Punarnava

Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa.)


Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Punarnava

Punarnava which is called Boerhavia diffusa in Latin is an herb that is used in the form of a traditional Ayurvedic medicine. History has it that Punarnava has long been used for its diuretic and anti-diabetic properties. This herb has also been used for relieving pain, treating indigestion and anti-inflammation in different parts of the world. It is basically a tropical crawling root plant which has bioactive compounds in its roots and leaves. Animal evidence puts it that Boerhavia diffusa is a very effective diuretic and it can work in suppressing the proliferation of the immune cells. It can also prevent the cancer cells from spreading.


Medicinal Uses of Punarnava

There are a number of medicinal uses of Punarnava and they are as follows:

  • The herb helps in reducing joint pain and inflammation.
  • It acts in the form of a carminative that helps in increasing appetite, reducing abdominal pain and digesting ama. It is also of good help in relieving digestion.
  • Punarnava helps in reducing the production of cough and in relieving asthma.
  • The seeds of Boerhavia diffusa can be used for treating impotence. It increases the quantity and quality of semen and facilitates hard erections. This way it helps in rejuvenating the male reproductive system.
  • Punarnava is quite useful in treating skin conditions like scabies. This herb is one of the nest natural remedies for guinea worms.
  • The plant when used in combination with various other useful herbal ingredients can treat anaemia effectively.
  • Punarnava works in the form of a diuretic and can effectively be used in Ayurvedic preparations for kidney stones, nephritis and Cystis.
  • Punarnava can also be used for rejuvenating the liver and detoxifying it.
  • It is of good help in curing hepatitis or jaundice.
  • This herb can even be used for stimulating the procedure of emptying the gall bladder and other liver problems.

Pregnant women, children (under 12 years of age) and cardiac patients are advised NOT to take Punarnava.