Punarnava (boerhavia diffusa)
Synopsis of punarnava
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a perennial, spreading herb native to India and widely used in Ayurvedic medicine. The name "Punarnava" means “that which rejuvenates or renews the body,” reflecting its traditional role in restoring vitality, balancing fluids, and promoting overall wellness. The entire plant—roots, leaves, and stems—is medicinal, but the root is most commonly used.
Punarnava is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and hepatoprotective properties. It is used to support kidney and liver function, promote urinary tract health, reduce edema and water retention, and balance electrolytes. It also has demonstrated effects in supporting blood sugar regulation, joint comfort, and immune function. The plant contains key constituents such as punarnavine (an alkaloid), boeravinones (flavonoids), sterols, and glycosides, which contribute to its therapeutic profile.
Punarnava is often included in Ayurvedic formulas for kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, ascites, arthritis, and jaundice, as well as in rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies. It is consumed in the form of powder (churna), decoction (kwath), or tablets, and is considered gentle enough for long-term use when prescribed appropriately.
Historical Use in Medicine:
Punarnava has been used for over 2,000 years in Ayurveda, where it is classified as a tridoshic herb, especially effective in balancing Kapha and Pitta doshas. Classical texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita describe its use in treating fluid imbalances (shotha or edema), hepatomegaly, urinary retention, and skin diseases.
Its rejuvenating reputation also led to its inclusion in formulations for anti-aging, tissue regeneration, and post-illness recovery. It was commonly prescribed to patients with swollen joints, ascites, or liver enlargement, often in combination with herbs like triphala, gokshura, or bhumyamalaki.
In folk medicine, punarnava was widely used across India and Southeast Asia for inflammatory conditions, eye problems, and menstrual irregularities. It was also applied externally for wound healing and skin eruptions.
Modern research has validated many of punarnava’s traditional uses, particularly its role in liver and kidney support, anti-inflammatory action, and fluid balance. Today, it remains a cornerstone herb in Ayurvedic protocols for detoxification, urinary health, and vitality restoration, living up to its name as a powerful natural rejuvenator.
Punarnava is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Abscesses (Traditional)
Adenitis (Traditional)
Afterbirth Pain (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Blood Poisoning (Traditional)
Boils (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Cirrhosis of the Liver (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Emphysema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fatty Liver Disease (Scientific)
Fever (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Goiter (Traditional)
Gout (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Hemorrhoids (Traditional)
Hepatitis (Traditional)
Hypothyroid (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Traditional)
punarnava is used to support these body systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Hepatic System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Lymphatics (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
