Overview

Snuhi is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for edema & swelling. Tridhara Snuhi (Euphorbia antiquorum) is the triangular spurge variety with three-ridged stems. It is found in dry regions of India. Like Snuhi, its latex is used medicinally as a purgative and for skin conditions. The text describes it as having similar but somewhat milder properties compared to E. neriifolia.

How Snuhi Helps with Edema & Swelling

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Snuhi has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing edema & swelling:

Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
Taste (Rasa): Katu (pungent)
Qualities (Guna): Tikshna (sharp)

Safety & Precautions

Most Ayurvedic herbs are gentle enough for everyday use. Triangular Spurge is a clear exception, and it is worth being direct about why.

Why It Needs Caution

It is a strong purgative. The latex is used classically to force bowel evacuation (Virechana). That is a powerful effect on the body, not a mild digestive aid.
Its nature is sharp and hot. It is pungent in taste and after digestion (Katu Rasa and Katu Vipaka), sharp (Tikshna) and heating (Ushna Virya). These are intense qualities.
No home dose is established in our sources. Without a defined dose, there is no safe way to self-prescribe it.

What We Recommend

Do not take Snuhi latex internally or apply it on your own. Use it only if a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner prescribes and supervises it. Our sources do not record specific drug interactions, pregnancy data or overdose signs; that absence is a reason for more caution, not less.

Other Herbs for Edema & Swelling

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Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.

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Ajwain Trachyspermum ammi syn. Trachyapermum copticum, Carum copticum/roxburghianum/ajowan, Ptychotis ajowan

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Alfalfa

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Aloe Vera Aloe barbadensis Mill. (Syn. A. vera Tourn. ex Linn.)

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Apple Pyrus malus Linn.

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Bael Aegle marmelos

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Black Pepper Pipernigrum Linn.

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Brahmi Bacopa monniera

See all herbs for edema & swelling on the Edema & Swelling page.

▶ Classical Text References (1 sources)

Kushtha (skin diseases)
Krimi (worms)
Udara (abdominal disorders)
Shotha (swelling)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

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.