Senega Herbal Remedies
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.
Senega Proper Dose
| Type | Dossage |
| Senega Decoction | 1/2 to 1 cup 2-3 x daily |
| Senega Tincture | 10 drops to 1 dropperful 2-3 x daily |
Senega Reference Information
| Latin Name | Polygala senega |
| Other Names | Snake Root |
| Part Used | Root, Rhizome |
| Herb Forms | Tincture, bulk herb |
| Affects | Respiratory system |
| Cautions | Do not take this herb is you are pregnant or if you have gastritis or gastric ulcers. Not for long-term use. |
| Botanical Info | A perennial herbaceous plants with 12 to 14" annual stems with 1 to 2" alternate leaves and short spikes of small white flowers. |
Supporting Research
Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
Madaus, G. 1976. Lehrbuch der Biologischen Heilmittel. Hildesheim: Georg Olms Verlag.