What Is Rauwolfia Serpentina?
Rauwolfia serpentina is a small, woody shrub that originated in South Asia whose roots contain reserpine, a milky substance used medically for its reported sedative effects. The plant is also known as serpentwood, snakeroot and rauvolfia, among other names. The root extract is thought to have a bitter taste, and some practitioners of herbal medicine advise against using rauwolfia serpentina because of its reported side effects. In India, rauwolfia serpentina is called the insanity herb, because it is used to treat mental disorders such as anxiety, paranoia and nervousness. It is also used as a topical medicine for snakebite and insect stings. Indian folk remedies tout the reserpine from rauwolfia serpentina as a cure for cancer and liver ailments as well, but there is no scientific proof of its efficacy for those diseases.
