Senega

Senega is a herb with the botanical name Polygala senega and
is part of the Polygalaceae family of plants. The plant is native
to the US. The name Senega is thought to come from a tribe of
American Indians of the Seneca tribe. 

The herb is a perennial plant growing to about 30 cm in height. It
develops small leaves and small, pinky-white flowers crowded
together on to a narrow terminal spike. The root is light yellowish
grey in colour up to 1 cm thick. It has an acrid, dry taste with a
smell similar to wintergreen.

Senega is also known as Snake Root, Senega Radix, Rattlesnake
Root, Milkwort and Mountain Flax. Senega should not be confused
with plants of the Aristolochiae family, also commonly called
Snakeroot. Plants of this family have been associated with
life-threatening kidney damage.

INTERACTIONS

Herbal supplements can alter the effects of certain drugs,
including prescription medications. Always tell your Doctor about
any prescription medications, non-prescription medications, herbs
or other dietary supplements you are taking.

• Substances in Senega have been found to reduce blood glucose
  levels so people taking hypoglycaemic drugs (i.e. drugs that lower
  blood sugar levels) such as insulin should avoid using Senega as it
  may cause too large of a drop in blood sugar levels. 
• Senega has been found to stimulate the immune system and cause
  an increase in the production of antibodies, so people taking
  immunosuppressant medications should use Senega cautiously and only
  under the supervision of their Doctor.
• Senega should be avoided during pregnancy

MEDICAL USE

Always consult your Health Care Professional to advise you on
dosages and any possible medical interactions. Senega irritates
mucous membranes promoting a reflex expectorant action, meaning
that it promotes the Mucus production and removal from the
body. 

• European herbalists first learnt to use this herb from the
  Seneca tribe of North American Indians. While the native Americans
  used it as a remedy for rattlesnake bites, European physicians of
  the time used it for the management of bronchitis, whooping cough
  and lung congestion.
• Animal studies have identified a potential beneficial effect of
  saponins in Senega on blood sugar control in non-insulin dependent
  diabetes. One study has also identified a potential immunostimulant
  activity of some isolated constituents of this herb.

PROPERTIES

Emetic (produces vomiting), expectorant, diaphoretic.

NOTES

• People with peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease or
  any disease in which the intestinal mucosa is damaged are advised
  to avoid Senega due to the irritant effect of the saponins.
• The safety of Senega during pregnancy and breastfeeding is yet
  to be established. Medical experts recommend against using this
  herb during pregnancy due to its irritant effects.
• According to A Modern Herbal, overdose of Senega is said to
  cause violent vomiting and purging. Other symptoms include
  heaviness and vertigo, dazzling vision, sneezing, inflammation and
  constriction of the oesophagus, thirst, nausea, mucus vomiting,
  colic, scalding, frothy urine, irritation of the larynx, and
  general debility.