Ayurveda boasts of many therapeutic plants, and one of them is punarnava, commonly known hogweed. A valuable medicinal herb, it has been used to treat liver conditions and epilepsy and prevent kidney stones due to its diuretic properties. An essential component of ancient Ayurvedic medicine, punarnava is renowned for its miraculous healing and offers many health benefits.
About Punarnava
Significance of Punarnava
The name Punarnava aptly speaks out the benefits it does to a body. If we split this term, we get two halves where “Punar” stands for once again, and “Nava” stands for new. Making yourself new is the specialty of this traditional herb. Since this plant grows low, it is also rightly called spiderlings. From urinary tract infections to cancer, this plant can help people to a greater extent. You should know that this Ayurvedic herb is called Boerhaavia diffusa. It is a green leaf that acts as a natural healer. It is generally pungent and produces beautiful pink and white-colored flowers during the rainy season.
Punarnava – Medicinal Importance
Now that we have gathered vital information on this little herb, it is time to think about and understand the excellent benefits this tiny plant can bring into our life. Though it is astringent in taste and sometimes gives a combination of bitter and sweet taste, it is known to produce excellent results in Ayurveda.
List of Top 12 Health benefits of Punarnava
Punarnava herb has been used in ancient medicine to treat renal diseases and urinary tract infections. It is important as a medicinal and therapeutic plant in the medical Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha, and homeopathy sciences. Let us sum up the health benefits of this herb –
1. Excellent for liver
The liver plays a crucial and central role in all metabolic processes in the body. This under-appreciated organ breaks down old or damaged blood cells and ensures the waste products come out from our bodies. The liver also breaks down proteins and amino acids to convert them into energy.
The leaves and roots of Punarnava possess hepatoprotective properties, thus protecting them from various harmful chemicals. The antioxidant action of punarnava leaves too benefits the liver against the damage caused by common medicines. (1)
A healthy liver makes for a healthy you. Punarnava helps in keeping the bile regular, helping it to function optimally.
2. Treats eye diseases like cataract and night blindness
Whether it is a cataract or eye-inflammation conjunctivitis, night blindness, or any other infection, punarnava is an excellent remedy to treat various eye conditions. Though the medical research in the field is limited, punarnava has been found to have strong antimicrobial activity against germs like E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa, which cause many eye infections. (2)
In Ayurvedic medicine, the roots are grounded into a paste for application as an eye-liner to treat cataracts. The paste is mixed with honey if the eye is inflamed or swollen. To cure night blindness, combine the root with rice flour and deem the benefits.
3. Treats urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections can be effectively treated without any side effects with the help of this magic herb. UTIs are often troublesome and extremely common in women and, to some extent, in men, causing day-to-day discomfort. The anti-spasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties of the herb make it an excellent remedy for such infections. During the delicate phase of pregnancy, too, this herb can be used to treat any urinary disease without worrying about the side effects on the mother and the baby. It helps in promoting the removal of excess fluids and alleviates symptoms associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and conditions like an enlarged prostate.
4. Benefits for Kidney Disorders
Ancient ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita have mentioned punarnava as an excellent medicine for renal diseases. In addition, Punarnava is believed to have anti-urolithiasis properties, thanks to the prevention of deposition of calcium oxalate stones owing to its ability to counter the oxidative stress that results in excessive oxalate excretion in the urine.
Moreover, punarnava contains the diuretic compound punarnavine, which can further help flush kidney stones by increasing urination. Other benefits associated with flushing out excess water from the body also come to the fore, such as preventing conditions like dropsy and ascites. (3)
In another study, Boerhaavia diffusa was found to possess nephroprotective properties primarily due to its antioxidant mechanism. In Ayurveda, it is used to lessen the severity of symptoms in renal disorders. The herb showed great potential against drug-induced kidney injury. However, further research is required to explore its full potential and be used in conventional medicines. (4)
5. Beneficial for diabetes
Punarnava can be taken as a supplementary medicine, in consultation with your doctor, for managing the condition of diabetes. Research carried out on rats who had diabetes showed favorable outcomes. The leaf was found to have a blood-glucose-lowering compound that takes on the anti-diabetic drug heads-on, outperforming it or comparably equivalent in managing diabetes. (5, 6)
Plasma insulin levels also showed improvement when its leaves were consumed. However, you cannot replace your anti-diabetic medicine with punarnava, and we suggest you speak to your doctor before using it.
6. Boosts heart health
Congestive heart failure can be primarily prevented by using Punarnava. Since oxidative stress of free radicals plays a vital role in deteriorating heart functions and developing the risk of heart failure, the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds in punarnava can help counteract the same. Further, it helps in managing conditions like geriatric anemia and preventing mitochondrial dysfunction related to cardiovascular health.
You may mix it with other herbal remedies to get the maximum benefit. However, it is good to consult your doctor before going ahead with alternative treatment for the heart.
7. Treats epilepsy
Punarnava roots are traditionally used to treat epileptic seizures in Nigeria. Punarnava roots contain a compound called liriodendron, which is believed to affect the prevention of seizures positively. Research on the subject indicated that it blocks the messages sent to the brain due to changes in normal electrical activity, thus preventing convulsions. (7)
8. Asthma
Punarnava in traditional medicine is also prescribed for respiratory disorders such as asthma. It can clear the airways, thinning mucus, if any, and making it easier for you to breathe. Traditional medicine prescribes mixing 3 gm powder of punarnava roots with 500 mg of turmeric in lukewarm water and consuming the decoction twice a day for best results.
Another traditional remedy uses B. diffusa with Malabar nut plant with a little black pepper and ginger juice to fight nasal blockage effectively. The decoction works as an expectorant, giving relief to patients with asthma.
9. Treats inflammation and pain
In traditional medicine, a decoction of punarnava leaves is often prescribed to treat pain and inflammation. Some people also suggest using the paste of the leaves applied topically to get relief from inflammation in joints and muscles. In addition, it is known to cure arthritis when given ginger root and camphor.
Research has it that Punarnava inhibits the secretion of phospholipase A2 (sPLA2), which lays an essential part in the inflammatory pathway. Punarnava acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by inhibiting the actions of phospholipase A2 (sPLA2). (8)
10. Treats Tuberculosis
The use of punarnava in traditional medicine to treat and cure tuberculosis has made it a common adjuvant therapy carried on with allopathic medicine. Medicines are prepared with other herbs and cooked in grapes, milk, and ghee juice. This traditional remedy has been known to treat fatal diseases effectively.
11. Benefits for Weight Loss
Punarnava is used in many herbal preparations and ayurvedic medicines for weight loss and to fight obesity. The herb helps in encouraging excretion. It also helps in removing the excess fluids from the body. However, it ensures not to lose electrolytes and potassium while flushing out extra fluids. This property of Boerhaavia diffusa helps people look out for weight loss. Although mild, it also has laxative properties, aiding in the process. However, B. diffusa might not have maximum effect when taken in raw form for the benefit. It combines with other herbs to be an effective weight loss remedy.
12. Punarnava for Cough
Another critical health problem that many children and youngsters face is the problem of cough and cold. Cough and cold are not minor. It should be appropriately treated or lead to high side effects. When continuously taking Punarnava, it helps in reducing the symptoms and disease of cough and cold in your body.
What is Punarnava?
Biologically known as Boerhaavia diffusa, the herbs come in white and red varieties. The white combination is preferred to be used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known as Spreading Hogweed, Tarvine, Red Spiderling, Horse Purslane, Red Hogweed, and pigweed in English, Atikamamdi in Telugu, Mukaratte kirai in Tamil, Ghetuli in Marathi, Its in Punjabi and Satodi in Gujrati.
Punarnava is the Sanskrit name, primarily made up of ‘punar’ – meaning again, and ‘Nava’ – meaning new. Owing to this herb’s health benefits, the name translates into something ‘that revives and renews.
The whole of the plant, i.e., the leaves, aerial part, and the roots, are all used as medicine to treat various ailments. In addition, the leaves are also used as a vegetable in many Indian kitchens.
Side effects of Punarnava herb
Given the widespread use and acceptance of punarnava by the ancient medical sciences, it is not strange that the herb has minimal side effects. You may exercise caution if –
- Suffering from high blood pressure condition, since punarnava may raise it
- If you are allergic to ethanol and related compounds
- Pregnant, since B. diffusa can have laxative effects, which can cause uterine contractions during pregnancy
Punarnava should not be given to children younger than 12 years.
Dosage:
- Whole Plant: Up to 30 grams daily.
- Fresh Juice: Up to 20ml daily.
- Root Powder Extract: A lower dose is advised due to its potency, typically no more than three grams daily.
The benefits of B. diffusa are not limited to the above but extend well beyond. However, further studies and research must be carried out to explore and back the use of it as an excellent health herb that can have a protective and restorative effect on our health. To get the maximum benefits, consult an Ayurveda practitioner and give yourself the gift of good health.
