Sarpagandha
In Ayurveda, a miraculous herb Sarpagandha, is a time tested solution for tackling hypertension. Sarpagandha is a flowering shrub whose root is highly valuable. Its botanical name is Rauwolfia serpentina. It belongs to Apocynacea family.
Sarpagandha being its classical sanskrit name which literally translates to snake root, since the roots of the plant are twisted and coiled like a snake.
Chemical components –
Sarpagandha root is imbued with a plethora of phytonutrients, with the alkaloid reserpine being widely known for its antihypertensive and antipsychotic effects on the human system.
Effects on Doshas –
Sarpagandha possesses a strong ability to soothe aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas, while stimulating weakened pitta dosha in the body, thus regulating tridoshic balance.
Useful part –
Although all parts of the plant- the stem, flowers, bank possess medicinal qualities, the roots of Sarpagandha are predominantly utilised in preparing traditional Ayurvedic formulations for internal consumption, while the leaves are incorporated into herbal pastes for topical application on snake bites, skin infection and wounds.
Dosage –
• For Hypertension
250 mg – 2gm per day is the maximum dose.
• For Insomnia
250mg -1 gm per day is the maximum dose.
Health Benefits-
• By relaxing the blood vessels and regulating nerve function in the muscles leading to the heart, sarpagandha brings down high blood pressure and facilitates the circulation of blood through the heart passage at a normal, healthy pace.
• It pacifies the mind and promotes deep sleep at night. Moreover, it lowers mental stress and tension.
• It possess analgesic and antipyretic properties as well.
• It helps to treat stomach infections, diarrhoea, and dysentry.
• The crushed leaves and root powder are useful in treating snake bites.
• It also repair damaged tissues in skin infections, injuries and conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea.
• It is also helpful for resolving many health anomalies including asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, anxiety etc.
Side Effects –
• This herb must not be consumed by those with kidney complaints, hyperacidity, depression.
• Sarpagandha triggers side effects of nasal congestion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomitting, swelling in the lower legs, hence its regular intake must be avoided.
• It is also not safe for pregnant and breast feeding because it induces uterine contractions and influence reproductive hormone levels in the body.
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