Punarnavaa – पुनर्नवा
It is a creeping, perennial herb. It has a tuberous rhizome.
The stem is much branched, purplish and thickened at nodes.
The leaves are simple, arranged opposite. They are oblique,
ovate or suborbicular in shape with a rounded base and wavy
margin. Lower surface shows presence of small white scales.
The flowers are borne terminal or axillary panicle inflorescence
or small umbels forming corymbose. The flowers are dark pink,
surrounded by bracteoles.
The fruit is a rounded achene which is ribbed.
BOTANICAL NAME
Boerhavia diffusa L
FAMILY
Nyctaginaceae
FLOWERING
September – December
FRUITING
September – December
PROPAGATION
It can be propagated by seeds and vegetative cuttings
PLANT PART USED
Whole Plant
COMMON NAMES:
Red hogweed, Tar Vine, Red Spiderling, Wineflower;
Hindi: Punarnavaa, Satha;
Kannada: Adakaputta, Adakaputtana gida, Komme, Gonajaali,
Sanaadikaa, Balavadike, Belavadaka, Shivaata, Nadumurukana balli;
Sanskrit: Punarnavaa;
USES
It is known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
It is used for the treatment of various hepatic disorders and for
internal inflammation.
An extract helps to soothe cough as it can act as an
expectorant.
It improves cardiovascular health.
It is used for managing and treating kidney stones.
Roots are considered a diuretic
It has antimicrobial and anti-cancer properties.
It boosts the immune system.
Leaves are used in ophthalmia and for eye wounds, muscular
pain.
It is also used for detoxification and purification of blood.
