Ayurveda and Science

Punarnava/पुनर्नवा/Boerhaavia Diffusa/Spreading Hogweed

AYURVEDIC & MEDICINAL PLANTS

Punarnava Plant
Hindi Name: Punarnava
Sanskrit Name: Punarnava
English Name: Spreading Hogweed
Latin Name: Boerhaavia diffusa Linn
A perennial creeping herb emerging in rainy season throughout the country. Leaves and roots of the plant are used medicinally.

Punarnava is mainly used to treat accumulation of fluids (Oedematous conditions) in the body. It is considered to be an effective "Rasayana". It is also used in the treatment of anemia and liver diseases as recommended by Indian Ayurveda. It has been identified to act as a diuretic, anti inflammatory and hepatoprotective agent.

It contains an alkaloid punarnavine, sulfates, chlorides and traces of nitrate and chlorates.