

Feeling bloated? Asparagus Root is a restorative, cleansing herb that helps rid the body of excess water and salt and is thus helpful in treating hypertension. This highly nutritious vegetable also helps soothe the pain and swelling of joints due to gout, rheumatism or arthritis; and because it is high in folic acid, it helps to prevent anemia. Asparagus has long been considered a natural laxative and even an aphrodisiac.

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 as a medicinal herb.

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. 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) and young shoots.

Traditional Chinese herbalists consider the plant 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, the herb 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 an aphrodisiac. The root contains compounds called steroidal glycosides (asparagoside), substantial amounts of folic acid, asparagusic acid, essential oil, asparagine, arginine, tyrosine, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercitin, rutin), resin and tannin.

Beneficial Uses:
An excellent diuretic, Asparagus Root acts to increase cellular activity in the kidneys, increasing the rate of urine production, which helps to rid the body of excess water, relieving edema and a bloated feeling. It helps to clear sediment from the bladder, helping to prevent kidney stones, and it also aids in dissolving uric and oxalic acid deposits in the extremities, thereby helping to relieve gout.

The diuretic activity of Asparagus has been known to soothe the pain and swelling of joints due to rheumatism or arthritis by increasing urine flow and flushing impurities from the system.

Asparagus is said to have antibiotic properties. Along with its excellent diurectic qualities, these actions are said to reduce urinary infections, including cystitis.

Some studies report that the roots may also lower blood pressure. Asparagus Root is especially useful in cases of hypertension where the amount of sodium in the blood far exceeds the potassium present.

Asparagus is high in folic acid, which is essential for the production of new red blood cells and is therefore helpful in preventing anemia.

As an aphrodisiac, the compounds called steroidal glycosides contained in Asparagus Root are known to directly affect and stimulate hormone production and may very well influence emotions. The herb has been used to promote fertility, reduce menstrual cramping and increase milk production in nursing mothers.

Asparagus Root is a mild and gentle laxative; it stimulates bowel evacuations by increasing fecal bulk with undigested fiber.

The asparagusic acid in Asparagus Root is said to be nematocidal, a substance that destroys roundworm. Furthermore, the acid has been used to treat 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.