Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Snuhi स्नुही
Euphorbia neriifolia · Euphorbiaceae
Also known as: Snuhi, Sehund, Indian Spurge Tree, Sehund Ka Dudh, Sahund
Part used: Latex
Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia) is the Indian spurge tree, a succulent whose milky latex is a powerful classical purgative. It is classed among the Upavisha — sub-poisons — and requires purification before use. The latex is severely irritant to skin and eyes, and this is not a herb for casual use.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Euphorbia neriifolia
- Part used: Latex
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Purified latex/preparations in minute supervised doses; external application for swellings.
Snuhi in other languages
Introduction
Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia) is a cactus-like plant whose milky latex is a potent classical purgative and external medicine. Sharp and heating, it is used — after due care — for stubborn constipation, swellings and skin.
Classification
Of the Euphorbiaceae family, Snuhi is grouped among the Bhedana (purgative) and Kapha-Vata-clearing dravyas. Its pungent taste, sharp quality and heating potency mobilise doshas and act on the skin.
Uses & benefits
Snuhi latex is a drastic purgative used only after Shodhana and only in classical preparations, in obstinate constipation and abdominal swelling. Externally the latex is applied to warts, piles and stubborn growths. It is a caustic drug and is never self-medicated.
Snuhi as a purgative
A drastic Virechana drug used in classical practice where milder purgatives have failed, always at small dose and after purification.
Snuhi for abdominal swelling
Used in Udara-roga, where purgation is the classical route to abdominal fluid and distension.
Snuhi for piles
Applied locally in Arshas, and used internally within compounds.
Snuhi for skin disease
Used externally in chronic skin conditions and warts, its irritant action being the mechanism.
Snuhi as Kshara
The latex is used in the preparation of classical caustic alkalis for local application.
Snuhi for worms
A Krimighna drug, expelling parasites through purgation.
Snuhi for enlarged spleen
Named in Pliha-roga in the classical texts, within formulations.
Snuhi for asthma
A classical indication in some texts, used in tiny purified doses.
Snuhi as a live fence
Planted as a boundary hedge across rural India — a practical rather than medicinal use, but the reason it is so widely available.
Snuhi in classical formulations
Present in Snuhi Kshara and several classical purgative and external preparations.
Dosage — how much to take
Purified latex/preparations in minute supervised doses; external application for swellings. Strictly under supervision.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Snuhi?
The citations held for Snuhi in this catalogue are: Sharangdhara Samhita (Bhedana Kalpana).
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Snuhi?
Described among purgative dravyas. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Bhedana Kalpana.
What is Snuhi traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Snuhi latex is a drastic purgative used only after Shodhana and only in classical preparations, in obstinate constipation and abdominal swelling. Externally the latex is applied to warts, piles and stubborn growths. It is a caustic drug and is never self-medicated.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Snuhi?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Snuhi classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Snuhi carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Snuhi is used medicinally?
The part used is Latex.
How much Snuhi is taken, and how?
Purified latex/preparations in minute supervised doses; external application for swellings. Strictly under supervision. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Snuhi be avoided?
The latex is irritant and potent — used only in purified form and supervised doses, mainly externally. Keep away from eyes and children.
Where does Snuhi grow?
Snuhi is a succulent, cactus-like shrub grown as a hedge across the drier regions of India.
Classical references
- Sharangdhara Samhita — Bhedana Kalpana
Described among purgative dravyas. - Rasa texts — Snuhi Kshara
Used in classical alkali preparations.
Modern research
-
Euphorbia neriifolia L.: Review on botany, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and biological activities
(see source). Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (2017)
A review of Euphorbia neriifolia (Snuhi) documenting its anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, purgative and antimicrobial activities — a semi-toxic (Upavisha) plant used under supervision.
View study
Safety & precautions
The latex is irritant and potent — used only in purified form and supervised doses, mainly externally. Keep away from eyes and children.
Where it grows
Snuhi is a succulent, cactus-like shrub grown as a hedge across the drier regions of India.
Frequently asked questions
Is Snuhi dangerous?
Yes, handled carelessly. The latex is severely irritant — it causes blistering on skin and can cause serious eye injury including corneal damage and temporary blindness. Ayurveda classes it among the Upavisha and requires purification before any internal use.
What is Snuhi used for?
As a drastic purgative in classical practice, for abdominal swelling, piles, worms and enlarged spleen. Externally it is used in chronic skin conditions and warts. It is given only in small purified doses within compounds.
What should I do if Snuhi latex gets in my eye?
Irrigate immediately with plenty of clean water and go to hospital. Euphorbia latex causes serious eye injury and is a recognised cause of chemical keratitis. Do not wait to see whether it settles.
What is the dose of Snuhi?
Purified latex in drops, or the specified quantity within a classical formulation, only as a physician directs. It is not a herb to dose at home under any circumstances.
What is Snuhi called in Hindi?
Thuhar or Sehund. In English it is the Indian spurge tree or milk hedge. It is planted widely as a living boundary fence across rural India.
Who should avoid Snuhi?
Almost everyone, outside a physician's prescription. Absolutely avoid in pregnancy, in children, in the elderly and frail, and in any dehydrated state or bowel obstruction. Never use unpurified material.
Why does Ayurveda use a poisonous plant?
Purification and precise dosing turn a poison into a drug — the same principle behind many conventional medicines. Ayurveda formalises this in the Shodhana process, and preparations containing it are made under licence rather than at home.
