Sarpagandha: Indian Snakeroot Medicinal Uses

Sarpagandha, also known as Rauwolfia serpentina, is an ancient medicinal plant native to India and Southeast Asia. It has a long history of use in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India. The plant has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including hypertension, mental disorders, and digestive issues. Sarpagandha is also used in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and depression. In recent years, scientific studies have revealed the potential benefits of Sarpagandha in treating a range of health conditions. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, and anti-anxiety properties. It may also be beneficial in improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of stroke. This post will discuss the potential health benefits of Sarpagandha. We will look at its traditional uses, the scientific evidence for its efficacy, and how it is used in Ayurvedic medicine. We will also discuss the potential side effects and how to use this herb safely. Finally, we will provide some tips for choosing and using Sarpagandha.

Interesting Facts

• It is a perennial herb native to India, Iran and Pakistan.
• The botanical name is Rauwolfia serpentina.
• The active ingredient of Sarpagandha is reserpine, which is used to treat high blood pressure, mental disorders, and some forms of cancer.
• Sarpagandha has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.
• It is believed to have sedative and calming effects.
• Studies have shown that it can reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
• Sarpagandha is also used as an aphrodisiac and to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other mental disorders.
• It is also known as Indian Snakeroot, and its extract is used in cosmetics, perfumes, and aromatherapy.

Nutrition Facts and Calories Chart

Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina) is a medicinal plant native to India. It is a rich source of many essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Specifically, it contains high levels of vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains compounds like reserpine, which have been studied for their potential health benefits. Additionally, sarpagandha is a source of the antioxidant quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation, protect the heart, and even improve mental health. Nutritional value per 100 g sarpagandha powder:

• Biotin: 0.05 ug
• Calcium: 15.2 mg
• Carbohydrates (Carbs): 33.7 g
• Chloride: 17.3 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Choline: 0.1 mg
• Chromium: 0.3 ug
• Copper: 0.2 mg
• Dietary Fiber: 0.7 g
• Energy (Calories): 127 kcal
• Fat: 0.2 g
• Iodine: 0.1 ug
• Iron: 2.5 mg
• Magnesium: 39.7 mg
• Manganese: 0.3 mg
• Molybdenum: 0.2 ug
• Pantothenic Acid: 0.4 mg
• Phosphorus: 85.8 mg
• Potassium: 469.3 mg
• Protein: 4.8 g
• Saturated fat: 0.1 g
• Selenium: 0.4 ug
• Sodium: 18.3 mg
• Sugars: 0.1 g
• Vitamin A: 0 IU
• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.12 mg
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.07 mg
• Vitamin B3 (Niacin): 0.5 mg
• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): 0.4 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.1 mg
• Vitamin B9 (Folate / Folic Acid): 24.5 ug
• Vitamin B12: 0 ug
• Vitamin C: 0 mg
• Vitamin D: 0 IU
• Vitamin E: 0.7 mg
• Vitamin K: 0.1 ug
• Water: 6.0 g
• Zinc: 0.7 mg

Ashwagandha vs Sarpagandha

Both ayurvedic herbs belonging to the same family, but they have distinct differences. Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that is used to reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle. It is also used to boost energy, reduce inflammation, and improve cognitive function. On the other hand, Sarpagandha is an herb used to treat high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety. It is also used to treat fevers, headaches, and jaundice.

Sarpagandha and Indian Ayurveda

Indian Snakeroot is an ancient medicinal plant native to India, with benefits – reducing blood pressure, calming the nerves, and treating anxiety and insomnia. Sarpagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in India to treat a variety of health issues. It is also used to treat respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis and mental illnesses such as depression. The root of the plant is used to make a decoction or powder and is taken orally to treat various ailments. In the ancient Indian medical system, it was also used to treat snakebites and scorpion stings. In modern times, Sarpagandha is used to treat high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia. It has also been used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, as well as its ability to reduce pain and inflammation. As with all Ayurvedic medicines, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before taking any supplements or herbs. What are the other names of sarpagandha?

• Scientific Binomial: Rauvolfia serpentina
• Common English: Indian snakeroot / Devil-pepper
• Ayurvedic: Sarpagandhaa / Naakuli
• Unani: Chhotaa Chaand
• Sanskrit: Chandramara / Dhavalavitapa
• Hindi / Urdu: Chandrabagha / Chota chand / Nagulakand
• Bengali: Chota chand / Chandara
• Marathi: Harkaya / Harki / Adakayi
• Telugu: Paataala garuda / Paataala goni / Dumparasna / Patalagandhi
• Tamil: Chivan amelpodi / Covannamilpori
• Gujarati: Nolvel / Norbal / Amelpadi / Amelpodi
• Kannada: Patalagondhi / Sarpagandhi / Shivavabhiballi / Sutranavi
• Malayalam: Chuvanna-vilpori / Suvapavalforiyan / Chuvannavilpuri / Tulunni
• Oriya: Dhanbarua / Sanochado / Patalgarur
• Punjabi / Sindhi:
• Assamese:
• Kashmiri:
• Konkani:
• Manipuri:
• Dogri:
• Bhojpuri:

Sarpagandhaa of Ayurvedic texts was not the Sarpagandhaa of modern medicine. In classical Ayurvedic texts, Nakuli and Gandha-naakuli were included in compound formulations for mental diseases. It is a wrong notion that Rauvolfia serpentina has been employed in India for the relief of various central nervous system disorders, both psychic and motor, including anxiety states, excitement, maniacal behaviour associated with psychosis, schizophrenia, insanity, insomnia and epilepsy. There is no mention of Sarpagandhaa in Charaka Samhitaa. Sarpagandhaa was equated with Naakuli, Sarpachhatrikaa and Varshaasu Chhatrikaaraa. Sarpagandhaa and Sarpasugandhaa were synonyms of Naakuli. Sushruta considered Naakuli and Sarpagandhaa as one drug. Rauvolfia serpentina, as a medicinal plant, was first recorded in Europe in 1785 but its efficacy was not screened until 1946. It was tried in modern medicine to lower high blood pressure and for controlling symptoms of mental illness.

Recent Research

Recent research on Sarpagandha (Indian Snakeroot) has focused on its potential as an herbal treatment for hypertension. Studies suggest that it may be effective in reducing blood pressure levels and improving heart health. Other studies have looked at its potential use in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Research has also found that it may have anti-cancer properties, as well as anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-bacterial effects. Additionally, research has suggested that Sarpagandha may have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects.

Sarpagandha Medicinal Health Benefits

It is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, mental stress, and other conditions. It is also used to treat certain heart conditions, such as angina and arrhythmia. Sarpagandha is typically taken orally in the form of a tablet, powder, or extract. Take Sarpagandha with a full glass of water, approximately 30 minutes before meals. It is important to take the recommended dosage and not to exceed the recommended dosage as it can have serious side effects. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking Sarpagandha. What is sarpagandha medicine for? What is the main medicinal use of the sarpagandha plant?

1. Hypertension: It is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and hypertension. Studies have found that the herb helps reduce the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, resulting in a decrease in the risk of heart-related ailments.
2. Anxiety and Stress: Sarpagandha is known to have calming effects on the brain and nervous system, making it an effective treatment for anxiety, stress, and mental health issues. It helps reduce the intensity of mental and emotional stress, and also improves sleep quality.
3. Insomnia: It is known to help treat insomnia due to its sedative properties. It helps reduce the time taken to fall asleep and also promotes restful and refreshing sleep.
4. Improves Cognitive Function: Sarpagandha is known to improve cognitive function, including memory and concentration. Studies have found that the herb helps improve mental clarity and focus, making it ideal for students and those who need to stay mentally sharp.
5. Arthritis and Joit Pain: Sarpagandha has anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce inflammation in the body. It is known to help treat joint pain and arthritis, as well as other inflammatory conditions.
6. Fever: Sarpagandha is beneficial for fever. It helps to reduce fever by increasing perspiration and promoting cooling of the body. It can be taken as a decoction or in the form of powder. It also helps to reduce inflammation, pain and body ache associated with fever, and provides relief from headache.
7. Vitiligo: Sarpagandha has been used for centuries for the treatment of various skin disorders, including vitiligo. It has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that help to reduce the symptoms associated with vitiligo, such as white patches on the skin. It can also be used to enhance the effectiveness of other treatments for vitiligo.
8. Filariasis: Sarpagandha has anti-filarial properties and helps to reduce the symptoms of filariasis. It helps to reduce the swelling of the legs and arms, reduces the pain, decreases the intensity of the fever, and decreases the number of microfilariae in the blood. It also helps to reduce the recurrence of symptoms and can help to prevent further spread of the disease.

Indian Snakeroot for High Blood Pressure

Sarpagandha is a strong remedy for reducing blood pressure, sedating the nervous system and inducing sleep. Sarpagandha literally means snake smelling and it is renowned as an antidote for poisonous snake bites. Use of sarpagandha is banned in many countries. Especially in UK it is either banned, off limits to herbalists or dosage is regulated. Its affinity for the blood takes it directly to the heart. It swiftly dilates the blood vessels, causing high blood pressure to drop and the heart rate to reduce. Use drop-by-drop doses until the blood pressure has reduced. If the dose is wrong it can cause hypotension and lead to giddiness and sleepiness. It is a symptomatic remedy that treats the high blood pressure via the nervous system and so benefits high blood pressure caused by high vata and arteriosclerosis. It is a wonderful brain tonic and benefits insomnia and agitation. Reserpine, a main contain found in root and bark, is hypotensive and tranquilizer, used for certain forms of mental disorders. Sarpagandha combines well with Arjuna, cardamom, rose to benefit in high blood pressure and palpitations. Herbal combination of Indian Snakeroot made with jatamamsi, brahmi, licorice, gotu kola helps in nervous conditions.

Side Effects

It can cause a range of side effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, tiredness, increased heart rate, and reduced blood pressure. It can also cause allergic reactions in some people. Long-term use of sarpagandha may lead to increased risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and liver damage. If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking sarpagandha and seek medical attention immediately. Who should not take Sarpagandha? Few precautions to take bedore taking Sarpagandha:

• Consult your doctor before taking Sarpagandha. It is important to ascertain whether taking Sarpagandha is safe for you.
• Tell your doctor about all other medications that you are taking as Sarpagandha may interact with them.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid taking Sarpagandha.
• People with a history of heart problems or high blood pressure should not take Sarpagandha.
• It is advised to not take Sarpagandha if you are on any kind of antidepressant or mood-stabilizing medications.
• People with liver or kidney problems should also avoid taking Sarpagandha.
• Do not take Sarpagandha if you are suffering from any kind of infection.
• Talk to your doctor if you experience any kind of side effects while taking Sarpagandha.

How to grow Sarpagandha?

India is the major producer of Sarpagandha. It is also cultivated in Nepal, Bangladesh and some parts of Africa. It is a hardy, evergreen, medicinal shrub that grows best in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates. Plant growth prefers a warm, humid climate and grows best in partial to full shade. The soil should be well drained and nutrient-rich, with a pH level between 5.0 and 6.5. Sarpagandha is drought tolerant but should be watered regularly during dry periods. Sarpagandha can be grown in pots or containers. Choose a pot with adequate drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix. Sarpagandha prefers a sunny spot and regular watering.

1. Purchase sarpagandha seeds from a local nursery or online.
2. Prepare the planting area by tilling the soil. Make sure it is free of debris and has good drainage.
3. Plant the seeds 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Space them 4-6 inches apart.
4. Water the area and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. Place a thin layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture.
6. Prune the sarpagandha plants in early spring to promote air circulation and to keep them from becoming too leggy.
7. Monitor the plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases. Treat the plants if necessary.
8. Harvest the sarpagandha roots in the fall when the leaves start to die back. Dry them for a few days before using.
9. The root of sarpagandha is the part that is most commonly used medicinally. To use it for medicinal purposes, the root can be ground into a fine powder.

Best Sarpagandha Products

Which medicine made from sarpagandha? Research the product you are considering. Read reviews and compare the product’s ingredients to make sure it has the right mix of compounds to meet your needs. Before purchasing any Sarpagandha product, carefully read the label and look for information about the manufacturer’s quality standards, dosage, and any potential side effects or contraindications. If you are taking any medication, speak to your doctor before taking a Sarpagandha product to make sure it won’t interfere with your current treatment.

1. Patanjali Sarpagandha Churna: This churna is made from the extracts of Sarpagandha root. It helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It also helps in improving cognitive performance.
2. Organic India Sarpagandha Capsules: These capsules contain pure, natural, and organic extracts of Sarpagandha root. They are an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety, and hypertension.
3. Himalaya Sarpagandha Tablets: These tablets are made from the extracts of Sarpagandha root and have been clinically proven to reduce anxiety and hypertension. They also help in improving cognitive performance.
4. Baidyanath Sarpagandha Churna: This churna is a perfect blend of natural herbs and spices. It helps reduce stress, anxiety, and hypertension. It also helps in improving cognitive performance.
5. Zandu Sarpagandha Churna: This churna is made from the extracts of Sarpagandha root, which helps in reducing stress and anxiety. It also helps in improving cognitive performance. 

Note: Check the legal status of using this herb as it is subject to various rulings in different countries. It is banned for use in the UK unless prescribed by a doctor. Only use under the guidance of a trained herbalist as misuse can cause severe reactions.