Episode 247: Shatavari for Dryness, Hot Flashes, and Libido with Lila Swanberg

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Episode Summary

If there's one word that keeps coming up in this conversation, it's juicy!

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is one of Ayurveda's most treasured rejuvenating herbs, especially for women. In this episode, I'm joined by herbalist Lila Swanberg to explore how this cooling, nourishing plant supports the body's moisture and vitality, and why its benefits extend far beyond what we might expect from a traditional female tonic.

We also get into the practical side of working with shatavari, including preparations, dosage, and some potential side effects to watch for. Lila shares her candid thoughts on the herbal supplement industry, why she prefers simple and affordable herbal preparations, and what it really takes to turn herbal knowledge into confident clinical practice.

Lila also shares her recipe for a deliciously warming Shatavari Ojas Beverage, a traditional-inspired Ayurvedic drink designed to replenish vitality after sex. Download your beautifully illustrated recipe card in the section below!

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Why shatavari is known as the queen of female herbs in Ayurveda

► The surprising range of ways shatavari supports the body—from hot flashes and libido to certain types of heart disease

► Why Lila prefers shatavari powder over tinctures, and the traditional preparation she finds most practical and effective

► Some unexpected side effects that may come with high doses of shatavari

► The kind of support that can help bridge the gap between studying herbal medicine and becoming a confident clinical practitioner

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t know her, Lila Swanberg is a Clinical Herbalist, Ayurvedic Practitioner, and Functional Nutrition Counselor who works with people stuck in chronic, complex health patterns — those who've tried everything and still aren't seeing results. She left a career as a software CTO to find real answers for her own health, and has spent years training under renowned herbalist Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa (KP). Lila is passionate about making natural healing potent again amid a sea of misinformation and surface-level advice. She founded The Virtual Natural Healing Clinic, hosts the podcast Lila's Herbal Revolution, and leads a mentorship community for practitioners. She's based in rural Southern Oregon.

I’m delighted to share our conversation with you today!

Would you prefer reading this episode? If so, click here to download a transcript.

Would you prefer watching this episode? If so, scroll down below.

Connect with Lila:

• Website | tvnhc.com
• Instagram | @lila_swanberg 
• Facebook | Lila Swanberg

What You'll Learn from This Episode

• [1:09]  Introduction to Lila Swanberg + Lila’s plant path
• [11:29] Why shatavari is considered the “queen of the female herbs” in Ayurveda
• [14:24] Shatavari dosage and side effects
• [18:02] Medicinal benefits of shatavari
• [24:15] Shatavari Ojas Beverage recipe
• [28:25] Why expensive medicine isn’t necessarily the best medicine
• [32:08] Lila’s herbal offerings
• [34:45] The part of herbalism that turned out harder than Lila expected
• [42:31] Student spotlight
• [43:16] Herbal tidbit

Get Your Free Recipe Download!

-- TIMESTAMPS -- 

• 00:48 - Introduction to Lila Swanberg + Lila’s plant path
• 11:17 - Why shatavari is considered the “queen of the female herbs” in Ayurveda
• 14:16 - Shatavari dosage and side effects
• 17:59 - Medicinal benefits of shatavari
• 24:15 - Shatavari Ojas Beverage recipe
• 28:29 - Why expensive medicine isn’t necessarily the best medicine
• 32:15 - Lila’s herbal offerings
• 34:52 - The part of herbalism that turned out harder than Lila expected
• 42:39 - Student spotlight
• 43:25 - Herbal tidbit

Connect with Rosalee

• On Instagram | @rosaleedelaforet

• On Facebook | Herbs With Rosalee
• On YouTube | Herbs With Rosalee

• Website | herbswithrosalee.com


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