Family Name: Polygalaceae
Botanical Name(s): Polygala Senega, Polygala Vulgaris
Popular Name(s): Senega Roots, Seneca snakeroot
Parts Used: Roots
Habitat: Cultivated in India
Description: Polygala Senega has a perennial branching root, from which several erect, simple, smooth, round, leafy stems annually rise, from nine inches to a foot in height. The stems are occasionally tinged with red or purple below, but are green near the top. The leaves are alternate or scattered, lanceolate, pointed, smooth, bright green on the upper surface.
Uses: It is useful in as an expectorant in old coughs, asthma, and respiratory debility is generally best employed when combined with a large excess of relaxing and demulcent expectorants, as comfrey.