Senega Root, Polygala Senega, Senaga Snake Root or Yuan Zhi in Chinese Medicine is a well known natural cough suppressant.
Where it Grows – Senega Root was first used by a Daoist Monk for relaxing the mind and lifting the spirit.
It’s was also used by Native American’s and later used in Europe and in the US for lung problems.
In the US it grows as a weed and has white or pinkish flowers and can grow 2 feet tall… and Senega has a wintergreen smell.
Parts Used – The roots of the Senega plant is dried and made into a powder or chopped into small bits for tea.
Mucus – Senega Root makes a great expectorant that loosen up mucus from the mucus linings of the lungs… thus getting rid of mucus buildup.
Colds and Flues – Senega Root is commonly used for colds and flues where there’s lots of congestion.
Asthma and Bronchitis – Senega Root helps those suffering from asthma and bronchitis by helping with inflammation of the bronchi.
Pneumonia – Senega Root helps with pneumonia by loosening up the thick yellow mucus associated with pneumonia.
Diabetes – Senega Root has also been used to treat those suffering from diabetes because saponins are powerful healing agents for all tissues including the pancreas.
Auto-immune Disease – Senega Root has also been used to treat gout, arthritis, and immune related diseases.
Saponins – Senega Root contains powerful saponins or antioxidants that are important for preventing disease and improving health.
Contains – Senega Root contains saponins such as senegenic acid, senegenin, presenegenin, and polygalic acid all powerful antioxidants.
Anxiety and Sleep – Senega Root helps those suffering from anxiety and stress by helping them to relax and sleep deeply.
Gas – Senega Root also soothes the GI tract and helps with stomach and intestinal gas… and some people used it in combination of baking soda for gas.
Skin – Senega Root is also used topically for treating psoriasis and eczema and other skin irritations.
Anti-Inflammatory – Senega Root helps with inflammation thus getting rid of swelling, redness, and pain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine – It’s said in Traditional Chinese Medicine that Senega Root nourishes the heart and calms the spirit… and Senega Root is used for treating both the heart and the lungs.
Used in – In Europe Senega Root is used in cough syrups and lozenges.
Dose – Most people use 1 to 3 grams of Senega Root each day. Or a teaspoon of the dried Senega Root made into a tea with a cup of hot water… let steep for 10 to 15 minutes, take 3 times a day.
Duration – Senega Root should not be used for more than 7 days.
Side Effects – As with all herbs Senega should not be used by nursing and pregnant mothers. And large doses or prolonged use of Senega might cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
This article is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only, I strongly recommend that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition.. this article not meant to be a scientific analysis in any way, shape, or form.
Dr. Paul Haider – Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 20 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to contact him any time.
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Dr. Paul Haider, Master Herbalist, HH, USA, Senega Root, Mucus, Anti-inflammatory, TCM, Skin, Gas, Anxiety, Sleep, Autoimmune Disease, Saponins, Colds, Flues, Bronchitis, Asthma, Mucus, Pneumonia, Diabetes, Healing for Lungs, Great for Coughs, Gets Rid of Mucus,