Rauwolfia

Rauvolfia serpentina

Evidence: BFamily: Apocynaceae

Pregnancy:AvoidNursing:AvoidChildren:Avoid

Rauwolfia quickly lowers blood pressure in acute situations through its chief alkaloid reserpine, which relaxes blood vessels around the heart. Also used as a mild relaxant and sedative.

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Safety Quick Reference

Pregnancyunsafe

Breastfeedingunsafe

Pediatricnot recommended

Contraindications: Excessive dosages can induce trembling and convulsions; should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

Interactions: May interact with blood pressure medications and sedatives

Drug & Medication Interactions

If you take any medications, review these interactions carefully.

Known Interactions

May interact with blood pressure medications and sedatives

Contraindications

Excessive dosages can induce trembling and convulsions; should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

Surgery Warning

Caution due to hypotensive effects

Check Your Medications Against This Herb

Side Effects

Trembling and convulsions with excessive dosages

How to Prepare Rauwolfia

Alcohol TinctureModerate · 4-6 weeks (passive)

Equipment

Glass mason jar with lid, High-proof alcohol (80-100 proof vodka), Measuring cup, Cheesecloth or fine strainer, Dark glass dropper bottles, Labels

Instructions

1Fill a clean mason jar 1/3 to 1/2 full with dried herb (or 2/3 full with fresh herb).
2Pour 80-proof (40%) vodka over the herbs until the jar is full, covering herbs by at least 2 inches.
3Seal tightly and label with the herb name, alcohol type, and date.
4Store in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. Shake the jar gently every day or two.
5After 4-6 weeks, strain through cheesecloth into a clean bowl, squeezing out all liquid.
6Pour the finished tincture into dark glass dropper bottles. Label with herb, date, and menstruum.
7Standard adult dose is typically 30-60 drops (1-2 dropperfuls) in a small amount of water, 2-3 times daily.

Tips

• Use at least 80-proof (40%) alcohol — this extracts both water-soluble and alcohol-soluble compounds.
• For resins and tough roots, use 100-proof (50%) or higher.
• Fresh plant tinctures use a higher ratio of alcohol to prevent spoilage from plant moisture.

Tinctures are concentrated — follow dosing guidelines carefully. Not suitable for those avoiding alcohol (use glycerites instead). Some herbs are only safe as tinctures in very small doses.

Alcohol tinctures last 3-5 years or more when stored properly in dark glass away from heat and light.

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The information on Healix Natural Solutions is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or advice from a licensed healthcare provider.

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