Sarpagandha in Traditional Medicine: Healing Powers and Potential Hazards

Present in the sub-Himalayan regions of India, the Sarpagandha plant is a plant which is known for its excellent medical properties. In Sanskrit, the plant is also known as the ‘Indian Snakeroot’, since its roots are twisted like a snake. 

Just like the numerous medical benefits that the plant has, it also has numerous names; however, the most important name that you need to know is Rauvolfia serpentina, the scientific name of the plant. Additionally, you will also find people referring to the plant as the ‘Devil’s Pepper plant’ or ‘Serpentinite wood’. Apart from India, it is also present in neighbouring nations like Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand. 

The astonishing medicinal properties of this plant attract numerous people, which is why we are also going to inform you about the Sarpagandha plant uses and its potential side effects. 

History and origins of the Sarpagandha plant

Eight of the nearly 130 Rauwolfia plant species live in India. These plants have traditionally been used to cure wounds, bites, and several ailments. The Indian Snakeroot was one of the first plants to be noted in traditional Indian medical knowledge as a cure for psychological disorders. 

One of them, schizophrenia, is a disorder that often produces several hallucinations impacting touch, sight, and hearing. Given this name, which is believed to have arisen from a link between “madness” and the moon, the plant—called Chandra or the Moon in many Indian tongues—is given this name. In Patna and Bihar, the herb was also sold under the term “Pagla-ka-dawa,” which means “medicine for the mad. “

What are the medical properties of the Sarpagandha Plant?

There are numerous illnesses that can be treated and cured using the Indian Snakeroot plant’s purported healing properties. Among the benefits of this plant are, according to common knowledge:

• Can assist in improving blood sugar levels 
• Has sedative properties 
• Has antibacterial effects 
• Can assist in improving and balancing the rhythm of the heart 
• It is also equipped with laxative properties 
• Can improve digestion 
• Has anti-diarheal effects 
• Can be positive for schizophrenia 

Exploring the Side Effects of the Sarpagandha Plant 

While the Sarpagandha plant has numerous medical properties, it also has certain side effects that you need to know about if you are thinking about consuming the plant.  

1. Difficulty breathing 
2. Chest pain
3. Rashes on the skin
4. Symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s Disease
5. Nausea and vomiting 
6. Headache 
7. Abdominal pain 
8. Loss of appetite
9. Diarrhea
10. Drowsiness and convulsions

It is important for you to remember these side effects and keep in mind that Sarpagandha should not be consumed without the advice and instructions of a professional. 

Benefits of Sarpagandha

Lowers High Blood Pressure

The main advantage of sarpagandha is that it has antihypertensive qualities.
How it works: By relaxing the central nervous system and widening blood vessels, the alkaloid reserpine lowers blood pressure.

Promotes Nervous System Calm

It serves as a natural tranquilizer and sedative that is beneficial for: Sleeplessness Fear mild depression used historically to encourage mental serenity and improved sleep.

Aids in the Management of Mental Health Issues

It is used in the past to treat: Schizophrenia Anxiety Aggressive conduct Studies conducted in the middle of the 20th century revealed that sarpagandha had antipsychotic properties, although more recent medications have essentially supplanted it in modern medicine.

Assists with Sleeplessness

It works well to treat sleep disturbances because of its sedative and hypnotic properties. When taken as directed, it encourages deeper, more restful sleep with few adverse effects.

Source: Nature Care Ayurveda