In India, rauwolfia has been employed for centuries in the treatment of various central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including anxiety states, maniacal behaviour associated with psychosis, schizophrenia, insanity, insomnia and epilepsy. Extracts of the roots are valued for the treatment of intestinal disorders and also as an anthelmintic: mixed with other plant extracts, they have been used in the treatment of cholera, colic and fever. The species is also used by traditional healers to treat snake bites, from which it possibly derived the name snake root. Several herbal formulations containing rauwolfia are manufactured in India. In Nepal traditional healers use the roots to treat hypertension, fever, mental disorders, depression and memory loss.