Sarpagandha

SARPAGANDHA

Commonly known as sarpagandha in hindi, this herb is very erect with a smooth stem. The drug consists of the dried roots with their bark intact, preferably collected in autumn from three or four year old plants.

CHARACTERISTICS:

This herb is believed to have been used in Indian system of medicine for about 4,000 years and the same is also mentioned in Charaka’s work. Its roots have been valued in India and Malayan peninsula as an antidote for the bites of poisonous reptiles and insects, since ancient times. It also helps in relieving fever.

In Modern era, this herb was introduced by Dr. Ganpath Sen and Dr. Kartik Chandra Bose, renowned physicians of Calcutta (India). According to them, the roots of this herb contain several alkaloids, the more important being two chemical classes known as the ajmaline and the serpentine group. The quantity of the total alkaloids has been estimated to be fairly high in the dried roots. The roots also contain a lot of resin and starch and when incinerated, leave an ash consisting mainly of potassium carbonate, phosphate, silicate and traces of iron and manganese.

THERAPEUTIC POWERS

This herb is considered to be effective in lowering blood pressure and fever. It also helps in stimulating uterine contractions at the time of delivery.

CARE FOR AILMENTS

• Insanity: Popularly known as pagal-ki-dawa (Medicine for the mentally upset), this herb is very beneficial in relieving insanity. It is majorly sold in Bihar and UP and is commonly used by the practitioners of indigenous system of medicine. This herb may not provide results to some people suffering from this concern; it is highly recommended for those irritable patients who have strong physique. Lean and weak patients should go for blood pressure examination before taking this drug.
• Insomnia: This herb has sedative properties, so it is very useful in relieving insomnia. Some people misuse it to put infant to sleep which is highly not recommended. The very first dose of Sarpagandha enables the patient of phlegmatic and gouty nature to go to sleep. It is non-stimulating and should be given in doses of 0.25 grams to the patient at bedtime for sound sleep. Doctor recommendation is highly advisable before using this dose.
• High Blood Pressure: This herb has been adapted by medical fraternity in most of the countries to relieve high blood pressure, especially in American countries. Those alkaloids which have a direct effect on hypertension have been isolated in it and are widely used by the practitioners of modem medicine. But they have certain unpleasant side effects which the drug taken in its raw form, does not have. Practitioners of the Ayurvedic medicine have preferred to use its root in a powdered form. Half a teaspoon of which taken thrice a day is effective in relieving hypertension.
• Hysteria: Sarpagandha is found beneficial in relieving hysteria. One gram of powdered root can be taken thrice with milk. The management should go in continuation till the patient get a complete relieve.
• Urticaria: This herb relieves itching in Urticaria. One gram of powdered root can be taken with water to relieve the concern.

SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY TIPS WHILE USING SARPAGANDHA

This herb or any other medicine containing this herb is not advisable to ladies who are pregnant or planning to be. Though this herb is Ayurvedic, one must consult a certified practitioner before buying this herb.

PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE SARPAGANDHA