Description:Rauwolfia serpentina, commonly known as Sarpagandha is a perennial and an evergreen shrub. It is a widely known medicinal plant, with uses such as a remedy for high BP and as a sedative. But more importantly, Sarpagandha is used to cure snake bites and remove the toxin. It grows in lower Himalayas, the Eastern and Western Ghats, and the Andaman.

“Its root powder (called Sarpagandha Churna) is usually best for using in hypertension than its extract or derivatives to minimize its side effects and increase its effectiveness for long-standing action. It is also used for insomnia (sleeplessness), mental disorders characterized by symptoms like convulsions, excessive talking, maniacal behavior, aggressive behavior etc.”

Uses of Sarpagandha:

• Sarpagandha extracts are used to heal external wounds and snake bites
• It is also used as an acne cure.
• Sarpagandha can be taken in powder form and mixed with other ingredients to cure insomnia, anorexia and other disorders.
• Sarpagandha is also known to cure some diseases like cholera, schizophrenia and gynecological problems like molinima.
• Lastly, Sarpagandha is also known to induce menstruation and helps during menopause.

Benefits of Sarpagandha:

1. Treats Snake Bites

Sarpagandha is also known as snakeroot, and not without a reason. Not only does the lower body of the plant look like a snake, it acts as a panacea during snake bites. It is highly rich in alkaloid content.

2. Cures Hypertension

It is known to cure hypertension and high blood pressure. Reserpine present in Sarpagandha helps to achieve this by lowering catecholamine levels in the androgenic nerves.

3. Cures Insomnia

Sarpagandha has tranquil properties and helps to cure insomnia. It directly acts on the nervous system and makes it calm to help the person go to sleep.

4. Good for Gastrointestinal Ailments

It has been proven beneficial for gastrointestinal ailments as well. Sarpagandha with its acidic smell can be helpful during abdominal pain or even as an appetizer for people with anorexia.

5. Removes Toxins from the Skin

Sarpagandha’s root juice is essential to remove toxins from the skin. This also helps to decrease excess secretion from oil glands and thus keeps the skin free from pimples and boils.

Dosage of Sarpagandha:

1. Sarpagandha should always be taken on a doctor’s recommendation.
2. It can cause harm if taken in excess quantity.
3. It is available as an Ayurvedic tablet called Sarpagandha ghan vati. This can be taken by kids once daily and by adults twice. For insomnia, it can be taken once a couple of hours before bedtime.
4. The tablet can also be taken twice daily for hypertension.

Side effects of Sarpagandha:

1. The tablet can cause dryness of mouth sometimes.
2. It should be avoided by lactating women and even during pregnancy.
3. Sarpagandha should also be avoided in case of Parkinson’s disease, peptic ulcers, and bradycardia.