Overview
Land Snail is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for eye disorders. Nakha-Nakhi refers to the operculum or shell parts of land snails. The text describes it as a fragrant substance used in dhupa (fumigation) preparations. It has sweet and salty taste with cooling potency. It is beneficial for eyes and hair. The operculum of snails, when burned, produces a characteristic smell and is used in incense and fumigation formulas in Ayurvedic practice. The substance is described as Snigdha (unctuous) and Sheeta (cold), pacifying Pitta and Vata. It is found in various regions of India. The text notes it has varied properties depending on the variety of snail.
How Land Snail Helps with Eye Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Land Snail has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing eye disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Madhura (sweet)
- Taste (Rasa): Lavana (salty), Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Snigdha (unctuous)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Salty (Lavana), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Unctuous (Snigdha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Also Known As
- English: Land Snail
Sanskrit: नखी, नखा, शम्बूक
Hindi: नख, नखी
Other Herbs for Eye Disorders
See all herbs for eye disorders on the Eye Disorders 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.