Punarnava herb, scientifically known as BoerhaviaDiffusa, is also called with several other names such as the Red Spiderling, Tarvine, Red Hogweed, Spreading Hogweed and Horse Purslane. The herb is native to India and has been part of Ayurveda for centuries because of its anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties.

The punarnava plant has ascending growth and can grow up to 1 metre tall. Its leaves, which also contain several properties, are small, thick and fleshy. They are smooth and green on the top and pale pink on the underside.

Punarnava also has flowers, which have their uses, too. These flowers are small and pink, white, or pinkish-red in colour and are clustered on the tips of branches.

The best part about punarnava is that it can be grown in a variety of habitats because it is tolerant to various climatic conditions and soils.

1. Gives Life to Your Liver

The liver is the body's filter system, breaking down consumed substances into smaller parts and sending them to the bloodstream. It does this continuously without any rest, and often, when we consume unhealthy or harmful food, it affects the functioning of our liver. Consuming punarnava regularly helps in the regular secretion of bile in the liver, which keeps it healthy and functioning.

2. Helpful in Neuromuscular Disorder

Punarnava contains soothing and healing properties. The active compounds present in it have shown positive therapeutic effects on the nervous system of the human body. The anti-inflammatory properties and flavonoids and alkaloids of punarnava reduce the effects of inflammation that causes damage to the muscles and nerves in the body.

Moreover, research suggests that punarnava improves muscle strength and function. It is excellent for people suffering from neuromuscular disorders.

3. Remedy for UTI Infections

UTIs, or urinary tract infections, are common in women, and men also suffer from them in some cases. The infection can cause discomfort and result in itching and burning sensations while peeing, etc.

Consuming punarnava churna can help relieve these symptoms; the herb contains antimicrobial, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. All these can help cure UTIs and reduce the infection in just a few days.

4. Beneficial for Respiratory Diseases

Several studies have shown that punarnava benefits in respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis. It has antimicrobial properties, which makes it effective against respiratory diseases.

Moreover, punarnava is also known to have a diuretic effect, which can be beneficial for patients with specific respiratory diseases, such as pulmonary oedema, a medical condition that results in fluid accumulation in the lungs.

5. Helps in Weight Loss

One of the most common and widely known uses of the punarnava plant is fighting obesity and helping in weight loss. The herb helps excrete extra fluids from the body. When taken in adequate amounts, it does not affect the potassium count and electrolytes in the body. You would find punarnava as the main ingredient in most slimming powders and medications, as it helps in losing weight quickly and effectively.

6. Anti-Diabetic

Today, diabetes has become a problem for every other person, and keeping the sugar levels in control is the only way to live with it. Punarnava leaf and the extract obtained from it help control the body's glucose levels, which results in keeping diabetes levels in control. Moreover, the Punarnava Ayurveda drug also helps increase plasma insulin levels, which is beneficial for people with diabetes.

7. Good For Healthy Heart

Punarnava benefits heart health in many ways. The herb has a calming effect on the cardiac system, which is highly beneficial for people dealing with heart conditions like palpitations and arrhythmias. The punarnava herb helps relax the heart muscles, lowers cholesterol levels, and stops lipid accumulation, which reduces the chances of heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.

Punarnava's plant has several uses, and each of its parts can be used in one way or another. Here are some different uses of the punarnava plant.

Make Punarnava Juice: The best way to include punarnava in your diet is to consume it in liquid form. You can make juice from fresh leaves of punarnava and drink it in the morning. If you do not like the taste of just punarnava juice, you can mix some leaves with other fruit or vegetable juices and consume them.

Punarnava Syrup: Another way to consume punarnava is in syrup form. You can buy syrup from the market and take it with water every day. Punarnavasava syrup benefits liver and kidney-related issues, which is why doctors often prescribe it as medicine, too.

Punarnava Leaf Vegetable: Just like you make green leafy vegetable recipes, you can also cook with punarnava leaves. The recipe is relatively easy to make and delicious to taste.

• Wash the green punarnava leaves thoroughly with water before cooking.

• After that, cut them into small pieces.

• Now, cut the onion dice, green chillies, and garlic into small pieces.

• Heat oil in the cooking pan, add the onion and chillies and cook until the onion becomes light brown.

• Then, add the punarnava leaves, sprinkle with salt and other spices, and cook for 5-10 minutes, and your punarnava vegetable is ready.

Punarnava Root Juice: Whether it is leaves or roots, every part of the punarnava plant is beneficial to consume. Punarnava root juice is good to consume for people suffering from any eye infection or disease. The nutrients present in its roots target to provide relief from eye-related issues.

Punarnava Dal Curry: Another delicious way to consume punarnava is by making punarnava masala dal curry. It is a hearty recipe.

• First, you need to take urad dal and soak it in water for 30 minutes.

• Meanwhile, prepare your other ingredients; cut the punarnava leaves into small pieces, along with other vegetables like onion, tomatoes, green chilli, garlic and ginger.

• Now put the soaked urad dal, punarnava leaves and other vegetables in the cooker to cook.

• Sprinkle the salt and spices like turmeric, red chilli powder and other spices.

• Cook all the ingredients in the cooker and mash them after that.

• After that, saute it in oil with cumin seeds, cook for 2-3 minutes and serve it hot.

Gastrointestinal Issues: Undoubtedly, consuming punarnava churna has its benefits for the body. However, some people might face gastrointestinal distress, which causes issues like upset stomach, vomiting, continuous nausea and having loose stools.

Allergic Reactions: Some people might be allergic to punarnava and experience allergic reactions such as rashes, itching, closing throat, nausea or chills.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Punarnava has diuretic properties, and if you consume too much diuretic, your body's electrolytes can be imbalanced. An imbalance of electrolytes can cause issues like a drop in potassium levels and affect the heart and muscles.

Drug Interactions: If you are taking regular medications for specific problems, such as diabetic or blood thinner medicines, liver medicines, or any other diseases, punarnava can interact with these drugs and may cause some side effects. Thus, it is advised to consult your doctor before including punarnava in your daily diet.

Everyone wants to stay healthy and fit, so people include ingredients like punarnava herb in their diet, follow a balanced and disciplined routine and do regular exercise. Doing all this is good and helps keep diseases at bay and maintain a healthy body structure. However, many people still become victims of illness and chronic diseases.

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Punarnava has been used since ancient times; its medicinal properties and various health benefits make it an ideal ingredient to include in your daily diet. It can be consumed in punarnava churna form, can be added to tea and can also be consumed in the form of a vegetable with your meal. However, remember to maintain a balance and not consume it in heavy quantities.

Is Punarnava hot or cold?

According to the Ayurvedic mentions, the Punarnava herb is hot.

Is Punarnava good for the eyes?

Yes, punarnava has properties that help cure many eye disorders, such as chronic ophthalmia, night blindness, and conjunctivitis.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the health benefits of Punarnava. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. In severe cases, it is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment.