Theย Punarnava Boerhavia Diffusaย plant promotes cellular re-incarnation. Punarnava means “tech makes old cells new.”
โPunarhaโย = again.
โNavahaโย = new.
The old cell transfers its energy (through chemistry) to the new cell. The old body is renewed. Re-incarnation occurs on the cellular level. Cellular memory (โsmritiโ) is revitalised and restored to perfect health.
It is a superb herb to rejuvenate the kidneys and enhance lymphatic drainageย (prabhava).
Nomenclature
English:ย Indian/Spreading Hogweed
Sanskrit:ย Punarnavฤ
Latin:ย Boerhaavia diffusa
Sveta Purnanavaย (Boerhaaviaย repens)ย is another variety ofย Punarnavaย that has a white flower. This is more potent and rare.
Its English name โSpreading Hogweed,โ is a good description of how this plant spreads as a selfish weed across the ground. Farmers usually chuck the plant out in the trash.
Energetics
Rasaย (taste):ย Astringent, Bitter, Sweet.
Viryaย (energy):ย Cooling
Vipakaย (post-digestive effect):ย Pungent
Gunasย (quality): Dry, light.
Dosha:ย VPK-, V+ in excess
Ayurvedic Action
Ganas (groups):
Vayasthapanaย (Anti-Aging)
Svedopagaย (Adjuvants to Sudation therapy)
Kasaghnaย (Cures Cough)
Indications
Kidneys and Lymphatic
Punarnava Boerhavia Diffusa enhances lymphatic drainage and rejuvenates the kidneys. Helps in nephritis or impaired urinary function. Excellent to reduce excess fluids, swelling, oedema and congestion from excessย kapha.ย Thus, also helps reduce scrotal and abdomen enlargement.
Digestion
It increases digestive fireย (deepana)ย and stimulates sluggish digestion. It absorbs fluids from the digestive system and can be constipating. It helps remove poisons and worms.
Diabetes
Punarnavaโs reducesย medas dhatuย (fat tissue) and balancesย mutravaha srotasย (urinary channels).
Parts Used
Whole plant, root and leaf.
The leaves can be used as a leafy green inย dahl.
โPunarha naveenam karotiโ
“Which makes all cells new.”
Important Formulations
Punarnavadi Mandoor
One of my formulations of choice also containing iron (mandoora) aplus many more herbs which activate the liver and spleenย (ranjaka pitta)ย to create more rakta (blood cells). This formula not only increasesย ironย in the body but increases our ability to produce and metabolise iron. It also helps in kidney health and diabetes,ย anaemia, splenomegaly, piles and fever. This formula contains medicinal metals which are completely safe and which you should be educated and informed about before taking them.
Punarnavadi Guggulu
For reducing water retention, congestive heart conditions and treating oedematous inflammatory joint diseases and gout.
