Boerhavia diffusa (commonly known as Punarnava) is widely used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda and folk medicine across India and other parts of Asia. Its use for treating ear infections or earache is primarily based on ethnomedicinal practices. In several traditional texts and local medicinal practices, the juice or extracts of Boerhavia diffusa leaves or roots have been applied as ear drops to relieve pain or treat infections. The rationale for this use is generally attributed to the plant’s reputed anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties observed in broader applications within traditional medicine, but specific references to ear conditions do exist in some regional medicinal compendia and ethnobotanical surveys.

However, scientific validation for its efficacy specifically for ear infections or earache is extremely limited. While laboratory studies have shown that Boerhavia diffusa possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, these studies have not directly tested its effects in the context of ear infections (otitis) or clinical earache. No controlled clinical trials or robust in vitro studies have evaluated the topical or systemic use of Boerhavia diffusa preparations for ear health. Thus, the evidence supporting its use for ear infections or earache remains largely traditional, with minimal scientific data to substantiate these claims at present.