Spreading Hogweed, Punarnava

Boerhavia diffusa (BD) Linn. (Nyctaginaceae) is a well-known medicinal plant in traditional Indian medicine as well as in other parts of the world, for example, Southern America and the African continent. Its various parts and especially roots have been used for gastrointestinal, hepatoprotective, and gynecological indications in the above-mentioned parts of the world and also throughout India. In ayurvedic texts, more than 35 formulations of different types contain it as the major ingredient.

In Ayurveda, BD has been classified as “Rasayana” herb which is said to possess properties like antiaging, reestablishing youth, strengthening life and brain power, and disease prevention, all of which imply that they increase the resistance of the body against any onslaught, in other words, providing hepatoprotection and immunomodulation

Uses:- Panduhara – Useful in anemia, and early-stage liver disorders, Punarnava is an excellent diuretic. In cases of high blood pressure requiring diuretic action, Punarnava is used. Kasanut – useful in cough and cold