SENEGA (Polygala senega)

DESCRIPTION: Senega is a flowering plant that is part of the milkwort family. Senega is also known as Senega snakeroot, seneca snakeroot, rattlesnake root and mountain flax. Senega is named after the Seneca people, a Native American group who used the plant in the treatment of snake bites. The flower of this plant includes white or greenish rounded flowers and the fruit is a capsule of two hairy black seeds. It’s grown in prairies, woodsides, wet shoreline and riverbank habitat.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Safe for moderate use in the short term when taken by mouth. Unsafe for long term use and can cause stomach irritation, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea and vomiting due to its expectorant qualities.

PARTS USED: root

GENERAL USAGE: An anti-inflammatory and expectorant known to treat lung conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Also used in snake bites. Also used as a diuretic and diaphoretic.

[ back to top ]

DISCLAIMER