PURNARNAVA : Gadhapurana, Boerhaavia diffusa - Nyctaginaceae
Punarnava means "one that renews the body ". A powerful longevity enhancer

Part used : Roots

Energetics :
- Rasa (taste): Pungent, Bitter, Astringent
- Virya (action): Heating
- Vipaka (post-digestive effect): Pungent
- Guna (quality): Dry, Light

Doshas : VPK-

Dhatus (tissues) : Plasma, Blood, Fat, Nerve, Reproductive

Srotas (systems) : Digestive, Urinary, Plasma

Action :
Diuretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, stomachic, mild laxative, cardio tonic, digestive, enkindles appetite, destroys odema, alleviates coughs, promotes youth and longevity, benefits the eyes, reduces haemorrhoids, rejuvenative to the urinary system, lithotriptic, alleviates dysuria, expectorant, diaphoretic, emetic, purgative, antihelmintic, febrifuge, myocardial stimulant, antibacterial and antiviral.

Indications :

HEART :
Fluid congestion, cardiac oedema, general oedema from heart function deficiency. Difficult breathing from this congestion in the chest is eased. By clearing the excess of avalambhaka and kledhaka kapha from the chest and stomach it opens the channels- especially for rasa and rakta, the circulatory fluids, to flow unimpeded.

KIDNEYS :
Any symptoms of nephritis or impaired urinary function. Used in bladder infections and systemic oedema. Superb herb for drying excess fluids, swelling, oedema and congestion from excess kapha. Specifically useful in ascites, congestive heart conditions, arthritic swellings with pitting and coldness.

Punarnava can be used safely in case of chronic renal insufficiency .

Diuretics can be harmful for the kidneys because in case of long term use its might lower the blood's potassium level. Punarnava is a SAFE diuretic as this herb doesn't affect the renal functional units and moreover it produces the necessary potassium.

GIT :
Increases the digestive fire and is useful in a sluggish digestive system. In small doses it is a mild laxative. Also traditionally used for treating the kapha type of anemia.

ARTHRITIS :
In swollen joints with fluid retention, pitting with kapha imbalance. Punarnava can effectively clear the excess fluid.

Traditionally used to treat glaucoma, anemia, urinary tract infections, heart disease, cough, intestinal colic, edema, piles, haemorrhage, biliousness, nervous system disorders, insomnia, rheumatism, asthma, phthisis, eye diseases, jaundice, ascites, and urethritis, anasarca, scanty urine, internal inflammation and as an antidote for snake venom.
It is also used as an ointment for leprosy and skin disorders.

The rejuvenative action of Punarnava is via its opening and cleansing activity allowing effective nourishment to reach the tissues.

Punarnava's effect on the heart muscle will give a slight rise in blood pressure, although the effect of this herb is mostly on the renal epithelium. It is given when increased secretions of the kidney are wanted, or when there are lessened secretions, such as in ascites, whether due to the heart, kidney, or liver.
It increases the systolic beat of the heart, and is therefore useful in all stenosed conditions of the heart valves. It is often used with Gokshura in diuretic formulas.

This herb is also known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which are comparable to those of ibuprofen.

Contraindications :
- Diarrhoea
- Caution with sedative, anti-depressive and anti-epileptic medication

Dosage :
1 - 10 g per day