Sihunda (Sehunda (Simhatunda, Vajri, Vajradruma))
Euphorbia antiquorum, known as Sihunda in Ayurveda, is a succulent shrub traditionally used for its purgative, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. It is important to use Sihunda with caution due to its potential for skin irritation and toxicity.
Botanical name: Euphorbia antiquorum. Also known as: Fleshy spurge, Milk hedge, Triangular spurge, Square spurge, Square milk hedge, Tridhara, Vajrakantaka, Narasya, Narsej, Chaturakalli, Kalli, Kantiravam, Kodiravam, Tiruvargalli, Chaturakkalli, Bommajemudu, Bontha jemudu, Bontha kl, Kontekalli, Jadekalli, Mundukalli, Male kalli, Tiktasij, Tirikon, Snuhu, Vajrakantaka, Sihuṇḍa, Sīhuṇḍa, Zaqqumehindi, Zekooom, Tengnou.
Properties
Anti-inflammatory activity, Analgesic activity, Anti-hyperglycemic activity, Fibroblast proliferation, Collagen deposition
Dosage
General: Dosage depends on the form of the herb, the specific herb, and the intended use (acute vs. chronic). It is always best to start at the lower end of the dosing range and increase gradually as needed, paying attention to how your body responds. Adult dosages are based on 150lbs body weight, so you may need to adjust dosing if you weigh significantly more or less. Raw Latex: 1–3 drops mixed in 5 mL honey or ghee, applied externally for warts, corns, and minor skin lesions. Undiluted latex can blister healthy skin; always dilute. Dried Root Powder: 2–4 g decoction (boil in 200 mL water until reduced by half) for mild laxative effect. Take once daily on an empty stomach, maximum 7 days. Standardized Extract: Available as capsules (50–100 mg extract, standardized to 2% euphol) for systemic anti-inflammatory support. Typical dose: 2 capsules daily with meals. Decoction: The standard dose of herbal extracts for an average adult is 6 grams per day, usually divided into two or more doses through the day. In treating acute or severe cases, the dosage of some herbal formulas may be increased up to 20 grams per day for a few days.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Pungent
- Virya: ["Heating"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Purgative
- Stimulating
- Appetizing
- Anti-poison
Traditional uses
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Constipation
- Skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis)
- Joint pain
- Gout
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: decreasing
- pitta: decreasing
Preparation methods
- Raw Latex: Collected and used topically after dilution.
- Decoction: Boil dried root powder in water until reduced by half. Traditional herbal medicine requires an extraction procedure to release the active constituents. Macerate the raw herbs in distilled water for 1 hour; the water should cover the herbs. The volume of water depends on the total volume of herbs.
- Poultice: Gentle warm poultices can be made for topical application.
- Extract: Standardized extracts are available in capsule form.
- Juice: The juice expressed from the roasted stem is given in teaspoonful doses to children suffering from bronchitis.
- Pills: Pills made of a mixture of the latex and gram flour are given in gonorrhea.
- Powder: A powder of the fried stem is dusted over old ulcers.
- Medicated Thread (Kshara Sutra): Latex is applied to thread and can be used for tying the base of hemorrhoids.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy, lactation, and young children
- Peptic ulcers or gastritis
- Potential interaction with anticoagulants and NSAIDs
- Skin irritation
- Mucosal damage
- Gastrointestinal upset
- General caution: Source from trusted vendors and adhere to dosage guidelines
Side effects
- General: Euphorbia antiquorum is a potent herb and should be used with caution.
- Latex: Undiluted latex can cause blistering. Excess use can cause severe purgation. Contact with the eye can cause blindness.
- Internal Use: May cause abdominal discomfort.
- Pregnancy: Schisandra, another herb, is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy and might cause the uterus to contract, which might lead to miscarriage.
Interactions
- General: Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
- It is always important to inform your doctor if you are taking herbal supplements.
- Specific to Sihunda: No specific interactions for Euphorbia antiquorum were found in the provided search results.
- Related Herbs: Schisandra may interact with the antidepressant bupropion (Wellbutrin) or the anti-anxiety medication alprazolam (Xanax). Some doctors caution that schisandra may interfere with drugs such as warfarin.
- Sida cordifolia contains chemicals that can increase blood pressure. Sida cordifolia may interact with medications for depression (MAOIs). Taking Sida cordifolia with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure.
- General Herb-Drug Interactions: Concurrent use of herbs may mimic, magnify, or oppose the effect of drugs. Many reports of herb-drug interactions are sketchy and lack laboratory analysis of suspect preparations.
Clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence from small trials suggests potential benefits for rheumatoid arthritis (topical) and constipation (oral). Animal studies support anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-hyperglycemic activities. More high-quality clinical trials are needed.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Purgative
- Stimulating
- Appetizing
- Anti-poison
Classical clinical indications
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Constipation
- Skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis)
- Joint pain
- Gout