PUNARNAVA

Introduction:

Punarnava is a diffuse herb spreading in wide area, having creeping stem, usually purple in colour. The herb is having three varieties, white and red variety is mostly used as medicine. Leaves are small but thick hairy rough surface on top but smooth underneath. Flowers are small and pinkish. Round fruits having one seed inside. Long roots having yellowish brown colour. All five parts (Panchang), Leaves, stems, flowers, seeds and roots have medicinal value and used in Ayurveda, roots are used most.

Punarnava is traditional ayurvedic herb used since ancient time as natural diuretic and in treatment of kidney and liver diseases plus many other ailments. As name suggest it brings back vigor and vitality.

Uses:

1. On Eyes: The juice of roots is used for treatment of infections and diseases of eyes such as conjunctivitis, night blindness etc. Regular use of drops of roots, improves eyesight.

2. Inflammation and Arthritis:  Provides a lot of relief from pain in the joints and the pain of inflamed muscles, gout and sciatica. A paste of powdered roots may be prepared and applied on effected part.

3. Liver: It helps to stimulate secretion of bile and keeps the liver healthy and functional. Useful in treatment of Jaundice.

4. Urinary tract diseases: Useful in burning sensation while urinating. Widely used as diuretic. Useful in treatment of kidney stones. Treats urinary tract Infections, heavy menstruation, fibroids, and clotting in women.

5. Obesity: Promotes weight loss in the body.

6. Used as heart tonic, prevents heart failure. Usually given with Arjuna Bark powder.

7. For treatment of bleeding piles mixture of punarnava and turmeric powder is useful.

8. On dog bite and scorpion bite, juice of roots may be given to reduce effect of intoxication.

9. Used in treatment of Guinea worms, scabies and other skin diseases.

10. Leaves and extract of leaves are used to control diabetes.

11. Used in treatment of respiratory disorders like asthma, cough and cold.

12.  Boosts general immunity, powder given with milk.

13. Root powder is used in digestive disorders like loss of appetite, abdominal pain, intestinal colic, constipation, acidity and as carminative. It is also a mild laxative. Kills intestinal worms.

14. Punarnava’s seeds are beneficial to increase libido in man.

15. Used to correct iron deficiency and anemia.

16. Used to treat oedema, a condition where excessive water is accumulated in body tissues and cavities and also abdominal lining.