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Punarnava
Punarnava
Punarnava is a well known medicinal plant packed with essential nutrients, vitamins such as vitamin C and other constituents.
Taking Punarnava juice before meals might help manage stomach disorders such as constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. It also provides relief from gas and abdominal pain. Punarnava is effective in improving digestion and managing weight by suppressing appetite. Punarnava also helps increase urine production due to its diuretic activity and reduces the risk of urinary complications. It might also be useful for managing liver problems due to its antioxidant activity which prevents liver cell damage caused by free radicals.
Applying Punarnava paste helps to heal skin due to its quick wound healing activity. Moreover, according to Ayurveda, massaging with Punarnava oil helps reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
It is advisable to use Punarnava powder with water or coconut oil if you have hypersensitive skin[2].
Taking Punarnava juice before meals might help manage stomach disorders such as constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property. It also provides relief from gas and abdominal pain. Punarnava is effective in improving digestion and managing weight by suppressing appetite. Punarnava also helps increase urine production due to its diuretic activity and reduces the risk of urinary complications. It might also be useful for managing liver problems due to its antioxidant activity which prevents liver cell damage caused by free radicals.
Applying Punarnava paste helps to heal skin due to its quick wound healing activity. Moreover, according to Ayurveda, massaging with Punarnava oil helps reduce joint pain due to its Vata balancing property.
It is advisable to use Punarnava powder with water or coconut oil if you have hypersensitive skin[2].
What are the synonyms of Punarnava?
Boerhaavia diffusa, Horse Purslene, Hog Weed, Gadapurna, Lalpunarnava, Kathilla, Sophaghni, Sothaghni, Varsabhu, Ranga Punarnabha, Rakta punarnava, Dholisaturdi, Motosatodo, Sanadika, Kommeberu, Komma, Vanjula Punarnava, Chuvanna Tazhutawa, Ghetuli, Vasuchimuli, Satodimula, Khaparkhuti, Lalapuiruni, Nalipuruni, ltcit (Ial), Khattan, Mukurattai (Shihappu), Atikamamidi, Erra galijeru[1].
What is the source of Punarnava?
Plant Based
Benefits of Punarnava
1. Liver disorders
Punarnava is used to revitalize and clean the liver. According to Ayurveda, when the liver is unable to perform well it also leads to an imbalance of Vata - Pitta-Kapha doshas. This might lead to liver diseases like jaundice. Taking Punanarva helps to correct the function of the liver by removing toxins from the liver cells. This is because of its Shodhan (purification) and Mutral (diuretic) properties. Punanarva also helps to improve digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. It helps to digest the food easily and reduce the burden of liver.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of liver disorders.
2. Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination are called as Mutrakcchra. In urinary tract infection, Punarnava helps to control burning sensation because it has Mutral (diuretic) effect. It increases the urine flow and subsides the symptoms of UTI like burning sensation during urination.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of UTI.
3. Obesity
Punarnava is one of the most common herbs which is used to manage weight. An increase in the weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Punarnava is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Punarnava also removes excess fluids and waste products from the body by increasing the urine flow due to its Mutral (diuretic) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of obesity.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Punarnava helps to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis-like pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known as Amavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Punarnava helps to correct digestive fire and reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also has Vata balancing and Mutral (diuretic) properties which gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis
Punarnava is used to revitalize and clean the liver. According to Ayurveda, when the liver is unable to perform well it also leads to an imbalance of Vata - Pitta-Kapha doshas. This might lead to liver diseases like jaundice. Taking Punanarva helps to correct the function of the liver by removing toxins from the liver cells. This is because of its Shodhan (purification) and Mutral (diuretic) properties. Punanarva also helps to improve digestive fire due to its Deepan (appetizer) property. It helps to digest the food easily and reduce the burden of liver.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of liver disorders.
2. Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection is described under the broad term of Mutrakcchra in Ayurveda. Mutra means ooze, krichra means painful. Thus, dysuria and painful urination are called as Mutrakcchra. In urinary tract infection, Punarnava helps to control burning sensation because it has Mutral (diuretic) effect. It increases the urine flow and subsides the symptoms of UTI like burning sensation during urination.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of UTI.
3. Obesity
Punarnava is one of the most common herbs which is used to manage weight. An increase in the weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in obesity. Punarnava is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama. This is because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. Punarnava also removes excess fluids and waste products from the body by increasing the urine flow due to its Mutral (diuretic) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of obesity.
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Punarnava helps to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis-like pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known as Amavata in Ayurveda. Amavata is a disease in which vitiation of Vata dosha and accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) takes place in the joints. Amavata starts with a weak digestive fire which leads to accumulation of Ama. This Ama is carried to different locations through Vata but instead of being absorbed, it gets accumulated in the joints. Punarnava helps to correct digestive fire and reduce Ama due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It also has Vata balancing and Mutral (diuretic) properties which gives relief from the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis like pain and swelling in the joints.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Have it once or twice a day before taking meals to get rid of the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis
Precautions when using Punarnava
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Punarnava or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Avoid Punarnava or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Punarnava
- Punarnava Juice - 1-2 teaspoon once or twice a day.
- Punarnava Churna - ¼ - ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Punarnava Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day.
- Punarnava Tablet - 1-2 tablet twice a day.
How to use Punarnava
A. Punarnava Leaf Juice:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava leaf juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Take this juice once a day to improve the function of the liver and for fast recovery from jaundice[2].
B. Punarnava Paste:
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Punarnava root or leave paste.
b. Add cow’s milk to it and consume.
c. Use this remedy twice a day to improve the functioning of female reproductive system[2].
C. Punarnava Churna
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Punarnava churna.
b. Add cow’s milk or honey to it.
c. Use this remedy once or twice a day to improve the functioning of the male and the female reproductive system[2].
D. Punarnava Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Punarnava powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil till the volume reduces to 1/2 cup.
c. This is Punarnava Kwath.
d. Take 3-4 teaspoons of this Punarnava Kwath.
e. Add the same quantity of water to it.
f. Drink it preferably once or twice a day to manage jaundice, conjunctivitis. It is also good to improve the respiratory and urinary system.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Punarnava leaf juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water to it.
c. Take this juice once a day to improve the function of the liver and for fast recovery from jaundice[2].
B. Punarnava Paste:
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Punarnava root or leave paste.
b. Add cow’s milk to it and consume.
c. Use this remedy twice a day to improve the functioning of female reproductive system[2].
C. Punarnava Churna
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Punarnava churna.
b. Add cow’s milk or honey to it.
c. Use this remedy once or twice a day to improve the functioning of the male and the female reproductive system[2].
D. Punarnava Kwath
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Punarnava powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water and boil till the volume reduces to 1/2 cup.
c. This is Punarnava Kwath.
d. Take 3-4 teaspoons of this Punarnava Kwath.
e. Add the same quantity of water to it.
f. Drink it preferably once or twice a day to manage jaundice, conjunctivitis. It is also good to improve the respiratory and urinary system.
Benefits of Punarnava
1. Wound healing
Punarnava helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It helps in quick healing of the wound and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Punaarnava powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with milk or mustard oil and apply to affected area.
c. Repeat this daily for quick healing of the wound.
2. Joint pain
Punarnava helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying or massaging with Punarnava base oil helps to reduce joint pain. This is due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Punaarnava powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with hot water or mustard oil and apply to affected area.
c. Repeat this daily to manage joint pain.
Punarnava helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It helps in quick healing of the wound and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Punaarnava powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with milk or mustard oil and apply to affected area.
c. Repeat this daily for quick healing of the wound.
2. Joint pain
Punarnava helps to reduce bone and joint pain when applied to the affected area. According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Applying or massaging with Punarnava base oil helps to reduce joint pain. This is due to its Vata balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Punaarnava powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste with hot water or mustard oil and apply to affected area.
c. Repeat this daily to manage joint pain.
Precautions when using Punarnava
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Always use Punarnava powder with water or coconut oil if you have a hypersensitive skin.
Recommended Dosage of Punarnava
- Punarnava Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Punarnava
1. Punarnava Leaf/Root Powder
A. For wound healing and inflammation
i. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Punarnava leaf powder.
ii. Add honey and milk to it to make a paste.
iii. Apply on the skin for better wound healing, insect/scorpion/snake bites and also to manage inflammation and pain[2].
B. For skin disorders
i. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Punarnava leaves or root powder.
ii. Add mustard oil to it.
iii. Apply on the affected area to manage skin disorders[2].
A. For wound healing and inflammation
i. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Punarnava leaf powder.
ii. Add honey and milk to it to make a paste.
iii. Apply on the skin for better wound healing, insect/scorpion/snake bites and also to manage inflammation and pain[2].
B. For skin disorders
i. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Punarnava leaves or root powder.
ii. Add mustard oil to it.
iii. Apply on the affected area to manage skin disorders[2].
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Punarnava may be good for the kidneys. It has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties due to which it may be useful in reducing the risk of inflammatory kidney diseases. In traditional medicine, Punarnava has been used to manage kidney stones and kidney disorders[3-5].
Ayurvedic View
Punarnava is very useful in case of kidney stone. It helps to pass the stone through urine by increasing urine flow. This is due to its Mutral (diuretic) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Punarnawa is considered to be good for the liver due to its antioxidant property. It fights against liver cell damage caused by free radicals thereby showing hepatoprotective activity[13].
Modern Science View
Yes, Punarnava might be good for diabetes as it has antidiabetic activity. It helps manage the blood sugar levels by restoring and regulating the cells responsible for producing and maintaining insulin levels in the body[6].
Ayurvedic View
Diabetes is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha due to which insulin production gets disturbed. Punarnava might help in the management of this condition due to its Kapha balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties. This helps to control the normal production of insulin in the body and thereby regulate blood sugar levels.
Modern Science View
Yes, Punarnava might be good for the eyes as it helps in managing cataract. The presence of antioxidants in Punarnava help prevent damage caused by free radicals to the eye lens which is responsible for cataract formation. It might also be useful for managing the symptoms of conjunctivitis, itching and eye infections due to its anti-inflammatory activity[7][8].
Ayurvedic View
Punarnava might help prevent certain eye-related problems like itching, swelling, infection or irritation. These conditions generally occur due to an imbalance of Kapha and Pitta dosha. Punarnava helps to balance the Kapha and Pitta doshas and also has Sita (cold), Sothhar (anti-inflammation) and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties which help reduce symptoms like inflammation in the eyes as well as maintain the overall eye health.
Modern Science View
Yes, Punarnava might help manage stomach disorders like constipation due to its laxative property. It helps provide relief from abdominal pain and gas due to its flatulent and strong laxative properties. It also aids in digestion and helps in managing weight by controlling the appetite[9].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Punarnava helps to manage some stomach disorders like indigestion, loss of appetite or constipation. It helps to enhance your appetite and improve digestion by promoting bowel movement due to its Deepana (appetizer), Pachan (digestion) and Rechana (laxative) properties.
Modern Science View
Anemia is mainly caused due to low haemoglobin level in blood. Punarnava might help in anaemia as it helps to increase the total haemoglobin count which may be due to iron present in it[9][10].
Ayurvedic View
Anemia is a condition of low hemoglobin, which generally occurs due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha and weak or poor digestion. Punarnava helps to improve digestion to maintain proper haemoglobin level in your body due to its Pitta balancing, Deepana (appetizer), Pachan (digestion) properties. Punarnava also helps to maintain your overall health due to its Rasayana (rejuvenation) property which further helps reduce the symptoms of anemia.
Modern Science View
Yes, Punarnava might help in the management of gout and high uric acid. It helps to remove excess uric acid from the body due to its diuretic property. It also has anti-inflammatory activity due to which it might help to reduce the inflammation related to gout[9][11][12].
Ayurvedic View
Gout is a condition which occurs due to high level of uric acid. Uric acid might get elevated in the body due to multiple reasons such as weak or poor digestion or when the kidneys do not excrete out the toxins normally. Punarnava helps improve your digestion and increase urine production due to which kidneys can easily pass out uric acid from the body and help reduce the symptoms of gout.This is due to Punarnava’s Deepana (appetizer), Pachan (digestion) and Mutral (diuretic) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Punarnava might be helpful in managing bronchial asthma. It helps to remove mucus from the respiratory tract due to its expectorant property and helps ease breathing[9].
Ayurvedic View
Bronchial asthma is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha which results in the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory pathway. This lead to blockage in the air passages making breathing uncomfortable. Punarnava helps prevent the production of mucus and reduces the symptoms of asthma, resulting in easy breathing due to its Kapha balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Mishra S, Aeri V, Gaur PK, et al.Phytochemical, therapeutic, and ethnopharmacological overview for a traditionally important herb: Boerhavia diffusa Linn.BioMed Research International.2014.
- Chaudhary G, Dantu PK.Morphological, phytochemical and pharmacological, studies on Boerhaavia diffusa L.J Med Plants Res.2011;5(11):2125-2130.
- Awasthi LP, Verma HN.Boerhaavia diffusa - a wild herb with potent biological and antimicrobial properties.Asian Agrihist.2006;10(1).
- Kumar R, Gautam S, Singh KD et al.Pharmacological properties of Boerhavia diffusa: a review.International Journal of Chemical Studies.2018;special issue 1:72-80.
- Mahesh AR, Kumar H, Ranganath MK, et al.Detail Study on Boerhaavia Diffusa Plant for its Medicinal Importance-A Review. Research Jounal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2012;1(1):28-36.
- Rao P.P.Ophthalmic uses of Boerhaavia Diffusa L. (Punarnava):Review.International Journal of Herbal Medicine.2016;4(2):05-09.
- Lakshmi SVVNSM, Reddy AS, Ganapaty S, et al. Anticataract potential of Boerhavia diffusa roots on galactose induced cataractogenesis. IJEB.2017;55(12):838-844.
- Bhowmik D, Kumar KPS, Srivastava S,et al.Traditional Indian Herbs Punarnava and Its Medicinal Importance. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2012;1(1):52-57.
- Khan MS, Ansari IA, Ahmad S, et al.Chemotherapeutic potential of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn: A review.Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science.2013;3(1):133-139.
- .Laloo D.Phytopharmacological Review of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn.(Punarnava).Pharmacognosy Reviews.2008; 2:14-22.
- Khare CP.Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeial Plant Drugs: Expanded Therapeutics.CRC Press.2015.
- Monali P, Ramtej V.Hepatoprotective activity of Boerhavia diffusa extract. International journal of pharmaceutical and clinical research. 2014;6(3):233-240.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.