VIRGINIA SNAKEROOT
Anstolochza serpentaria
COMMON NAMES: Red River snakeroot, Texas snakeroot, sangrel, sangree root, birthwort, serpentaria.
FEATURES: Virginia snakeroot is a perennial plant found in hilly woods of Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio,
Indiana, and Kentucky, and the southern states of Louisiana and Texas. The root is fibrous and of a brown
color, has numerous stem scars, and bears a dense tress of branching roots about 3 inches long with a
gingery, aromatic, identifiable fragrance, bitter taste. The one or more erect, zigzag, jointed stems are 1–2
feet high, with a purplish color near the plant’s base. The leaves are oblong and about 3 inches long and 1
inch wide. June and July find the few purple or dull brown flowers in bloom, attached to short stems that
come from the root.
SOLVENTS: Alcohol, boiling water.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Stimulant, diaphoretic, anodyne, antispasmodic, tonic, nervine.
USES: The action of Virginia snakeroot is so prompt that it has a great reputation for snakebite, hence its
name. This is a pure stimulant whose action is mainly employed in diverting the flow of blood outward;
for this reason it is largely employed in eruptive diseases before the appearance of outward
manifestations are noticed. It rids the system of any offending matter by producing perspiration and
supporting the vital forces. As a nerve stimulant it acts very promptly and is much used in depressed or
exhausted conditions of the nervous system, especially in the latter stages of smallpox, scarlet fever, and
pneumonia. The influence on the circulation will also be felt by the whole arterial system as the heart’s
impulse becomes stronger and fuller. Suppressed menstruation due to colds will be brought about by 5–10
drops of Virginia snakeroot tincture in pennyroyal tea. Also for cold extremities of hands and feet due to
general receding of blood from the surface. The cold infusion is used for strengthening purposes; it may
be drunk freely and is often employed with good effect in dyspepsia, croup, throat and kidney congestion,
and renal torpor. In proper doses it stimulates appetite and digestion in indicated conditions.
CAUTION: Large doses can cause vomiting, vertigo, and respiratory paralysis.