Rauwolfia serpentina is also called Sarpagandha or serpent wood. It has various benefits and has a traditional importance in ayurvedic medicine. It has an alkaloid substance called reserpine, which is a powerful sedative, hence it has important medicinal values.
Rauwolfia has medicinal uses in the cure of insomnia, nervousness and hypertension. It is used as a fever relieving medicine. Roots part is mainly used, which contains resin and starch. Roots have a bitter taste, hence it is made into tablet form. Rauwolfia serpentina belongs to Apocynacea family.
Rauwolfia Benefits
Following are some of the benefits of Rauwolfia –
- Insomnia — It is an important medicine in treatment of insomnia as it has sedative properties. Roots powder measuring 0.6 gm to 1.25 gm should taken before going to bed.
- Insanity — The herb is highly beneficial in treatment of insanity. Roots powder measuring 1 gm should be mixed in goat’s milk and taken before going to bed. Before taking the powder, one must ensure to have blood pressure examined. Its consumption is not suitable for people with low blood pressure.
- Hysteria — To counter hysteria, one should take 1 gm powder with milk thrice a day. Treatment should be continued till complete cure.
- High blood pressure – ½ teaspoon of the powder should be taken each day is effective in relieving hypertension. To decrease the blood pressure, it is also administered with rose, arjuna and cardamom.
- Nerves relaxation — It is mixed with licorice, gotu kola, brahmi and jatamamsi to calm down the nerves.
- Tranquilizer — It acts as a an active tranquilizer. Hence, it provides nourishment to nerves and rejuvenates the system.
- Circulatory system — It improves the circulatory system and dilates the blood vessel and allows easy flow of blood.
- Dysmennorhea — It provides relief from dysmennorhea and relieves spasms and intestinal inflammations.
Cautions before taking Rauwolfia
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking the herb.
- It should also not be consumed by asthma and depression patients.
- The medicine is not for ulcers and kidney pains.
