Introduction
In today’s age, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the foremost severe health problem among adults worldwide, accounting for nearly one-third of deaths annually. In most chronic conditions, like heart failure, coronary artery disease, and stroke, hypertension or high blood pressure (BP) is the primary trigger.
Although conventional medications effectively control blood pressure fluctuations, specific natural remedies further support optimal cardiac functions, significantly relieving symptoms of rapid heartbeat, chest discomfort, and palpitations and lowering the risk of severe heart disease.
One miraculous Ayurveda herb is Rauwolfia serpentina, also known as Indian snakeroot or sarpagandha. It is a time-tested solution for tackling hypertension. Moreover, this potent herb is documented in the ancient Ayurvedic manuscript (1000 BC) and monumental works of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridaya for its uses in ameliorating asthma symptoms, healing skin infections, remedying insomnia, anxiety, epilepsy, and panic attacks.
The Rauwolfia Serpentina Plant
Rauwolfia serpentina is an evergreen shrub native to the Indian subcontinent and East Asia. All the parts of the plant, the stem, flower, and bark, possess medicinal qualities, but the roots are predominately utilized to prepare Ayurvedic formulations.
The plant possesses the name sarpagandha, or Indian snakeroot name, due to the plant’s roots twisted and coiled like a snake.
The root extracts contain several bioactive constituents like alkaloids, lectins, flavonoids, rotenones, isoflavones, tannins, and phenols.
How Rauwolfia Serpentina Can Help Manage Hypertension
The alkaloid reserpine present in the root extracts of Rauwolfia serpentina is a valuable agent that helps treat blood pressure and other neurological disorders. It works by slowing down the nervous system’s activity, causing the heart rate to slow and blood vessels to dilate.
Reserpine produces its antihypertensive effect by binding to the catecholamine in the nerve cells, which depresses the central and peripheral nervous systems. These substances are involved in controlling the heart rate, the work of cardiac contractions, and peripheral resistance. It is an excellent natural solution for alleviating hypertension and augmenting heart wellness.
Other Benefits and Therapeutic Uses of R. serpentina
Remedies insomnia
Rauwolfia is laden with alkaloids, which hold solid sedative properties that positively influence an agitated brain, mind, and central nervous system. Hence, it’s a valuable therapy for insomnia as it soothes the mind and promotes deep sleep at night.
Treats fever
The roots of R. serpentina have analgesic and antipyretic properties that help treat high-grade fever besides mitigating muscle pain, weakness, and headaches.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of R. serpentina for hypertension is 250 mg to 2 g daily. One must take it in evenly divided portions as a pure paste or mixed with honey and rose water to lessen the astringent taste. Capsules are also available; you must take up to two capsules daily with water after food.
Precautions
When taken in moderate portions or the prescribed dosage, Rauwolfia serpentina generally does not trigger severe or minor side effects. However, ensure not to consume the herb if you have kidney complaints, hyperacidity, or depression.
In some cases, Rauwolfia serpentina triggers side effects of nasal congestion, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and swelling in the lower legs; hence one must avoid taking the herb if these often occur upon regular intake.
R. Serpentina is not safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women since they induce uterine contractions and influence reproductive hormone levels in the body.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, Rauwolfia serpentina is a remarkable herb packed with potent bio-active compounds that confers great wellness incentives and aid in tackling numerous health anomalies, including high blood pressure. You must ingest the Ayurvedic plant appropriately to prevent any unfavorable side effects and reap the excellent advantages for remedying myriad health issues and uplifting overall well-being.
