Sarpagandha
Common Name: Sepentina root, Black Snakeroot, Rauwolfia Root, Serpentine Root, Chandrika
Botanical Name: Rauwolfia serpentina
Active Agents: Ajmaline, ajmalicine, indobine, indobinine, ajmalimine, serpentine, serpentinine deserpidine, reserpine, reserpiline, rescinnamine, rescinnamidine and yohimbine
Uses of Sarpagandha
Insomnia: Sarpagandha is an excellent sedative if taken in doses of 0.25 grams.
High Blood Pressure: Half a teaspoon can be taken thrice daily can effectively relieve hypertension.
Hysteria and Insanity: In certain parts of North India, sarpagandha is known as pagal-ki-dawa (medicine for the mentally ill). Drink one gram with milk thrice daily.
Urticaria: Take one gram of the root powder to treat urticaria or hives.