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Sarpagandha, also known as ‘Indian snakeroot’, ‘Chandrabhaga’, or ‘Chhota Chandis’, is a medicinal plant found in the Himalayan foothills. Its long, snake-like roots are rich in reserpine alkaloids, commonly used in medicines for high blood pressure and as sedatives. In Ayurveda and other traditional practices, Sarpagandha is used to treat various conditions such as hypertension, anxiety, and insomnia. Additionally, it helps with snake and insect bites, fever, constipation, and malaria and is believed to benefit liver health, rheumatoid arthritis, oedema, and epilepsy. The herb also acts as a uterine stimulant, aiding contractions.
However, consuming Sarpagandha can have mild side effects due to small amounts of harmful components like yohimbine. High doses may lead to heart issues such as bradycardia (slow heart rate) and low blood pressure. Prolonged use could cause depression in some individuals. To know more about Sarpagandha, read on to:
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Did You Know?
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Health Benefits of Sarpagandha
Here are some of the advantages of Sarpagandha:
1. Effectively Lowers High BP
Sarpagandha root derivatives in powder form are an excellent natural remedy for the symptoms of hypertension. Sarpagandha lowers high blood pressure and promotes normal, healthy blood circulation through the heart's channels by relaxing blood vessels and controlling nerve activity in the muscles that go to the heart. As a result, it is a very useful herbal treatment for lowering blood pressure and improving heart health.
2. Sarpagandha For Better Sleep
Sarpagandha, sometimes called Nidra Janak or the "sleep generator," is well known for its capacity to lower stress and enhance sleep quality. It works especially well for Vata-type insomnia, which is characterised by difficulty falling asleep because of a restless or nervous mind.
According to research, Sarpagandha may assist in extending sleep duration and reducing daytime fatigue. Its non-addictive nature, which means it doesn't cause dependency, is one of its noteworthy advantages. Because of this, sarpagandha is a useful natural medication for people who want to relax and sleep better without running the risk of developing a dependency.
3. Sarpagandha for Constipation
If you have less than three bowel motions per week, you may suffer from constipation. The plant Sarpagandha, often known as Indian snakeroot, has laxative qualities that can help relieve constipation.
4. Sarpagandha is Good for Diabetes
The herb sarpagandha can help diabetic individuals maintain normal blood sugar levels. According to Ayurveda, diabetes, also called Madhumeha, is caused by a vata imbalance and poor digestion. Insulin function is hampered by impaired digestion, which causes an accumulation of Ama (toxic residues left in the body from poor digestion) in the pancreatic cells.
Because of its Deepan (appetiser) and Pachan (digestive) properties, ashwagandha aids in correcting defective digestion. This lowers Ama and enhances insulin action, aiding in regulating elevated blood sugar levels.
5. Treats High-Grade Fever
Due to their abundance of plant-based antioxidant elements, sarpagandha roots also have analgesic and antipyretic qualities. Therefore, when experiencing a high fever, consuming a mixture of sarpagandha root powder and coconut water effectively lowers body temperature to a normal range while also reducing headaches, muscle soreness, and weakness.
6. Sarpagandha For Hypertension
Sarpagandha is often found in Ayurvedic tablets for managing blood pressure or hypertension due to its vasodilator properties. These help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Sarpagandha also aids in reducing cholesterol levels and can support an increase in BMI.
Studies indicate that Sarpagandha can effectively lower blood pressure within 2-4 weeks, though this varies based on the patient's condition and dosage. It is generally safe for use over a year without side effects. However, if you stop taking Sarpagandha, its benefits typically fade within approximately two weeks. This natural remedy is valued for promoting cardiovascular health and aiding long-term blood pressure management.
7. Pacifies Stomach Infections
Sarpagandha contains a wealth of bioactive components with potent antibacterial capabilities. Therefore, in addition to lowering the frequency of loose stools and controlling bowel movements, taking the root extract of this herb with warm water and honey helps treat stomach infections, diarrhoea, and dysentery by inhibiting bacteria and pathogens that live in the gut and enhancing digestion and metabolism.
Sarpagandha Side Effects
When used in modest amounts or as directed regularly, sarpagandha usually does not cause any mild or serious adverse effects. However, people who have depression, hyperacidity, or kidney problems should not take this plant.
Sarpagandha can occasionally cause adverse effects such as nasal congestion, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, and lower leg swelling; therefore, if these symptoms frequently occur after regular use, the herb should be avoided.
Additionally, because Sarpagandha formulations affect the body's levels of reproductive hormones and cause uterine contractions, they are not safe for use by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Sarpagandha Effect on Doshas
Sarpagandha root has properties that can balance and regulate the three body energies of vata, pitta, and kapha. Its bitter taste can calm aggravated vata and kapha, while its heat-generating ability stimulates weakened pitta.
Its root, which has a dry quality and sharp taste after digestion, is loaded with medicinal properties. It can lower blood pressure, have a sedative/calming effect, reduce anxiety, fight germs, and decrease inflammation. This plant root can regulate body energies to promote well-being in multiple ways.
How to Use Sarpagandha?
- To use Sarpagandha powder, take 1-2 grams or follow your physician's advice. Mix it with lukewarm water or milk and consume it daily after meals.
- For Sarpagandha Vati (tablet), take one tablet as your doctor prescribes. Swallow it with lukewarm water twice daily after meals.
- If you are using Sarpagandha capsules, take one capsule twice a day or as directed by an Ayurvedic physician. Swallow it with lukewarm water, preferably after meals.
- These forms of Sarpagandha are simple to use and help support overall wellness. Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance to ensure safe and effective use.
Who Should Avoid Sarpagandha
Certain people should not consume Sarpagandha:
- Nursing Mothers and Expectant Mothers: Sarpagandha is not advised for nursing or expectant mothers.
- Children: Children should not take Sarpagandha.
- Alcoholics: Sarpagandha should also be avoided by those who use alcohol.
Interactions with Other Drugs
Sarpagandha root can interact with many other medicines, possibly causing harmful effects. Taking it with blood pressure medications may lower blood pressure too much. Combining it with blood thinners creates higher chances of bruising and bleeding.
It can also dangerously drop blood sugar when taken with diabetes drugs. Using sarpagandha with antidepressants may change how well they work. Avoid mixing it with stimulants and certain liver-metabolized drugs. Given the possible interactions, it is vital to discuss using ashwagandha with a healthcare provider to promote safety and effectiveness.
Sarpagandha root can help manage high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep issues, and other lifestyle conditions. However, it may also cause side effects and interact with other medications. To ensure its safe, effective use, individuals should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional beforehand.
By following these guidelines, people can maximise Sarpagandha's benefits while minimising its risks. Careful, informed use allows this potent herb to be therapeutic.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, sarpagandha is an amazing herb that is full of potent bioactive chemicals that provide incredible wellness benefits and help treat a variety of medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, sleeplessness, and skin infections. To avoid any negative side effects and benefit from the many health benefits this Ayurvedic plant offers for treating a wide range of ailments and improving general well-being, it must be taken in the right amounts and applied to the skin cautiously.
FAQs
1. What is the Sarpagandha plant used for?
Sarpagandha has long been utilised as a treatment for some cardiovascular conditions. In clinical research, Sarpagandha extract, called Alseroxylon, was proven to manage coronary artery disease and lessen angina symptoms.
2. Can Sarpagandha cause depression?
Although most adverse effects appear minor, large dosages may result in slow heartbeat and low blood pressure. Depression might result from prolonged use.
3. Is Sarpagandha safe to use for everyone?
Despite its long history in Ayurvedic medicine, sarpagandha should only be used sparingly and under a doctor's supervision, especially when controlling blood pressure. Sarpagandha may cause adverse consequences. Thus, people with low blood pressure, depression, peptic ulcer disease, or those on medicine for mental health issues should stay away from it.
4. Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use Sarpagandha?
Sarpagandha may impact mood and blood pressure, so women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid using it. Sarpagandha's safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well investigated, so it is not advised to use it in these populations without first speaking with a healthcare provider.
References:
- Sarpagandha root derivatives in powder form are an excellent natural remedy for the symptoms of hypertension. (https://highereducation.mp.gov.in)
- Sarpagandha, sometimes called Nidra Janak or the "sleep generator," is well known for its capacity to lower stress and enhance sleep quality (https://highereducation.mp.gov.in).
- The herb sarpagandha can help diabetic individuals maintain normal blood sugar levels. (https://highereducation.mp.gov.in)
- Studies indicate that Sarpagandha can effectively lower blood pressure within 2-4 weeks, though this varies based on the patient's condition and dosage. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
