The medicinal herb Punarnava has been utilised extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It has several positive effects on one’s health. It’s great for the liver and may help stave off infections. Boerhavia diffusa is the scientific name for a widespread plant in Asia, North America, South America, and Africa.
Punarnava is a frequent name for this concept since it represents the renewal of life. Because of its many positive effects on health (Punarnava benefits), the Punarnava plant is a valuable resource.
The remarkable therapeutic properties of Punarnava have made it famous. It does wonders for the liver and aids in decreasing the amount of uric acid in your system. It also helps prevent and treat infections, particularly those in the urinary tract. Also, it aids in addressing a wide range of women’s issues, including lightening the load of heavy periods, shrinking fibroids, etc.
This plant may grow wild as a weed throughout India during the rainy season. It has large, thick, and wide leaves, and its gorgeous blossoms grow in clusters of purple and white. The therapeutic advantages of Punarnava are found mostly in its roots. Nonetheless, the plant as a whole is useful for treating common ailments and promoting longevity.
It is necessary if the pitta and Kapha rogas are out of balance. Punarnava, the mystical plant, provides the human body with several therapeutic and medical effects.
- As a diuretic, it stimulates the kidneys to produce more urine. It aids in flushing the system of harmful pollutants and excess salt.
- As an expectorant, it aids in coughing up mucus from the bronchi, trachea, and lungs. The irritation is relieved, providing much-needed relief for the lungs and respiratory system.
- As a stomachic, it assists in toning and balancing the stomach by enhancing the functionality of the digestive system. This, in turn, aids in boosting hunger.
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Ancient knowledge preserved in Ayurveda teaches humanity that Mother Nature is a healer for everybody, regardless of socioeconomic status. In the ancient Vedas, several different plants used for medical purposes are mentioned. The Punarnava plant is one of the numerous Ayurvedic herbs discussed in Ayurveda.
Punarnava is a Sanskrit word meaning “to get back to life”. This is because ancient people noticed that a Punarnava plant that seemed to be dried and dead might suddenly begin to grow again.
Punarnava, sometimes called Spreading Hogweed, is a plant that multiplies rapidly during the wet season, prefers moist environments, and produces tiny flowers and fruit.
The plant as a whole is used to nourish the body’s energy pathways and restore harmony among the three doshas. Traditional panchakarma treatments, which use roots to alleviate mild discomfort, are another common usage. The West is slowly accepting the ancient Indian adoration for this revitalising and healing plant.
Punarnava has three primary Rasa flavours: Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), and Kashaya (astringent). It’s light, dry, and possesses Ushna Virya (hot potency). In particular, it depicts the revitalising function of Madhura Vipaka (sweet flavour after digestion).
Punarnava’s many bioactive ingredients aid in restoring equilibrium to the Tridoshas, calm the Vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water), and flush the body of the toxic AMA doshas.
Ayurvedic Recommendation for Improving Overall Gut Health
The condition of one’s stomach is indicative of one’s general health. A healthy gut system may help you avoid stomach infections, sleep better, digest your food, and boost your mood. Maintaining optimal digestive health is, therefore, crucial. What could be more beneficial than using the time-tested advice of Ayurveda?
The following are some Ayurvedic recommendations that will assist you in improving the natural state of your digestive system.
1. Consume Food When Hunger Strikes
Always wait till you’re genuinely hungry before eating. When bored or hungry, resist the urge to munch on junk food. Your body’s thirst signals may be telling you that it needs water. Make mealtimes coincide with your internal clock. Eat your last meal three to four hours before bedtime and regularly throughout the day.
2. Eat Without Interruptions
Most of you are used to eating in front of the television, watching a movie on your laptop, or reading through social media on your phone. This causes distraction, which may result in chewing less often. This may cause you to swallow your meal faster than normal, which will strain your digestive system as it processes the food. According to Ayurveda, eating is best done when relaxed and undistracted; thus, eating in a quiet, peaceful setting is best.
3. Intake Freshly Prepared Meals
Maintain a daily routine of eating only freshly prepared meals. It is best to avoid eating lunch leftovers for supper, particularly during the warmer months when food has a greater propensity to perish rapidly. Eating freshly cooked, warm meals can help keep your digestive system strong and ensure maximum enzyme activity.
4. Chew Your Food Well
Instructing you to chew your food properly before swallowing was sound advice from your mother. The mouth is the starting point for digestion. When the mouth is actively involved in the digestive process, the rest of the digestive system can easily fulfil its duties. In addition, the digestion process is aided by the secretion of enzymes triggered by the flavour and chewing of food. While eating, if you chew your food slowly, you take in less air, decreasing the probability that you may get gas.
5. Season Your Food with Spices
Not only can spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin, fennel, cardamom, and coriander (to mention just a few) provide delightful colour and taste to meals, but they also contain potent Ayurvedic therapeutic benefits for gastrointestinal disorders. One of these benefits is facilitating the breakdown of the meals consumed with them. Spices are often precooked in fats like coconut oil or ghee to maximise their flavour.
6. Avoidable Food Combinations
According to Ayurveda, there are a few bad food pairings that you should never eat together. No food containing dairy must be consumed with citrus fruits of any kind. Similarly, fish and milk are not a good combination, nor are onions and curd, milk and fruits, and so on.
There are some perks to Punarnava that no one can deny. Some of them are listed below for you to have a look at:
1. Facilitates Digestion
Studies on the herb’s effectiveness in treating IBS and ulcerative colitis point to its value as an anti-inflammatory medicine. Being a powerful digestive agent, it encourages the production of digestive fluids, which improves digestion and allows for greater uptake of vital nutrients. 1
2. Maintain liver health
Maintaining a steady flow of bile aids the liver in maintaining its regular activities. In addition, it is helpful in managing ascites, which various liver illnesses may cause.
The plant has a bitter flavour, but when taken medicinally, it can enhance liver function and reduce the risk of developing liver disorders. 2
3. Aids in weight reduction
The revitalising herb is essential to reduce extra fat. Weight gain may be avoided, and unhealthy cholesterol levels in the blood can be lowered because of powerful bioactive ingredients.
Since it is a gentle laxative, it helps the body manage its weight while also flushing the system of dangerous poisons and extra fluids that are not needed. 3
4. Relieves urinary problems
Urinary distension, kidney stones, and painful urination may all be prevented and treated with Punarnava, which plays a critical part in these processes.
The herb’s strong anti-spasmodic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects aid in preventing urinary tract infections and alleviating inflammation and discomfort associated with peeing. 4
5. Eliminate infections
Because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory qualities, Punarnava is a useful weapon in the battle against urinary system infections. Severe urinary tract infections are a common problem for women, and they may have several causes, including peeing in dirty public restrooms or wearing soiled pants.
Inflammation is reduced, and Punarnava’s antibacterial and antifungal properties fight off infections. 5
6. Manage diabetes
The ayurvedic herb aids in regulating blood sugar levels. This eases stress on the insulin-producing glands. As diabetes is a chronic condition that may be fatal if left untreated, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is essential. Diabetic control may be improved by eating the plant’s leaves. 6
7. Improves cardiac functioning
This revitalising herb’s wide-ranging heart-healthy characteristics are essential in treating various cardiac conditions. Patients with arrhythmias and palpitations may benefit since it calms the mind and, in turn, the cardiovascular system.
It is vital for minimising the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blockages, blood clots, and other cardiovascular complications by improving heart muscles, reducing blood cholesterol levels, and avoiding lipid build-up. 7
8. Increases libido and fertility
Punarnava is a traditional, one-time treatment that increases a man’s libido and fertility. Having potent aphrodisiac effects, it aids in alleviating tension and anxiety and promotes the release of reproductive hormones in both genders.
It’s crucial in boosting men’s virility and strength. Powdered Punarnava seeds taken with milk before bed have been shown to stimulate genital blood flow, which boosts a man’s desire and enhances the quality of his semen. 8
9. Controls rheumatism
Because of its anti-inflammatory characteristics, the ayurvedic herb Punarnava treats various ailments, including sore muscles and joints. Because of this, the pain associated with inflammation, particularly in the joints, may be alleviated by taking a medicinal version of the plant or applying a raw combination to the affected regions.
You may find this plant in many topical preparations, including oils, creams, and lotions. 9
10. Enhances gastric function
The herb’s antimicrobial characteristics help in eliminating stomach worms. When bacteria or worms of a smaller size are present in a person’s digestive tract, the individual may experience excruciating agony and suffer at various points during the day.
The worm-killing and appetite-stoking properties of the Punarnava plant are well-documented. 10
11. Gets rid of toxins
The Punarnava plant may be used as a diuretic to flush the system of excess water and toxins. It facilitates urination and controls night-time urination. Reduce your chance of developing kidney stones by eliminating the need to have surgery by urinating regularly.
The plant promotes the loss of excess fluids, which aids in the elimination of harmful substances. 11
Punarnava works well in both standalone and combined forms. Banyan Botanicals offers the most common form of Punarnava administration, powder. When taken as a powder, Punarnava may be tasted for extra benefit, consistent with Ayurvedic teaching that taste plays a key part in the digestive process by telling the body to activate its supporting processes.
In addition to its widespread use in custom blends, Punarnava may be found in over 30 classic Ayurvedic formulations. One ancient mixture, Punarnavadi Guggulu, blends Punarnava with guggul resin to increase the depth to which its cleaning effects penetrate the tissues.
The Punarnava plant and its constituents are utilised in a variety of ways to provide treatments for the following ailments:
- Punarnava beverage.
- Fresh Punarnava leaf or root juice may be used topically to treat eye problems.
- Punarnava powder with water or milk.
- An ointment made from a paste of Punarnava roots.
- When combined with ghee, honey, milk, Kanjika, or Tila Taila, the punarnava root creates a paste that may be used topically to treat various conditions.
Depending on your health, your Ayurvedic doctor will recommend a certain form and dosage. The basic dosage guidelines for Punarnava are:
- Punarnava Capsule: 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Punarnava Juice: 1-2 teaspoons once or twice a day.
- Punarnava Churna: ¼ – ½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Punarnava Tablet: 1-2 tablets twice a day.
Punarnava is typically safe to use because of its rejuvenating effects on all three doshas, but its drying tendency may enhance Vata to an unhealthy degree. Besides, if an excessive amount of this herb is consumed at once, it has the potential to raise pitta because it’s an energetically stimulating plant.
Bottom Line
The miraculous plant, which has limitless healing potential, does not have any negative side effects. As a result, it has widespread use in Ayurvedic practice. In addition, the raw herb is safe for human consumption.
Scientific investigations have shown that this miraculous plant, Punarnava, poses no significant health risks to humans. So it is adviced to consume it in a form of liquid as well to boost up your digestive health.
Ancient medical secrets may be found inside Ayurveda, making it a miraculous system. There is a spiritual link between yourselves and the natural world, and all the answers and cures you seek may be found there. Maintaining a relationship with nature’s origins and reaping the benefits of its herbs is crucial. Punarnava is one such plant that has been shown to alleviate several health issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Punarnava and how does it benefit digestive health?
Punarnava is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and supports liver health.
What scientific evidence supports Punarnava’s benefits for digestion?
Studies have shown that Punarnava exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, improves digestion, and protects the liver from damage.
How can Punarnava be incorporated into a digestive health routine?
Punarnava can be consumed as a herbal supplement or brewed as a tea. Consult with a healthcare professional for proper dosage and usage.
References
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- Pandey, M. M., Rastogi, S., & Rawat, A. K. S. (2012). Indian traditional ayurvedic system of medicine and nutritional supplementation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, Article ID 376327.[↩]
- Sahu, S., Dua, T. K., & Das, S. (2012). Anti-obesity activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Punarnava) in experimental rats. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 4(5), 675-679.[↩]
- Srinivasan, D., Sangeetha, S., & Kothai, R. (2007). Diuretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanol extract from the root of Boerhaavia diffusa Linn. The Internet Journal of Pharmacology, 5(2).[↩]
- Kumar, N., Singh, B., Bhandari, P., & Gupta, A. P. (2006). Antimicrobial constituents from the root of Boerhaavia diffusa. Pharmaceutical Biology, 44(4), 237-241.[↩]
- Khan, H., & Sultana, S. (2009). Boerhaavia diffusa: a study of its hepatoprotective activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 122(1), 91-99.[↩]
- Kumar, S., Pathania, A. S., Saxena, A. K., Vishwakarma, R. A., Ali, A., & Bhushan, S. (2013). The effect of herbal drug Punarnava mandur on myocardial infarction. Pharmacognosy Research, 5(4), 240-246.[↩]
- Sharma, P., & Dwivedee, B. P. (2013). Spermatogenic activity of Boerhaavia diffusa root extract in male albino rats. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 1(3), 94-102.[↩]
- Hussain, F., Jahan, N., Rahman, K. U., Sultana, B., & Jamil, S. (2014). Boerhaavia diffusa Linn: a review on its phytochemical and pharmacological profile. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 6(4), 33-39.[↩]
- Patel, M. B., & Mishra, S. M. (2011). Antihelminthic activity of Boerhaavia diffusa L. (Nyctaginaceae) leaves. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 2(4), 271-273.[↩]
- Prajapati, R., Kalariya, M., Umbarkar, R., Parmar, S., & Sheth, N. (2010). Colocasia esculenta: a potent indigenous plant. International Journal of Nutrition, Pharmacology, Neurological Diseases, 1(2), 90-96.[↩]
