Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina)

About

• Rauvolfia serpentina, the Indian snake root, devil pepper, or serpentine wood, is a species of flower in the milkweed family Apocynaceae.
• It is native to the Indian subcontinent and East Asia.
• Rauvolfia is a perennial under shrub widely distributed in India in the sub-Himalayan regions up to 1,000 metres.

Planting

Sow Sarpagandha seeds on raised beds of 1.5 ft widths, 150-200 mm height and of convenient length. Nursery beds are sown in the month of April and are irrigated first before sowing. Germination of seedlings starts within 30-35 days.

 Care

• Do weeding followed by hoeing to keep the field weed free.
• In initial i.e. first year two weeding are done and in next i.e. second year one weeding followed by one hoeing is done at growing period of plant.
• If flowering starts in initial period, flowers should be nipped to raise root growth.

Uses

• Plant extracts of Sarpagandha has been used to treat colic, cholera and fever.
• The roots of this plant have been used for treating poisonous insect stings and snake bites.
• Its roots have also been used to stimulate uterine contractions and promote expulsion of the fetus during delivery.

Disclaimer : The image is for reference purposes only. The actual product may vary in shape or appearance based on climate, age, height, etc.

Disclaimer : The image is for reference purposes only. The actual product may vary in shape or appearance based on climate, age, height, etc.