Sarpagandha: Plant description
Native to the Indian subcontinent, Sarpagandha is an evergreen flowering shrub belonging to the milkweed family, Apocynaceae, and found extensively in the sub-Himalayan regions. Sarpagandha has whorls of flowers in white, pink or red. The flowers of Sarpagandha bloom between March and May in India.
The leaves, also in whorls, are big with darker ones above and light green ones below. Sarpagandha fruits are shiny, purplish-black and very small and oval. Sarpagandha is found in Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The roots of the Sarpagandha are important for medical purposes.
What are the other names of Sarpagandha?
Sarpagandha is also known as Rauvolfia serpentine, Indian snakeroot, snakeroot and Racine de Serpent.
What is the source of Sarpagandha?
The alkaline reserpine compound is derived from the Sarpagandha root, making this plant essential for medicinal use.
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Benefits of Sarpagandha
Sarpagandha helps in addressing blood sugar levels, hypertension, fever, anxiety, insomnia, digestion and heart activities. Note that always take a reputed doctor’s advice before consuming Sarpagandha. Mentioned below are some of its benefits:
Sarpagandha for hypertension: Sarpagandha powder reduces blood pressure. However, people with low blood pressure should not consume it.
Sarpagandha for fever: As per Ayurveda, a toxic substance, Ama, in the body causes indigestion and fever. This Ama is treated with Sarpagandha, which has Ushna.
Sarpagandha for skin-related problems: Sarpagandha is used for treating skin-related problems like acne and boils.
Sarpagandha for insomnia: Sarpagandha has properties that induce sleep and, sarpagandha combined with other Ayurveda medicines, is trusted to be an answer for insomnia.
What are the benefits of Sarpagandha for Anxiety?
Sarpagandha for anxiety related problems is highly recommended. Anxiety is caused because of an imbalance caused by Vata in the body and Sarpagandha helps in maintain the vata properties in the body.
How effective is Sarpagandha?
Sarpagandha is an effective ayurvedic medicine used to treat lifestyle diseases like diabetes, insomnia, indigestion, blood pressure, stress etc.
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Sarpagandha: How to use it?
While Sarpagandha can be used directly as a root, its available in three forms for easy to use purposes. Sarpagandha can be used in three forms – Sarpagandha powder, Sarpagandha GhanVati and Sarpagandha capsule.
Precautions when using Sarpagandha
Sarpagandha has some side effects. Sarpagandha medicines can cause nausea, headache, ulcers and gallstones when taken without proper medical advice. Pregnant women are advised against consuming sarpagandha. Sarpagandha can also interfere with other medicines and, therefore, must be consumed strictly under a doctor’s supervision.
FAQs
What is the most important part of the Sarpagandha plant?
Roots are the most important part of the Sarpagandha plant.
Where is Sarpagandha found?
Sarpagandha is found extensively in Burma, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
