snakeroot Definition
- 1any of several plants, especially of the genus Eupatorium, having a bitter taste and emitting a strong odor when bruised or crushed
- 2a poisonous plant, Rauvolfia serpentina, of the dogbane family, found in India and Sri Lanka, yielding reserpine and other alkaloids
Using snakeroot: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "snakeroot" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The snakeroot plant is often used in traditional medicine to treat fever and digestive problems.
Example
The roots of the snakeroot plant contain toxic alkaloids that can cause serious health problems if ingested.
Example
Snakeroot is also known as 'black snakeroot' or 'Virginia snakeroot'.
Summary: snakeroot in Brief
Snakeroot [sneyk-ruht] refers to several plants, including Eupatorium, that have a bitter taste and strong odor when crushed. It is also the name of a poisonous plant, Rauvolfia serpentina, found in India and Sri Lanka, which yields reserpine and other alkaloids. The plant is used in traditional medicine but can cause serious health problems if ingested due to its toxic alkaloids.
