Evidence supporting the use of: Snakeroot
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
"Snakeroot" is a common name applied to several different plant species, most notably Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot), Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia snakeroot), and Polygala senega (Seneca snakeroot). In the context of menstrual irregularity, historical and ethnobotanical texts primarily reference Rauwolfia serpentina and, to a lesser extent, Aristolochia serpentaria. Traditional systems of medicine, such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, have used Indian snakeroot for various gynecological complaints, including menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. The justification for its use is therefore primarily traditional, with anecdotal and historical records describing its application to support menstrual health. However, there is limited to no robust scientific evidence from controlled clinical trials supporting its efficacy for menstrual irregularities. Most modern research on snakeroot, especially Rauwolfia serpentina, focuses on its antihypertensive and sedative properties due to the alkaloid reserpine. The use of other "snakeroot" species for menstrual issues is even less substantiated. Overall, while historic and traditional use exists, the absence of modern scientific validation limits the evidence supporting its effectiveness for menstrual irregularity.
Other ingredients used for Menstrual Irregularity
AbrusAbuta
Achyranthes
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Agnuside
Agrimonia pilosa
Agrimony
Ajuga
Akebia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Angelica
anise
Anserina
apple cider vinegar
Ashoka
ashwagandha
Baccharoides anthelmintica
balsam
Bergenia
bethroot
betony
big quaking grass
black cohosh
black gram
Black Hellebore
black pepper
black root
black salt
blackboard tree
Blepharis
blessed thistle
blue cohosh
blue flag
Bupleurum
cactus
calamus
calcium
Calotropis gigantea
cassia bark
chaste tree
chirata
cinquefoil
Clary sage
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cnidium
cohosh
corktree
Corydalis
cowslip
cumin
Cyathula
Didymocarpus
dioscorea
dong quai
dong quai root
elephant\'s head
Erodium cicutarium
Erythropalum scandens
estrogen
Euryale seed
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
false unicorn root
fenugreek
fig
Fumaria parviflora
Japanese sophora
joe-pye
juniper berries
knotgrass
Labisia pumila
Lady's Mantle
lemon balm
Leptadenia
Lesser speargrass
licorice root
little ironweed
Lophira lanceolata
lovage
maca
macaenes
Marjoram
Mentha haplocalyx
Mezoneuron benthamianum
Montanoa tomentosa
Motherwort
Mung bean
Pennyroyal
Pentatropis capensis
Phytoestrogens
Plectranthus amboinicus
Potentilla
prickly ash
Pulsatilla
Qin Jiao
queen of the meadow
red clover
rose
Rubia cordifolia
Rubus
Sanguisorba
Semecarpus anacardium
Semiaquilegia
shepherd's purse
Snakeroot
Southernwood
Speedwell
Spikenard
Szechuan lovage
Tarragon
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Turtle Head
Viburnum
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
Vitex Agnus-Castus
Wild yam
Wood betony
Yarrow
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Snakeroot
Abdominal PainArthritis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Snake Bite
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
