Naja is a highly poisonous snake whose venom is fatal in about 10 percent of snakebite cases on humans. The snake can direct the venom quite accurately into the victim's eyes from distances greater than 6 feet (2 meters). This can cause temporary or permanent blindness unless attended to immediately by washing out the venom.

In ancient times, the venom was used for the treatment of nervous and blood disorders in India.

The remedy Naja chiefly acts on the heart, lungs, nerves, and left ovary. Its most important use is for the treatment of vascular problems of the heart when accompanied by angina-type pains radiating to the left shoulder blade and into the left arm. Symptoms may also include pain in the left ovary which radiates to the heart region.

Naja is also used in the treatment of respiratory disorders like asthma that occurs after a bout of hay fever.