Serpentina Root Powder

Botanical Name:  Serpentina rauwolfia

Common Name:

• English:  Indian Snakeroot, rauwolfia
• Also, known as:  Acawerya, Aika-Wairey, Akar-Tikos, Arsol, Asrol, Bhudra, Bongmaiza, Chandmaruwa, Chandra, Chandrika, Chotachand, Chotachard, Chundrika, Chundrooshoora, Churmuhuntree, Chuvannayilpuri, Covanamilpori, Covannamipori, Dhanbarua, Dhannerna, Dogrikme, Eiya-Kunda, Ekaweriya, Garudpathal, Hadki, Harkai, Harkaya, Ichneumon Plant, Indian Snakeroot, Indojaboku, Karai, Karavi, Karuvee, Makeshwar Chadrika, Makeshwar Churna, Matavi-Aloos, Nogliever, Nundunee, Pagla-Ka-Dawa, Palalganni, Patalaagandhi, Poelé Pandak, Poeleh Pandak, Pushoomehnunkarika, Ra-Yom, Radix Mungo, Radix Mustelae, Raiz De Mongo Alba, Rametul, Ratekaweriya, Rayom Noi, Rauvolfia, Rauwalfia, Rauwolfia, Rauwolfiawurzel, Sanochado, Sapasan, Sarpagandha, Sarpgandha, Serpentina, Sjouanna-Amelpodi, Snakeroot, Sung, Suvapaval-Amepodi, Talona, Vasoopooshpa, Vasura, Nakuli, Candrika, Chandramarah, Chaandar, Rauvolfia Root, Serpentina, Amelpodee Chhotaa Chaand, Dhavalbaruaa, Sutranaabhu, Amalpori Adkai, Chandra, Dhanbarua, Sanochado, Sarppaganti, Sarpagandhi, Choti Chanda, Choti-chandan, Chhoti Chandan, and Chhotti Chandan

Habitat: Eastern and Western Ghats and in the Andamans

Origin: India

Harvested:  Wild

Parts Used: Root                                                                 

General Information:

Serpentina rauwolfia was used in folk medicine in India for centuries to treat a wide variety of maladies. The plant was mentioned in Indian manuscripts as long ago as 1000 BC and is also known as sarpagandha and Chandrika. The plant was used by many physicians throughout India in the 1940s and then was used throughout the world in the 1950s, including in the United States and Canada.

Serpentina is a perennial undershrub widely distributed in India in the sub-Himalayan tracts up to 1,000 m as well as, in the lower ranges of the Eastern and Western Ghats and in the Andamans. The plant usually grows to a height between 60 and 90 cm and has pale green leaves that are 7 to 10 cm long and 3.5 to 5.0 cm wide. The leaves are elliptical or lanceolate shaped and occur in whorls of 3 to 5 leaves. The plant has many shiny, black or purple, round fruits that are approximately 0.5 cm in diameter. It also has small pink or white flowers. The plant has a prominent tuberous, soft taproot that reaches a length between 30 and 50 cm and a diameter between 1.2 and 2.5 cm.

The Indian political leader Mahatma Gandhi was known to employ Rauwolfia, reportedly using the root to make a tea that he consumed in the evening to help relax after a busy, overstimulated day.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also, for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot. 

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.