Top Health Benefits of Punarnava with Its Nutrition Value and Uses

Introduction

Punarnava is a medicinal herb with numerous health benefits. The name “Punarnava” derives from “Punar” meaning “once again” and “Nava” meaning “becoming new”. This reflects its reputation in Ayurveda as a natural remedy due to its numerous benefits and pharmacological actions. This medicinal herb is extensively utilised in treating renal and urinary issues due to its potent anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It serves as both a heart and kidney tonic, commonly found across India, especially during the rainy season. With a bitter and pungent taste, the entire plant, particularly the roots, holds significant medicinal benefits in Ayurveda.

This herb is also used to treat jaundice, fever, and obesity treatment. Its root juice aids those with night blindness, while its topical reduces pain and swelling. It is also known for reducing asthma attacks. Know more about this herb, its composition, uses, benefits of Punarnava and much more.

Other Names of Punarnava

Punarnava is also known by the name of Vakhakhaparo, Dholia-saturdo, Tambadivasu, Ghetuli, Mukarati Kire, Raktakunda, Shothaghni, Varshabhu, Kommegida, and Hogweed.

Nutritional Value of Punarnava

Punarnava herb is a valuable source of macro minerals, including magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium. The predominant element in this herb is magnesium, which may aid in lowering blood pressure. It also contains various natural compounds of medicinal importance, such as alkaloids, phenols and flavonoids. These components work synergistically to improve the functioning of the reproductive system, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, urinary system, liver, and heart. The nutritional value of Punarnava is as follows:

Uses of Punarnava

Punarnava is valued as a traditional herb for its diverse therapeutic uses across different systems of the body. Some of Punarnava uses include:

1. Diuretic: This herb helps increase urine production, aiding in the removal of excess fluids from the body, which is good for the functioning of the heart and kidneys.
2. Expectorant: It also facilitates the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract, easing breathing.
3. Promotes appetite: It increases appetite and helps maintain a healthy stomach function.
4. Treatment of jaundice: Traditionally, this herb is used to manage symptoms of jaundice, a condition characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
5. Boosts digestion: This herb enhances digestive processes, promoting better absorption of nutrients.
6. Enlargement of spleen: It is also used to alleviate symptoms associated with spleen enlargement.
7. Relieving abdominal pains: It provides relief from various abdominal discomforts.
8. Punarnava leaf juice for topical application: Applied to the eyes for its beneficial properties.
9. Oedema: The Punarnava leaf is consumed as a vegetable to reduce oedema or swelling.
10. Mild laxative: This herb helps in relieving constipation and promoting regular bowel movements.
11. Heart tonic: It potentially supports heart health and functions when used as a cardiac tonic.

Benefits of Punarnava for Overall Health

The root, seed and Punarnava leaf are used in the treatment of cancer, jaundice, indigestion, inflammation, enlargement of the spleen, and abdominal pain. This herb is beneficial in the following health conditions:

1) Punarnava benefits in controlling diabetes:

Punarnava helps regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity. It’s often the root or whole plant used that contains active compounds beneficial for diabetes management.

2) Punarnava benefits in treatment of bronchial asthma: 

The herb’s ability to clear mucous from bronchial tubes aids in relieving asthma symptoms. It’s typically the whole plant or roots applied externally or consumed for this purpose.

3) Punarnava benefits in treating obesity: 

Punarnava supports weight loss by improving metabolism and reducing water retention. The whole plant or roots are used to enhance digestion and eliminate excess fluids.

4) Punarnava benefits in treating Dropsy: 

Punarnava’s diuretic properties help eliminate excess fluid buildup in tissues and body cavities. Liquid extracts from the plant stimulate urine production, aiding in dropsy treatment.

5) Punarnava benefits in treating ascites: 

Effective against ascites caused by liver conditions, Punarnava reduces abdominal fluid accumulation. It’s usually the whole plant or roots used to treat specific types of ascites.

6) Punarnava benefits in killing intestinal worms: 

Punarnava’s anthelmintic properties help expel intestinal worms. The seeds or roots are often used to combat parasitic infections.

7) Punarnava benefits for night blindness: 

Applied as a paste to the eyes, Punarnava from the roots helps improve vision and alleviates night blindness symptoms.

8) Punarnava benefits in reducing pain and swelling: 

External application of Punarnava paste reduces inflammation and pain in conditions like arthritis and joint swelling.

9) Punarnava benefits in curing kidney problems: 

Punarnava supports kidney function by promoting diuresis and reducing kidney inflammation. It’s typically the whole plant or roots used for kidney health.

10) Punarnava benefits in treating asthma: 

Punarnava clears bronchial tubes by expelling mucus, making it effective against asthma. The whole plant or roots are used for this purpose.

11) Punarnava benefits for skin: 

Applied externally, Punarnava paste from roots treats oedema, ulcers, and skin diseases, promoting skin health and healing.

12) Punarnava benefits for anemia: 

Punarnava’s iron content helps in managing anemia by increasing hemoglobin levels. The whole plant or roots are used to boost iron intake.

13) Punarnava benefits for constipation: 

Punarnava’s mild laxative effect aids in relieving constipation by promoting bowel movements. The roots or whole plant are used for this purpose.

Additional benefits: 

Studies confirm Punarnava as a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, mild laxative, and heart tonic, aiding in conditions like obesity, poor appetite, jaundice, and fever. The whole plant or roots are commonly used for these general health benefits.

How to Use Punarnava?

Punarnava herb can be used in various forms to harness its medicinal properties:

1. Tea or infusion: Steep dried Punarnava leaf or root in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink it as tea. This herb acts as both a diuretic and detoxicant, so it can help you cleanse your kidneys and kidney stones.
2. Powder: Crush dried Punarnava leaf or root into a fine powder and take 1-3 grams of it with honey or water every day. It can be beneficial for you to reduce swelling by minimizing fluid retention and cleansing your body in the long run.
3. Capsules or tablets: You can find it in the market as capsules or tablets in the standard dosage. They can be readily used if you are allergic to particular tastes or if you need standard amounts.
4. Tincture: Soak this herb either in vinegar or alcohol to create tincture which you can swallow.
5. Topically: Rub the paste or oil of this herb gently on your skin if you are affected with spots or any other inflammation.

Punarnava is available in online pharmacies as tablets, capsules, churans, and juice. You can select the dosage form according to your requirements. 

Is Punarnava Safe?

Punarnava is generally considered safe when used appropriately and in recommended doses. It has a long history of use in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties. However, if you have a chronic health condition, consult your doctor before taking ayurvedic herbs.

Side Effects & Allergies of Punarnava

Punarnava has several health benefits, but it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects and allergies. Punarnava side effects include:

1. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to Punarnava. It may cause itching, swelling, rashes, or other symptoms.
2. Increased Blood Pressure: Punarnava may raise blood pressure, affecting heart function.
3. Burning Sensation: Some people may feel a burning sensation in their throat when taking Punarnava. This is more likely if the supplement is consumed without food or water.

Cultivation of Punarnava

This plant grows wild in India, Africa and Brazil all year but dries up in summer. It has small juicy leaves, pinkish-red flowers, and fruits in winter. Punarnava tastes bitter and has a cooling effect. It’s highly valued for its medicinal properties.

Precautions to Take with Punarnava

Follow these precautions for the safe use of Punarnava herb:

1. Punarnava is a laxative; take its dosage as mentioned on the packaging.
2. Children below 12 years of age and pregnant women should not take this herb.
3. Punarnava extracts offer various beneficial effects, including diuretic, vasodilatory, immunomodulatory, ACE inhibitory, and anticonvulsant activities. Products containing Punarnava as a main ingredient may interact with medications that have similar or opposing effects, particularly those used in heart complications and Blood pressure. It’s crucial for individuals with heart issues to use Punarnava formulations under medical supervision to maintain a delicate balance in diuresis, vasodilation, and ACE inhibition.
4. Punarnava’s anticonvulsant activity suggests caution when using it alongside medicines like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, as it may potentiate their effects.
5. Quercetin, found in Punarnava, can alter the bioavailability of medications like tamoxifen and simvastatin, potentially increasing their effectiveness. Punarnava supplements should be used cautiously, especially those derived from the whole plant or aerial parts.

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