Punarnava
Boerhavia diffusa · पुनर्नवा
Herbs & Roots. Ayurveda.
Also called Hogweed, Spreading hogweed, Red spiderling
Sanskrit: पुनर्नवा (Punarnava)
Diuretic: can cause dehydrationA low creeping plant from India used in Ayurveda as a diuretic for swelling and kidney complaints.
Did you know? Its name means renewed again, which reflects its traditional use to restore strength in Ayurvedic texts.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Kidneys, bladder & UTIs. Traditional diuretic for swelling and urinary problems. Human trials are very few.Traditional proof
- Inflammation. Animal studies show some anti-inflammatory effects. Human data are lacking.Traditional proof
- Liver. Only animal liver studies so far.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Ayurveda uses punarnava for swelling, fluid retention, urinary problems and liver complaints.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Diuretic, Anti-inflammatory. Energy: neutral.
- Ayurveda
- Calms Kapha. Taste (rasa): sweet, bitter, astringent. Energy (virya): heating. After digestion (vipaka): pungent. Mutrala (diuretic), Shothahara (reduces swelling), Rasayana (rejuvenative).
How people take it
Root decoction or powder, usually in small amounts. No tested human dose is established.
Decoction, powder, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
Grows as a weed in India and other warm regions, often in sandy or waste ground. Buy root powder, capsules or dried tea. Other Boerhavia species are sometimes sold under the same name.
Be careful
Its diuretic effect can cause dehydration or low potassium. Avoid during pregnancy, since safety is not known. Use caution with kidney disease.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; kidney disease; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are Ayurvedic herbs used for kidney and urinary complaints.
- Works well together
Both are used together for urinary and kidney health in Ayurvedic practice.
- Works well together
Both are classic Ayurvedic diuretic herbs for swelling.
- Use cautionWater pills (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
May add to diuretic effects, causing low potassium or dehydration.
- Use cautionLithium (for bipolar disorder)
Diuretics can raise lithium levels. Ask a doctor before combining.
The honest take
Punarnava is mostly used in Ayurveda for swelling and urine problems. Human studies are almost absent, so the diuretic claims rest on tradition and animal work. Talk to a doctor first if you have kidney or heart trouble.