Nakuli

(Serpentine Root)
Sanskrit: नकुली • Botanical: Rauwolfia serpentina Benth.

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.

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)

  • Nidrajanana (sleep-inducing)
  • Vishaghna (antitoxic)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Nakuli by Condition

Explore how Nakuli is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

⟶
Nakuli for Blood Pressure
⟶
Nakuli for Male Sexual Health

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.