Thuhar (Euphorbia neriifolia) – The Powerful Ayurvedic Milk Hedge
Thuhar, also known as Sehund, Sehunda, Indian Spurge Tree or Milk Hedge in English, is a well-known medicinal plant in Ayurveda for thousands of years.
Botanical Name: Euphorbia neriifolia
Family: Euphorbiaceae – There are over 1500 species of Euphorbia in the world.
Meaning of Name: Neriifolia means "Leaves like an oleander"
Sanskrit Name: Sehund, Snuhi
It is a large, branched, erect, succulent, spiny, leafless shrub that grows in dry, rocky and hilly areas of North, Central and South India. It is extensively grown as a hedge plant.
For medicinal purpose, its leaves, roots and milky latex [juice] are used.
Ayurvedic Properties of Thuhar
In Ayurveda, Thuhar is used to prepare many medicines like Abhaya Lavan, Chitrakadi Taila, Avittoladi Bhasma, Vajrakshara etc.Rasa [Taste]: Tikta [Bitter], Katu [Pungent]
Guna [Quality]: Guru [Heavy], Tikshna [Sharp]
Virya [Potency]: Ushna [Hot]
Vipaka [Post Digestive]: Katu [Pungent]
Action on Doshas: Removes Ama, balances Kapha and Vata. Excess use increases Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
Karma [Action]: Laxative, Strong purgative, Rubefacient, Expectorant, Carminative, Anthelmintic, Febrifuge
Top 15 Medicinal Uses of Thuhar (Sehund) As Per Ayurveda
WARNING: Thuhar latex is very hot, highly irritant and has strong purgative action. It can damage eyes and cause abortion. Never use internally without supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.
1. Ear Pain [Otalgia & Otitis] – Most Famous Use
Yellow leaves of Sehund are heated and the latex extracted is used as ear drops [3 drops] when bearable warm. It is a traditional remedy for ear pain and inflammation.
2. Warts, Moles and Skin Eruptions
Latex is applied directly on warts, moles and cutaneous eruptions. It is one of the best-known external uses to remove warts.
3. Piles, Haemorrhoids and Fistula-in-Ano [Kshar Sutra]
Turmeric powder mixed with Thuhar latex is applied on piles. A thread steeped in this mixture is used for ligaturing external haemorrhoids – This is the basis of Kshar Sutra therapy in Ayurveda for fistula. Leaves are also steamed, crushed and applied on piles.
4. Psoriasis, Eczema and Itching
For psoriasis and eczema: Cook 1 liter latex in 250 ml mustard oil on low flame in a thick bottom vessel till all water evaporates and only oil is left. Filter this medicated oil and apply externally on affected skin.
For general itching: Mix only 4 drops latex in 1-2 spoons mustard oil and apply topically.
5. Swelling, Boils and Gout
Leaves are heated and applied externally on swelling and boils. For gout: Extract juice from leaves of Land Caltrops, Damiana, Castor and Thuhar, add equal amount of sesame oil, boil for 15-20 mins in tight lid container and massage.
6. Cracked Heels and Soles
Latex is boiled in castor oil with salt. This medicated oil is applied on cracked heels.
7. Asthma, Whooping Cough and Bronchitis
Asthma Syrup: Syrup made of equal parts of latex and simple syrup, 10-20 drops three times a day, has been found to relieve asthma attacks.
Traditional: Leaves are heated, squeezed and sap is taken with salt for asthma, wheezing in babies and colds.
Whooping Cough: Heat 50 ml leaf juice, add 10 g salt, drink 10 ml twice a day.
8. Obstinate Constipation
For chronic constipation where other medicines fail, folk remedy is to soak Choti Harad [Haritaki] in latex. When Haritaki absorbs latex, it is rubbed on stone and taken internally. This has very strong purgative action – use only under medical supervision.
9. Wounds, Burns and Ulcers
Latex is applied on unhealthy ulcers and burns with clarified butter. Burn old Thuhar plant, make ash paste with water and apply on boils caused by hot liquid.
10. Toothache and Mouth Diseases
Grind milk hedge or caraway and rub on tooth to destroy germs. Chewing root and keeping it between teeth relieves toothache. Applying milk on palate gives relief in palate diseases.
11. Joint Pain and Arthritis
Oil processed from Thuhar leaves and sesame oil is used for external application for joint pain and arthritis. Decoction of root also gives relief in arthritis.
12. Spleen Enlargement, Ascites and Abdominal Diseases
Mix 30 ml leaf juice with 15 ml clarified butter, heat and drink 10 ml once a day for spleen enlargement. Root bark boiled in rice-water is used in dropsy [ascites].
Other Traditional UsesBark mixed with black pepper is used for snake bite and scorpion sting, both internally and externally.
Stem roasted in ash, juice with honey and borax promotes expectoration of phlegm.
Root mixed with onion paste applied on abdomen for worms [Ascaris].
Juice with ghee is given in syphilis and visceral obstructions.
Leaves improve appetite and are used for tumors and inflammations.
Tribal population of Chhattisgarh uses latex as aphrodisiac ingredient.
Recommended DosagePowder Form: 125 - 250 mg only
Latex for internal use: Only 1-2 drops that too after purification and under doctor's supervision. The raw latex is very toxic.
Side Effects and PrecautionsEye Contact: Avoid any contact with eyes. It is highly irritant and can cause severe damage, ophthalmia.
Pregnancy: Has abortifacient property. Can cause abortion. Strictly avoid during pregnancy.
Skin: External use causes redness due to increased blood circulation [rubefacient]. Can cause dermatitis in sensitive persons.
Internal Use: Very hot potency, strong purgative. Can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting if overdosed.
Always: Handle plant carefully due to spines. Use only after proper Ayurvedic purification [Shodhana] and under supervision of Ayurvedic practitioner.
Conclusion
Thuhar is a significant medicinal plant, but it is not a home remedy to be tried casually at home in raw form. When used correctly after proper purification and in correct dosage, it is highly effective for ear pain, warts, piles, fistula, skin diseases and asthma.
Written by Dr. Dayaram Aalok
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Thuhar latex is toxic in nature. Do not self-medicate. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic doctor before use
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