PM Narendra Modi’s Panch Prana goal and the role of Shatavari and it’s importance in traditional Indian kitchens

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known for his love for all things Ayurvedic and Indian. From his love for moringa paratha to ashwagandha, time and again he has proven the depth of Indian eating habits and how the natural ingredients can help shape a healthy body. According to a release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), apart from amla, moringa, giloy and ashwagandha the Ministry of Ayush has been making efforts in launching a new initiative to promote awareness about Shatavari. According to the release, the ministry has been emphasizing on the relevance of Shatavari in achieving the Panch Pran Goal outlined by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his Independence Day speech on August 15, 2022.Scroll down to read the details.

It has five pledges taken by PM Modi, which includes the goal of developing India, removing any traces of colonial mindset, taking pride in our roots, unity, and lastly sense of duty among the citizens.

Highlighting the importance of Shatavari, the PIB release states that shatavari is known for its numerous health benefits, particularly in supporting women’s health and enhancing immunity.The campaign aims at providing focused attention and ensuring it reaches wider audiences across the nation. The campaign marks another significant step in the Ministry of Ayush’s continued efforts to promote traditional medicine and medicinal plants for better health and well-being in India.

According to a PMC study, shatavari root is good for women's health,as it helps reduce menopausal symptoms, and also enhances overall strength, energy, and reduces inflammation. The study outcomes have also shown a positive and significant effect of the active test ingredient over the placebo in terms of reduction in hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido.

As per Ayurveda, this herb is celebrated as a Rasayana that nourishes, restores, and supports longevity. It is known for its cooling properties that helps balance Pitta and Vata doshas, making it a go-to herb for strength, resilience, and internal harmony. It is highly recommended to women as it helps improve vitality, digestion, and overall endurance of women. In Ayurveda, it is best consumed as a powder, decoction, or ghee-based preparation.

In Indian kitchen, shatavari is considered as a nourisong herb, which is added to water, milk, or ghee in very minimum quantity and is looked upon as an energy booster. Its neutral, slightly sweet taste allows it to slip into breakfast porridges, smoothies made with almond or coconut milk, and even herbal decoctions brewed alongside cardamom or dry ginger.

Take a look at these Ayurveda-approved ways of adding Shatavari to daily diet.
With warm milk: One can mix 1/2-1 tsp of shatavari powder in a cup of warm milk and enjoy it at night.

With water: One can also mix ½ tsp shatavari powder into lukewarm water and drink in the morning on an empty stomach.

With honey or jaggery: It is also suggested to mix shatavari powder with a little honey or grated jaggery and consume it.

Shatavari Laddoo: Make regular atta ladoo with wheat flour,ghee, sugar or jaggery and before shaping the laddoo add 1-2 tsp of shatavari powder and then shape and store the laddoos.