Boerhavia diffusa (Punarnava), Spreading Hogweed, Horse Purslane

Latin name – Boerhavia diffusa
English name – Spreading Hogweed, Horse Purslane
Indian name – Punarnava

Punarnava is found throughout India and Brazil. It is a very important plant for urinary system. It can be white or red and has long since been used as a treatment of liver disorders such as jaundice and hepatitis. Throughout the tropics, it is used as a natural remedy for Guinea worms. It is a wonderful natural diuretic. Ayurveda- the ancient healthcare system of india recommend punarnava mandur tablets for various fluid retention problems.

Plant Description-Boerhavia Diffusa-Punarnava

A perennial creeper, 0.75-1m in length. Sometimes grows up to 4mtrs in rainy seasons and dries in summer.
Leaves: opposite, 2.5-4cm long, fleshy with soft hairs, whitish ventrally.
Flowers: small, pink coloured,
Fruits: 1cm long, round or circular, containing seeds like cow’s beans.
Root: twisted on drying.
Flowering and fruiting during winter.

Chemical Constituents of Punarnava

Punarnava contains b-Sitosterol, a-2-sitosterol, palmitic acid, ester of b-sitosterol, tetracosanoic, hexacosonoic, stearic, arachidic acid, urosilic acid, Hentriacontane, b-Ecdysone, triacontanol etc.

Parts Used

Whole herb, root. Each part has a different therapeutic value and must be prepared in its own way for maximum benefits. Found throughout India, especially during the rainy season.

Traditional Ayurvedic Uses of Punarnava

The root of this plant is a powerful Rasayana (longevity enhancer). It is good for the kidneys, especially the nephron cells which are damaged by long-term hyperglycemia (diabetes). And it pacifies two of the main laws of physiology (Vata and Kapha).

Punarnava enhances the quality of 6 of the 7 categories of bodily tissues, including nutrient plasma (Rasa Dhatu), blood (Rakta Dhatu), muscle (Mamsa Dhatu), fat (Meda Dhatu), bone marrow and nerves (Majja Dhatu), and reproductive fluids (Shukra Dhatu).

According to Ayurveda, Punarnava is diuretic by increasing renal blood flow. It is bitter, cooling, astringent to bowels, useful in biliousness, leucorrhoea, inflammations, asthma etc. The leaves are useful in dyspepsia, tumors, and abdominal pains. According to Unani system of medicine, the leaves are appetizer, alexiteric, useful in opthalmia, in joint pains. Seeds are tonic expectorant, carminative, useful in lumbago, scabies. The seeds are considered as promising blood purifier.It is excellent natural diuretic.

Classic Reference

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PUNARNAVA MANDOOR

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It is a classical ayurvedic formulation for anemia, Low Platelet count, Low RBC count, Swelling around Joints, Generalised Swelling, Gout and other endotoxins accumulation. It is also diuretic and is useful in renal disorders. In renal failure, it is used with Mutrakrichantak Churna for getting good results. Kidney support can also be used with it.

Punarnava mandur is a traditional Ayurvedic formulation which is prescribed in conditions like Anemia, Jaundice, pedal edema or generalized edema, Swelling and fluid accumulcation, fluid retention in feet. It is also a best herbal remedy for ascites, Disorders associated with Liver and Spleen, Skin diseases, Kidney diseases, fluid retention due to kidney failure or liver failure.