punarnava :

General Use:

The root can be used as an ipecacuanha (Carapichea ipecacuanha) substitute. Antispasmodic, very astringent, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and sudorific herb, it can be used in a decoction to treat dysentery and a range of other conditions
The boiled roots are applied to ulcers, abscesses and to assist in the extraction of Guinea worm

Therapeutic Uses:

Boerhavia diffusa or Punarnava grows as a weed in waste lands. But it is a valuable and effective medicine. It protects and heals the liver and kidney and reduces body heat. It is excellent rejuvenator that give strength to organs.

Punarnava has significant diuretic properties due to which it is effective in the treatment of urinary diseases, water retention in the body, oedema, swelling, and other condition that are caused due to accumulation of water in the body cavities.

Systemic Use:

The plant is emetic and purgative. It is used in the treatment of various conditions including gastric disturbances, asthma, jaundice, anascara, anaemia and internal inflammation. It has also been used as an antidote to snake venom.

A decoction of the leaves is used to treat jaundice. The leaves are used in a cataplasm for treating indurated liver

Pharmacological:

- Early studies have reported the diuretic effect of the liquid extract of the dry or fresh plant. The diuretic effect appears prominent on certain types of ascites, i.e., liver cirrhosis. The diuretic effect was attributed to punarnavine, an alkaloid that reported increases blood pressure and urination.

- Considered bitter, cooling, astringent, diuretic, stomachic, laxative, expectorant and emetic.

- Considered abortifacient, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, rejuvenating, tonic.- Root is considered purgative, anthelmintic, febrifuge.

- Studies have suggested antidiabetic, antitumor, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, anticonvulsant, analgesic, spasmolytic, renoprotective, antiosteoporotic, radioprotective, antifertility, hepatoprotective, erythropoietic properties.

Kotakkal Ayurveda - Mother land of modern ayurveda

punarnava - Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. - Nyctaginaceae

punarnava :

General Use:

Therapeutic Uses:

Systemic Use:

Pharmacological:

Medicinal Plants