Sarpgandha is a highly useful medicinal plant that naturally grows in forests. However, these days it is easily available at plant nurseries and can also be ordered online if one knows how to identify it properly. The plant produces beautiful flowers and fruits in clusters, which also makes it serve well as an ornamental garden plant. It got the name Sarpgandha because its roots resemble the shape of a snake. The key identifying features of this plant are its jasmine-like leaves along with its clustered flowers and fruits. The medicinal properties of this plant, its various uses, and whether snakes and scorpions stay away from it are explored in detail below.
Plant Structure And Scientific Identification
The scientific name of the Sarpgandha plant is Rauvolfia serpentina. In different parts of India, it is also known by other names such as Chandrabhaga and Patalgandha. It is a bushy shrub that remains green throughout the year. Reaching a height of 60 to 90 centimeters, the plant features long, smooth, and deep green leaves. Its flowers are small and white or light pink in color. The roots possess the highest medicinal value. People can easily grow this plant in pots or gardens at their homes.
Cultivation, Market Prices And Yield Details
At plant nurseries, a Sarpgandha plant is priced between 150 rupees and 300 rupees. After 18 months, which is a full year and a half, its roots are dried and sold in the market because they become usable only after this period. The roots sell in the market at a rate of 600 to 800 rupees per kilogram. Many farmers cultivate this crop commercially. By maintaining a distance of 6 to 8 inches between plants, around 20,000 plants can be grown in a single acre. The roots of the Sarpgandha plant sell at very high prices, sometimes even reaching 70,000 rupees per quintal. It is sold in large quantities at the Neemuch mandi in Madhya Pradesh. Cultivating one bigha of land requires two kilograms of seeds.
This plant can be planted during the months of June, July, and August. It grows easily in all types of soil except murram soil. It does not require excessive watering, meaning it thrives outside of rocky soil cultivation. Fertilizers containing potash and phosphorus are needed. As a rare plant species, it should be fed with decomposed cow dung manure from time to time to ensure good growth. However, the plant does not require heavy amounts of water or fertilizers. The roots are dried and ground into a powder, which is then utilized in manufacturing various types of medicines.
Primary Medicinal Uses And Precautions
Sarpgandha is primarily used in treating conditions such as insomnia, which is the inability to sleep, and hypertension, meaning high blood pressure. Half a teaspoon of this root powder is consumed along with lukewarm water. Medicines for epilepsy and mental equilibrium are also prepared from its roots. It is considered beneficial during digestive disorders and snakebite situations. It helps keep the body calm and balanced. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children must completely avoid consuming Sarpgandha. The root powder should under no circumstances be consumed in excess, and intake should always be guided by a doctor's advice.
Skin Conditions, Stomach Issues And The Snake Myth
A paste made from the root of Sarpgandha is applied to treat itching, boils, and wounds due to its natural antiseptic properties. Sarpgandha provides relief from intestinal worms, diarrhea, and dysentery. It balances the digestive system and soothes the intestines. According to traditional beliefs, snakes stay away due to the sharp, bitter odor of the Sarpgandha plant, but this claim is not true. In reality, when the leaves of the plant are rubbed or crushed by hand, a peculiar and pungent smell emerges. Without being plucked, the leaves do not carry any heavy fragrance, but crushing them clearly releases a distinct odor. Therefore, snakes do not run away from this plant. It is merely a myth and the claim holds no truth.
