Overview
Snuhi is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for digestive health. Snuhi (Euphorbia neriifolia), known as Sehund or Thuhar, is a large succulent shrub with thick fleshy branches containing milky latex. It is found widely across India, often planted as a hedge. The latex (Kshira) is the main medicinal part and is a powerful purgative and Bhedana (piercing) drug. It is a key ingredient in Snuhi Kshira (latex) based formulations like Abhayarishta. The latex is caustic and must be used with great care. Applied externally, it is used for warts, tumors, and skin growths. Internally, purified latex is used as a strong purgative for conditions like ascites, abdominal tumors, and severe constipation. Five species of Euphorbia are mentioned in the text: E. neriifolia, E. nivulia, E. antiquorum, E. trigona, E. trincalli, and E. royleana.
How Snuhi Helps with Digestive Health
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Snuhi has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing digestive health:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Katu (pungent)
- Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Tikshna (sharp), Sara (flowing)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Sharp (Tikshna), Flowing (Sara)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Saponin, Malic acid, Wax, Resin, Tannin, Rubber
- Also Known As
- English: Milk Hedge, Indian Spurge Tree, Pencil Cactus
Sanskrit: स्नुही, अंगुलीवृक्ष, शूद्र, चित्रिया, रक्तप्रदा, वज्री
Hindi: थूहर, सेहुंड, शेर
What the Classical Texts Say
- Udara Roga (abdominal diseases/ascites)
- Arsha (hemorrhoids)
- Gulma (abdominal tumors)
- Shotha (swelling)
- Kushtha (skin diseases)
- Krimi (worms/parasites)
- Vibandha (constipation)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Other Herbs for Digestive Health
See all herbs for digestive health on the Digestive Health page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.