Evidence supporting the use of: Snakeroot (unspecified)
For the health condition: Scratches and Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Snakeroot is a common name used for several different plants, such as Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot), Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia snakeroot), and Polygonum bistorta (bistort or European snakeroot). Across various cultures and herbal traditions, especially in North America and Asia, preparations from snakeroot species have been applied topically or used in poultices for minor wounds, scratches, and abrasions. Historical records from Native American and traditional Ayurvedic medicine mention the use of snakeroot for wound healing, often as a crushed root applied to the skin. However, these uses are mostly based on ethnobotanical accounts and folkloric practice rather than modern clinical research. There is little to no robust scientific evidence confirming the efficacy of snakeroot for treating scratches or abrasions, and the pharmacological properties of various snakeroot species can differ widely (for example, Rauwolfia is known more for its antihypertensive effects). Some species, such as Aristolochia, are even considered potentially toxic. Overall, the use of snakeroot for minor wounds is supported by tradition rather than scientific validation, and the strength of evidence is low.
More about Snakeroot (unspecified)
More about Scratches and Abrasions
Other ingredients used for Scratches and Abrasions
aloe verabayberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chamomile
turmeric
dyer’s woad root
iodine
Japanese sophora
lauric acid
mucin
protease
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
parthenium
chickweed
paederia foetida
lilac
yarrow
moss
oriental arborvitae
tartarian aster
camphor oil
cleavers
wood betony
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
Asclepias cordifolia
acacia
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anserina
Anemone
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Acemannan
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Babchi
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Black spruce
Blackthorn
Bleeding Heart
Bridges' Penstemon
Black-Eyed Susan
Blackbrush
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Begonia fimbristipula
Black Poplar
Bletilla
Barbary matrimony vine
Bush Monkey Flower
Babassu
Black root
Bittersweet
Calochortus
Comfrey
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cattail
Columbine
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Common Zinnia
Cynoglossum grande
Cedar
Campylandra fimbriata
Campsiandra angustifolia
Cranesbill
Chinese Thoroughwax
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Ceanothus integerrimus
Cyanthillium cinereum
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Copaiba Oil
Calyptridium umbellatum
Dragon's Blood
Devil's Club
Dwarf Nettle
Davilla rugosa
Deerbrush
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
European hazel
English Elm
Emu Oil
Elkweed
Eupatorium
Elemi
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Other health conditions supported by Snakeroot (unspecified)
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