Punarnava

Great! Here’s a complete overview of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) — its nutritional values and medicinal/health benefits, especially as used in Ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine.

🌿 Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

Common names:

  • Telugu: పునర్నవ, అటగొడ్డు (Atagoddu)
  • Hindi: Punarnava
  • Tamil: Mukarattai
  • Sanskrit: Punarnava (“the one that rejuvenates”)
  • English: Spreading Hogweed

🧪 Nutritional Composition (per 100g fresh leaves)

Though it’s primarily medicinal, fresh Punarnava leaves also contain nutrients:

Nutrient Approximate Value
Energy 40–50 kcal
Protein 3–4 g
Carbohydrates 6–8 g
Fiber 1.5–2.5 g
Calcium 120–150 mg
Iron 4–6 mg
Magnesium 40–60 mg
Potassium 250–300 mg
Vitamin C 15–25 mg
Antioxidants High (flavonoids, alkaloids, etc.)

💡 Roots and leaves contain medicinal alkaloids: punarnavine, boeravinone, liriodendrin, and ursolic acid.

🌱 Health Benefits of Punarnava

✅ 1. Kidney Health (Main Use)

  • Acts as a natural diuretic – increases urine output
  • Helps flush out excess water, toxins, and uric acid
  • Used in Ayurvedic formulations for:
    • Kidney stones
    • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
    • Urinary tract infections
    • Edema (swelling due to fluid retention)

✅ 2. Liver Detox and Support

  • Stimulates liver function (hepatoprotective)
  • Helps treat fatty liver, jaundice, and hepatitis
  • Part of many Ayurvedic liver tonics

✅ 3. Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief

  • Effective in arthritis, joint swelling, and gout
  • Reduces inflammation in the body and joints

✅ 4. Weight Loss and Water Retention

  • Reduces bloating and water weight
  • Promotes metabolism through liver and kidney cleansing

✅ 5. Diabetes Support

  • Shown to help lower blood sugar levels
  • Improves insulin sensitivity in some traditional preparations

✅ 6. Respiratory Health

  • Helpful in managing asthma, cough, and bronchitis
  • Works as a mild expectorant and bronchodilator

✅ 7. Women’s Health

  • Traditionally used for:
    • Menstrual issues
    • Anemia (rich in iron)
    • Postpartum recovery
  • Acts as a uterine tonic in some formulations

🍵 How to Use Punarnava

🔸 1. Punarnava Juice (Leaves)

  • Take 10–15 fresh leaves
  • Crush or blend with water, strain
  • Take 20–30 ml on an empty stomach (after consulting a practitioner)

🔸 2. Punarnava Root Decoction

  • 1 tsp dried root powder + 1 glass water
  • Boil till half remains, filter and drink
  • Used for kidney detox and edema

🔸 3. Capsules/Tablets/Churna (Powder)

  • Available in Ayurvedic shops under names like Punarnava Mandur, Punarnavadi Kashayam, or Punarnava Guggulu

⚠️ Precautions

  • Not for pregnant or breastfeeding women unless advised
  • Can interact with diuretics or blood sugar medications
  • Long-term high doses may need supervision by an Ayurvedic doctor

Would you like help identifying real Punarnava in the field or a recipe/guide to make your own decoction or capsule at home?

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