Senega

DEFINITION

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 hypo glycaemic 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 immuno suppressant medicatio ns 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.