Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
Snuhi, commonly known as Common milk hedge is one of most commonly used herb for the alleviation of inflammatory conditions and allergic conditions. The name Snuhi means that the plant exudes milky latex. Snuhi is also known as Vajradruma as it is a drastic purgative.
Institute of Applied food Allergy guided by Dr.Gupta, have been studying on readily available herbs for the purpose of alleviating allergic condition. Our experts studied on Snuhi and proven the plant’s therapeutic activities like Purgative, Hepatoprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Insecticidal actions etc. Snuhi can be used in various diseases like piles, fever, skin diseases, swelling etc. The isolated flavanoids in hydro ethanolic extract of Snuhi shows anti carcinogenic potential. Extract of Snuhi also shows hepatoprotective action which aids its use in hepatotoxicity. Nowadays Snuhi is also used for treating allergic conditions.
Action of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia in Allergies
IAFA experts have successfully proven the antiallergic property of the plant Snuhi. The plant contains phytoconstituents like nerifoliol, nerifolione, cycolonivulval, euphol, calcium malate etc. These phytoconstituents aids the antiallergic and anti-inflammatory property of Snuhi. It can be effectively used to alleviate skin allergic conditions.
Vernacular Names and Classification
Botanical name | Euphorbia neriifolia |
Family | Euphorbiaceae |
Native Names | |
Sanskrit Name | Snuhi, Vajraduma, Guda |
Hindi Name | Sehund |
English Name | Common milk hedge |
Malayalam Name | Ilakkalli |
Kannada Name | Elegalli |
Marathi Name | Nevagunda |
Ayurveda Reference of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia

Morphology of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
- Large shrub
- Branches have pairs of stipular spines
- Leaves are very small and obovate
- Inflorescence is cyme
- Fruits are capsule
Geographical Distribution of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
Snuhi is mainly growing in South Indian states. In most of the places it is cultivated as a hedge plant.
Phytoconstituents of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
The plant contains phytoconstituents like nerifoliol, nerifolione, cycolonivulval, euphol, calcium malate etc.
Parts Used of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
- Latex
- Root
- Stem
- Leaf
Dosage of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
- Root Powder (mula churna) – 0.5 -1 g
- Latex (kshira) – 125-250 mg
- Leaf juice (patra swarasa) – 2-5 drops
Medicinal Properties of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
- Virecaka – purgative
- Sulahara – relieves pain
- Sophahara – relieves swelling
- Unmadahara – relieves insanity
- Dipana – carminative
- Arsoghna – useful in piles
- Kushtaghna – relieves skin diseases
- Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
- Vranahara – useful in wounds

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home Remedies of Snuhi – Euphorbia neriifolia
Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine popular in India. It uses plans and plant products that are easily and commonly available in nature as medicine. Snuhi is one of the commonly seen herbs and it have different medicinal uses like,
- To induce purgation (Virecanartha) – Operculina turpethum is impregnated with latex of Snuhi and taken with honey and ghee.
- In Piles (Arsas) – Latex of Snuhi is mixed with Curcuma longa, Luffa acutangula, Rock salt and cow’s urine is applied on arsas.
- In skin diseases (Kushta) – Root powder of Snuhi is made into a paste and applied over skin to cure kushta.
- In Swelling (Sotha) – Powder of Snuhi is made into a paste and applied over area of swelling.
- In Fistula in ano (Bhagandara) – Latex of Snuhi is mixed with Curcuma longa, Luffa acutangula, Rock salt and cow’s urine is used.
- In Anaemia (Pandu) – Snuhi root is powdered and taken with honey to cure pandu
- In abdominal pain (Udarasula) – Powder of Snuhi along with honeyis administered.
- In indigestion (Ajirna) – Root of Snuhi powdered and taken after food.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist