Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
Senega
(Polygala senega)
Also know as Snake Root
Botanical Information
A perennial herbaceous plants with 12 to 14" annual stems with 1 to 2" alternate leaves and short spikes of small white flowers.
Working with Senega
Part(s) Used
Root, Rhizome
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb
Senega, or "senega snake root," is a traditional North American remedy, used for centuries by Native American herbalists. The herb became popular in the late 1800s and early 1900s as an effective expectorant and diaphoretic to be used for chronic bronchitis, heavy mucus (catarrh), and asthma.
The related Polygala tenuifolia is used in Chinese medicine to dissolve phlegm that might cause mental and emotional disorders such as nervousness, heart palpitations, insomnia, and anxiety by obstructing the free flow of nutrients, enzymes, and nervous system impulses.
Chinese senega is included in a number of commercially available formulas for "calming the spirit," anxiety, nervousness, and related conditions.
Senega has a taste of ACRID, BITTER and a temperature of WARM.
Cautions
Do not take this herb is you are pregnant or if you have gastritis or gastric ulcers. Not for long-term use.
Conditions treated with Senega
Condition
Treatment Support
Application
Condition
Treatment Support
expectorant
Application
tincture, tea
Condition
Treatment Support
astringent
Application
tea or tincture, diluted as a gargle
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
