Vomitoria Root (Rauvolfia vomitoria)

Vomitoria Root (Rauvolfia vomitoria) is a member of the Rubiaceae family, native to West Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa. Traditionally, its stems, leaves, and roots have been used for infusions, decoctions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, sedative, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in african traditional medicine, european herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Vomitoria Root (Rauvolfia vomitoria) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Vomitoria Root (Rauvolfia vomitoria) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Vomitoria Root
Scientific Name	Rauvolfia vomitoria
Plant Family	Rubiaceae
Genus	Rauvolfia
Species	vomitoria
Native Range	West Africa, Central Africa, Southern Africa
Plant Parts Used	Stems, Leaves, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Sedative, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	African Traditional Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Rauvolfia vomitoria
Common Name: Vomitoria Root
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Indian Snakeroot, Rauvolfia Root, Indian Snakeroot
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Rauvolfia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with smooth margins, upper surface dark green, lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Stems: Cylindrical, woody, branched, with smooth bark and opposite leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

African Traditional Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a calming bitter, in appetite-focused contexts.
Sedative: Historically regarded as a gentle sedative, in calming-focused applications.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a mild anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: Plant-derived nitrogenous compounds found in various tissues.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Tannin: A group of compounds frequently present in plant tissues exposed to herbivory.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Available information does not clearly establish general precautionary concerns for this herb.
Contraindications: The use of this herb has been associated with reported contraindications in some situations.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Extract: This method isolates plant compounds using alternative solvents.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates partial shade to full shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.