Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Also Known As
- English: Serpentine Root, Indian Snakeroot
Sanskrit: नकुली, सर्पगन्धा
Hindi: नकुली, सर्पगन्धा
What is Nakuli (नकुली)?
Nakuli is mentioned in the text in relation to snake-repelling and antitoxic herbs. The commentary discusses that this may be Rauwolfia serpentina (Sarpagandha), one of the most important medicinal plants globally. The plant is famous for its roots that yield Reserpine, an alkaloid used in modern medicine for hypertension. In Ayurveda, it is used for snake bites, insomnia, and anxiety. The roots are bitter with heating potency.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Vishaghna (anti-venom — snake bites)
- Jwara hara
- Artavajnana (emmenagogue)
- Krimighna
- Garbhashaya Sankochaka (uterine contractor)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
How to Use Nakuli by Condition
Explore how Nakuli is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
Sprikka (Delphinium zalil), plava (Cyperus rotundus), sthauneyaka (Taxus baccata), kanksi (Saurashtrika), shaileya (Parmelia perlata), rochana (bile of cow), tagara (Valeriana wallichii), dhyamaka (Cymbopogon martini), kunkuma (Crocus sativua), mamsi (Nardostachys jatamansi), agra (inflorescence) of surasa (Ocimum sanctum), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), ala (Haritala – Purified Arsenic trisulphide), kushtaghna (Khadira – Acacia catechu)), brhati (Solanum indicum), flower of sirisha (Albizzia lebbe
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Vacha (Acorus Calamus), vamsha bark (Bambusa arundinacea), patha (Cissambelos Pereira), nata (Valeneria wallichii), flower stalk of tulasi (Ocimum sanctum), bala (Sida cordifolia), atibala (Abutilon indicum), nakuli (Alpinia galangal), kushtha (Saussurea lappa), shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck), haridra (Curcuma longa), daruharidra (Berberis aristata), guha (krishnaparni - Uraria picta), atiguha (shalaparni - Desmodium gangeticum), shveta (Clitoria ternacia), ajagandha (Carum roxburghianum), shilajat
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 23: Poison Treatment (Visha Chikitsa / विषचिकित्सा)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Haridra, Sthauneya, Laksha, the five kinds of officinal salts, Kumuda, Utpala, Padma, flower of Arka, flowers and fruits of Champaka, As'oka, Sumanas, Tilaka (sesamum), Patali, Salmali, S'elu, Sirisha, Surasi, flowers of Dhava, Asva-karna, and of Sindhuvdra, flowers of Guggula, Kumkuma, Vimbi, Sarpa-kshi and Gandha-Nakuli should be carefully collected and pasted with honey, clarified butter and the bile of a cow and should be kept inside a horn (or a receptacle made of that material).
— Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 7: Dundhubhi-Svaniya
In such cases, a compound consisting of Arka roots, Rajani, Nakuli and Prisni-parnika should be employed as snuff as well as in drink (Pana), enemas (Vastis) and ointments etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 8: Kita-Kalpa
Haridra, Sthauneya, Laksha, the five kinds of officinal salts, Kumuda, Utpala, Padma, flower of Arka, flowers and fruits of Champaka, As'oka, Sumanas, Tilaka (sesamum), Patali, Salmali, S'elu, Sirisha, Surasi, flowers of Dhava, Asva-karna, and of Sindhuvdra, flowers of Guggula, Kumkuma, Vimbi, Sarpa-kshi and Gandha-Nakuli should be carefully collected and pasted with honey, clarified butter and the bile of a cow and should be kept inside a horn (or a receptacle made of that material).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dundhubhi-Svaniya
In such cases, a compound consisting of Arka roots, Rajani, Nakuli and Prisni-parnika should be employed as snuff as well as in drink (Pana), enemas (Vastis) and ointments etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Kita-Kalpa
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 7: Dundhubhi-Svaniya; Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 8: Kita-Kalpa; Dundhubhi-Svaniya; Kita-Kalpa
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.