Senega Snakeroot
Polygala senega
PLANT NAME
Senega Snakeroot
COMMON NAMES
Seneca Snakeroot, Milkwort, Mountain Flax.
BOTANICAL NAME
Polygala senega
IDENTIFICATION
A small perennial herb with slender, unbranched stems and alternate, lance-shaped leaves. Produces dense, spike-like racemes of small, white to greenish flowers. The root is knotty with a distinctive ridge or "keel."
IDENTIFICATION IMAGE
AI ART TO BE GENERATED
PARTS TRADITIONALLY USED
Dried root.
CULINARY USES
Not used as a food.
TRADITIONAL USES
Originally used by the Seneca tribe as a remedy for snakebites. Later widely adopted in Western herbalism as a powerful stimulating expectorant for chronic bronchitis, asthma, and lingering coughs.
GROWING / HARVESTING
Native to woods and prairies of central and eastern North America. Roots are harvested in the autumn. It is at-risk in many areas due to overharvesting and habitat loss.
SAFETY / CAUTION
Contains irritating saponins. Can cause gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and vomiting in large doses. Contraindicated in pregnancy and for individuals with peptic ulcers or inflammatory bowel conditions. Always consult your doctor before using this or any herbal remedy.
RELATED PLANTS
Other Polygala species (e.g., Polygala tenuifolia used in TCM).