Snakeroot

Snakeroot" is a common name applied to various unrelated herbs historically used in folk medicine as remedies for snakebites. The most notable variants are White Snakeroot (highly toxic, famous for causing fatal "milk sickness"), Virginia Snakeroot (used in traditional medicine), and Indian Snakeroot. 

Key Types of Snakeroot

• White Snakeroot (Ageratina altissima): A poisonous North American herb containing the toxic alcohol trematol. If cows graze on it, the toxin concentrates in their milk and can cause fatal "milk sickness" in humans who drink it. 
• Virginia Snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria): A native North American perennial whose root was historically chewed as an antidote, stimulant, and diaphoretic. It contains aristolochic acid, which can be highly damaging to the kidneys and increases cancer risks. 
• Indian Snakeroot (Rauvolfia serpentina): An endangered evergreen shrub from Southeast Asia. Its root contains reserpine (used in prescription blood pressure medication) but poses significant side effects if used casually. 

Important Safety Considerations

• While these herbs were historically used by indigenous populations and early settlers for poultices and tonics, modern medical professionals strongly advise against ingesting them without a doctor's supervision.