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Ayurveda boasts of a number of therapeutic plants, and one of them is punarnava, commonly known as hogweed. An important medicinal herb, it has been used to treat liver conditions, epilepsy, and preventing kidney stones due to its diuretic properties. An important component of ancient Ayurvedic medicine, punarnava is renowned for its miraculous healing and offers many health benefits.
What is Punarnava?
Biologically known as Boerhaavia diffusa, the herbs come in white and red varieties. The white variety is preferred to be used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known Spreading Hogweed, Tarvine, Red Spiderling, Horse Purslane, Red Hogweed, and pigweed in English, Atikamamdi in Telugu, Mukaratte kirai in Tamil, Ghetuli in Marathi, Itsit in Punjabi and Satodi in Gujrati.
Punarnava is the Sanskrit name, which is essentially made up of ‘punar’ – meaning again, and ‘Nava’ – meaning new. Owing to the health benefits this herb offers, the name literally translates into something ‘that revives and renews’.
For treating various ailments, the whole of the plant, i.e. the leaves, aerial part and the roots are all used as medicine. In fact, the leaves are also used as a vegetable in many Indian kitchens.
10 Health benefits of Punarnava
Punarnava herb has been used in ancient medicine to treat renal diseases and urinary tract infections. It holds a lot of importance 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. It is this under-appreciated organ that breaks down old or damaged blood cells and makes sure the waste products are excreted from our bodies. The liver also breaks down proteins and amino acids to convert them into energy.
Both the leaves and the roots of Punarnava possess hepatoprotective properties and thus protect from various harmful chemicals. The anti-oxidant action of punarnava leaves too benefits the liver against the damage caused by common medicines.
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 has found to be an excellent remedy to treat various eye conditions. Though the medical research on the field is limited, punarnava has been found to have strong antimicrobial activity against germs like E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa that cause many eye infections.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the roots are grounded into a paste for application as an eye-liner to treat cataract. If the eye is inflamed or swollen, the root is grounded with honey. To cure night blindness, mix 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 whatever with the help of this magic herb. Extremely common in women, and to some extent in men, UTI’s are often troublesome causing day-to-day discomfort. The anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, 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 infection without worrying about the side-effects to the mother and the baby.
4. Benefits for Kidney Disorders
Ancient ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita have mentioned punarnava to be an excellent medicine for renal diseases. 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 excretion of oxalate in the urine.
Moreover, punarnava contains the diuretic compound, punarnavine, which can further help in flushing out 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.
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 a great potential against drug-induced kidney injury. However, further research is required to explore its full potential and be used in conventional medicines.
5. Beneficial for diabetes
Punarnava can be taken as a supplementary medicine, in consultation with your doctor, for managing the condition of diabetes. A research carried on rats who had diabetes showed favourable outcome. The leaf specifically was found to have a blood-glucose lowering compound that take on the anti-diabetic drug heads-on, outperforming it or comparably equivalent in terms of managing diabetes.
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 largely prevented by using Punarnava. Since oxidative stress of free radicals play a vital role in deteriorating heart functions and subsequently developing the risk of heart failure, the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds in punarnava can help counteract the same.
You may need to mix it with other herbal remedies to get the maximum benefit. It is a good idea 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 have a positive effect on the prevention of seizures. A research on the subject indicated that it blocks the messages sent to the brain due to changes in normal electrical activity thus preventing convulsions.
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
A decoction of punarnava leaves is often prescribed to treat pain and inflammation in traditional medicine. Some people also suggest using the paste of the leaves applied topically to get relief from inflammation in joints and muscles. It is known to cure arthritis when given with 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).
10. Treats Tuberculosis
The use of punarnava in traditional medicine to treat and cure tuberculosis has made it a common adjuvant therapy that is carried on with allopathic medicine. Medicines are prepared with other herbs and cooked in the juice of grapes, milk, and ghee. This traditional remedy has been known to treat the fatal disease effectively.
11. Benefits for Weight Loss
Punarnava is used in a lot of 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 in people looking out for weight loss. Although mild in nature it also has laxative properties which also aids in the process. However, B. diffusa might not have optimum effect when taken in raw form for the benefit. It works in combination with other herbs to be an effective weight loss remedy.
Side effects of Punarnava herb
Given the wide use and acceptance of punarnava by the ancient medical sciences, it is, but not strange that the herb has very little side effects. You may exercise caution if –
Benefits of B. diffusa are not limited to the above but extend well beyond. However, further studies and research needs to 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, do consult an Ayurveda practitioner and give yourself the gift of good health.
What is Punarnava?
Biologically known as Boerhaavia diffusa, the herbs come in white and red varieties. The white variety is preferred to be used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also known Spreading Hogweed, Tarvine, Red Spiderling, Horse Purslane, Red Hogweed, and pigweed in English, Atikamamdi in Telugu, Mukaratte kirai in Tamil, Ghetuli in Marathi, Itsit in Punjabi and Satodi in Gujrati.
Punarnava is the Sanskrit name, which is essentially made up of ‘punar’ – meaning again, and ‘Nava’ – meaning new. Owing to the health benefits this herb offers, the name literally translates into something ‘that revives and renews’.
For treating various ailments, the whole of the plant, i.e. the leaves, aerial part and the roots are all used as medicine. In fact, the leaves are also used as a vegetable in many Indian kitchens.
10 Health benefits of Punarnava
Punarnava herb has been used in ancient medicine to treat renal diseases and urinary tract infections. It holds a lot of importance 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. It is this under-appreciated organ that breaks down old or damaged blood cells and makes sure the waste products are excreted from our bodies. The liver also breaks down proteins and amino acids to convert them into energy.
Both the leaves and the roots of Punarnava possess hepatoprotective properties and thus protect from various harmful chemicals. The anti-oxidant action of punarnava leaves too benefits the liver against the damage caused by common medicines.
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 has found to be an excellent remedy to treat various eye conditions. Though the medical research on the field is limited, punarnava has been found to have strong antimicrobial activity against germs like E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa that cause many eye infections.
In Ayurvedic medicine, the roots are grounded into a paste for application as an eye-liner to treat cataract. If the eye is inflamed or swollen, the root is grounded with honey. To cure night blindness, mix 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 whatever with the help of this magic herb. Extremely common in women, and to some extent in men, UTI’s are often troublesome causing day-to-day discomfort. The anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, 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 infection without worrying about the side-effects to the mother and the baby.
4. Benefits for Kidney Disorders
Ancient ayurvedic texts such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita have mentioned punarnava to be an excellent medicine for renal diseases. 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 excretion of oxalate in the urine.
Moreover, punarnava contains the diuretic compound, punarnavine, which can further help in flushing out 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.
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 a great potential against drug-induced kidney injury. However, further research is required to explore its full potential and be used in conventional medicines.
5. Beneficial for diabetes
Punarnava can be taken as a supplementary medicine, in consultation with your doctor, for managing the condition of diabetes. A research carried on rats who had diabetes showed favourable outcome. The leaf specifically was found to have a blood-glucose lowering compound that take on the anti-diabetic drug heads-on, outperforming it or comparably equivalent in terms of managing diabetes.
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 largely prevented by using Punarnava. Since oxidative stress of free radicals play a vital role in deteriorating heart functions and subsequently developing the risk of heart failure, the antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds in punarnava can help counteract the same.
You may need to mix it with other herbal remedies to get the maximum benefit. It is a good idea 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 have a positive effect on the prevention of seizures. A research on the subject indicated that it blocks the messages sent to the brain due to changes in normal electrical activity thus preventing convulsions.
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
A decoction of punarnava leaves is often prescribed to treat pain and inflammation in traditional medicine. Some people also suggest using the paste of the leaves applied topically to get relief from inflammation in joints and muscles. It is known to cure arthritis when given with 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).
10. Treats Tuberculosis
The use of punarnava in traditional medicine to treat and cure tuberculosis has made it a common adjuvant therapy that is carried on with allopathic medicine. Medicines are prepared with other herbs and cooked in the juice of grapes, milk, and ghee. This traditional remedy has been known to treat the fatal disease effectively.
11. Benefits for Weight Loss
Punarnava is used in a lot of 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 in people looking out for weight loss. Although mild in nature it also has laxative properties which also aids in the process. However, B. diffusa might not have optimum effect when taken in raw form for the benefit. It works in combination with other herbs to be an effective weight loss remedy.
Side effects of Punarnava herb
Given the wide use and acceptance of punarnava by the ancient medical sciences, it is, but not strange that the herb has very little 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
Benefits of B. diffusa are not limited to the above but extend well beyond. However, further studies and research needs to 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, do consult an Ayurveda practitioner and give yourself the gift of good health.
