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Asparagus, (Asparagus Officinalis), is a perennial and almost leafless plant of the Lily family.

Spears of asparagus emerge in early spring and summer. Asparagus comes in two sexes; the females grow plumper stalks. The male flowers contain a rudimentary pistil, and the female flower has stamens. Asparagus has been reported as an aphrodisiac based on the ‘Law of Similarity’, where the shape of an object dictates its properties (Austparagus, 2005) It not only looks like an aphrodisiac, it is an aphrodisiac. It contains asparagine and aspartic acid, an amino acid that neutralizes excess amounts of ammonia which make us tired and sexually uninterested.

Asparagus is an ancient vegetable and was cultivated as early as 200 B.C. Asparagus was used in China as a cooling remedy to treat bronchitis, lung congestion and tuberculosis, and is said to curb aggression in women and improve menstrual problems.

I'ts high in glutathione, an anticarcinogen and has been reported by the U.S. National Cancer Institute that asparagus is the highest tested food containing glutathione, which is the body’s most potent anticarcinogen and antioxidant.

It also contains Rutin, which protects small blood vessels and may protect against radiation. It brings on a diuretic effect and is used in treatment of water retention caused by heart failure or PMS. It is used to treat high blood pressure and doctors commonly prescribe drugs which are extracted from asparagus.

Asparagus was known to help acidity in the stomach caused by excessive sweets or refined toxic foods. In ancient Greece it was prescribed for ailments of the kidneys, as well as blemished skin and obesity.

In Ayurvedic medicine, asparagus is used for indigestion, and to relieve kidney and bladder problems, rheumatism, gout, menstrual inflammation, and for dissolving kidney stones.

In Folk medicine, asparagus has been used to restore failing eyesight, toothaches, relieving pain caused by bee stings.

  It is an excellent source of folic acid (good addition in diet during pregnancy). It's rich in potassium which is essential to maintain good water balance in the body. It is also an excellent source of the B vitamin, Folate.

Asparagus has also been used for migraines, as well as high blood pressure. Since asparagus is very rich in glutathione, it has been helpful in preventing cataracts.

Asparagus is a valuable food, high in folacin, which aids in blood cell formation, growth, and prevention of liver disease. It contains proteins, called histones, which are believed to be active in controlling cell growth, thus, it being a cell growth ‘normalizer’. That accounts for its action on cancer, which was one of the discoveries of Richard R. Vensal, D.D.S.

The American Herbal Products Association has given Asparagus a class one rating, which means it can be safely consumed in appropriate levels. However, it may cause allergic skin reactions. As of this writing, there are no known drug reactions with asparagus vegetable or the root. Always make sure to consult a licensed health care provider before taking any herbal remedy or dietary supplement you are not sure about.