Sehunda (Simhatunda, Vajri, Vajradruma)

About

Sehund, botanically known as Euphorbia neriifolia, is an Ayurvedic herb traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. Classical texts describe its leaves as sharp, kindling, and appetizing.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Anticancer, Wound healing, Analgesic, Hepatoprotective, Immunomodulator, Radioprotective, Anti-arthritic, Antidiabetic, Anti-anxiety, Anticonvulsant

Dosage

Powder: 125-250 mg; Root Powder (mula churna): 0.5-1 g; Latex (kshira): 125-250 mg; Leaf juice (patra swarasa): 2-5 drops; Stem juice: 5-10 ml

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Pungent
• Virya: ["Heating"]
• Vipaka: ["Pungent"]

Benefits

• Purgative
• Stimulating
• Appetizing

Traditional uses

• Tumors
• Abdominal swelling
• Bronchial infections
• Asthma and cough
• Skin diseases and leucoderma
• Spleen enlargement
• Piles
• Worms
• Gonorrhea
• Digestive problems
• Snake bites
• Scorpion stings
• Earache

Dosha effects

• vata: increasing
• kapha: decreasing
• pitta: increasing

Preparation methods

• Latex as purgative: Used as a strong purgative for detoxification therapies.
• Latex for skin issues: Applied externally to remove warts and skin eruptions.
• Latex in Kshara Sutra preparation: Used in preparing Kshara Sutra, a medicated thread for treating piles and fistula-in-ano.
• Latex with turmeric for piles: Mixed with turmeric powder and applied to piles.
• Latex for bowel cleansing: Used for bowel cleansing in poisoning and severe constipation.
• Latex for hemorrhoids: Applied to thread and used for tying the base of hemorrhoids.
• Latex for various ailments: Used in treating skin disorders, toothache and erectile dysfunction.
• Latex in specific applications: Mixed with Curcuma longa, Luffa acutangula, rock salt and cow's urine and applied on piles or used in fistula-in-ano.
• Latex for asthma: Taken with honey by asthma patients.
• Leaves for pain and inflammation: Heated and tied over areas affected by pain and inflammation.
• Leaf juice for earaches: Fresh juice is used as ear drops for earaches.
• Leaf-based oil for joint pain: Oil processed with sesame oil is used for external application to treat joint pain.
• Leaf paste for skin diseases: Paste is applied to treat skin diseases.
• Leaf juice for asthma: Juice is claimed to alleviate spasmodic asthma.
• Leaves for various conditions: Used to treat tumors, pains, inflammations, stomach swellings, and bronchial infections.
• Stem juice for cough: Juice extracted from the fresh stem is combined with honey and borax to manage cough and sore throat.
• Stem pulp for hydrophobia prevention: Pulp mixed with fresh ginger is used to prevent hydrophobia.
• Decoction for expectoration: Root-bark boiled in rice-water can be taken in small doses to promote expectoration.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy: Possibly unsafe during pregnancy, as it might cause uterine contractions and lead to miscarriage.
• Stomach or Intestinal Problems: It can irritate the stomach and intestines and should be avoided if you have any stomach or intestinal disorders.
• Eye Contact: The latex (milky sap) is highly irritant and can cause damage to the eyes, potentially leading to blindness if direct contact occurs.
• Internal Use Without Supervision: Should be used under strict medical supervision due to its potent purgative action and potential for toxicity.
• Excessive Use: Overdose can cause abdominal discomfort, severe purgation, dehydration, and gastric irritation.
• Skin Irritation: The fresh herb can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
• Abortifacient Properties: Internal use may cause abortion.
• Toxicity: Highly toxic plant; ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain; severe cases may cause coma and convulsions.

Side effects

• The latex is very hot in potency and has strong purgative action
• The latex is irritant and can damage eyes in case of direct contact
• The plant has abortifacient properties and may cause abortion on internal use
• Excess use can cause severe purgation
• Contact with skin can cause severe burning sensation
• Internal administration in excess quantities can cause vomiting and diarrhea; blood-mixed stool may be seen
• It should be used under the supervision of an Ayurvedic practitioner
• Care should be taken to avoid any contact with the eye
• Snuhi is categorized under Upavisha Dravyas (sub-toxic or semi-toxic substances) in Ayurveda, requiring careful dose regulation

Interactions

• While generally considered safe with homeopathic medicines and dietary supplements, it's crucial to consult a doctor if taking multiple products per day.
• Seek a doctor's advice if taking it with western medicines.

Active compounds

• Steroidal saponins
• Triterpenoidal saponins
• Anthocyanins
• Alkaloids
• Flavonoids
• Triterpenes
• Sugars
• Lectins
• Diterpenoids

Clinical evidence

While Euphorbia neriifolia has been used traditionally, limited high-quality clinical trial data exists in humans. Some in vitro and in vivo studies suggest potential therapeutic activities, but these need confirmation in human trials. Clinical trials show members of the Euphorbia genus to be effective against hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Purgative
• Stimulating
• Appetizing

Classical clinical indications

• Tumors
• Abdominal swelling
• Bronchial infections
• Asthma and cough
• Skin diseases and leucoderma
• Spleen enlargement
• Piles
• Worms
• Gonorrhea
• Digestive problems
• Snake bites
• Scorpion stings
• Earache

Frequently asked questions