Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): The Ayurvedic Herb of Rejuvenation and Fluid Harmony

Revitalising your system with nature’s daily dose of renewal

In Ayurveda, Punarnava means " that which becomes new again." This name reflects an herb that restores balance when the body struggles with swelling, water retention, slow metabolism, or congested kidney and liver pathways. This modest creeper, Boerhavia diffusa, has a long history in Ayurvedic texts and is now often found in the form of Punarnava capsules, herbal capsules, supplements, and standardized extracts for specific therapeutic purposes.

Today, people turn towards Punarnava for issues that drain their vitality. These include edema, joint pain from uric acid, water retention caused by hormonal changes, abdominal congestion, and a feeling of heaviness inside. In these cases, Punarnava functions as a rejuvenating diuretic and detoxifier, which is why it is one of the most trusted remedies in Ayurvedic practice.

What is Punarnava?

वर्षतो पुनर्नवा भवति, शरीरञ्च पुनर्नवं करोतीति ।

Translation: Punarnava regenerates in the rainy season, and it regenerates the body as well if it is used.¹

Punarnava is a perennial Ayurvedic herb known for bringing lightness, reducing swelling, and clearing metabolic blockages. It grows abundantly throughout India, and its roots are rich in bioactive compounds that improve fluid metabolism, reduce inflammation, support kidney and liver function, and help eliminate Ama (metabolic toxins). Traditionally, it has been recommended for conditions like edema, urinary issues, uterine swelling, PCOD/PCOS-related congestion, and abdominal fluid buildup.

As modern lifestyles create more Kapha and Pitta imbalances and lead to metabolic inflammation, Punarnava has become vital for maintaining detox pathways and restoring balance.

Classification of Punarnava

• Sanskrit Names :  Punarnava, Shothaghni, Raktapunarnava

• Botanical Name : Boerhavia diffusa

• Family : Nyctaginaceae

• Parts Used : Root and leaves

• Classical Actions : Shothahara (decreases inflammation and swelling), 

Mutravirechaniya (maintain micturition and renal filtration),

Tridosha Shamaka

 Ayurvedic Properties of Punarnava

These qualities explain why Punarnava is effective for edema, swelling related to PCOD/PCOS, kidney and liver fluid imbalance, leucorrhoea, jaundice, and issues arising from aggravated Kapha and Pitta conditions.

Classical References

Shaloka Reference:

पुनर्नवा अपरा रक्त रक्त पुष्पा शिलाटिका | शोथघ्नी क्षुद्र वर्षाभू वर्ष केतुः कठिल्लकः||

Translation: Bhavaprakash has given synonyms to Punarnava – Raktapushpa (having red flowers), Shilatika (the one which is best), Shothaghni (reduces edema), Varshabu (which grows in monsoon).²

Shaloka Reference:

पुनर्नवा विशाखश्च कठिल्लश्च शिवाटिका । वृश्चीरः क्षुद्रवर्षाभूर्दीर्घपत्रः कठिल्लकः || पुनर्नवा भवेदुष्णा तिक्ता रूक्षा कफापहा । सशोफपाण्डुहृद्रोगकासोरः क्षतशूलनुत् ||

Translation: Punarnava is having Ushna Virya (hot in potency – only the Rakta Punarnava, Shweta variety is sheet in Virya, which we rarely find), and has Tikta Rasa, Rooksha Guna, which helps in absorption of excessive Kleda or moisture content. It is indicated in edema associated with Kapha, or other conditions where there is edema along with anaemia, cardiac issues, productive cough, or any issues related to the chest region, along with pain.³

Shaloka Reference:

शोथ रोग पुनर्नवा आद्रक कल्कः वर्षाभू शृङ्गबेरभयाम कलको वा सर्वशोथजित्

Translation: As per Chakradatta, if a paste made of Punarnava and Ginger or Dry Ginger is applied over any swelling that does not have daha (burning sensation), it gives good results.4

Top Punarnava Benefits According to Ayurveda

1. Herbal Medicine for Edema, Jala-udara, and Water Retention

Punarnava’s Tikta and Kashaya Rasa, along with its Laghu and Ruksha nature, help drain excess fluid from tissues and enhance lymphatic movement. Unlike harsh diuretics, Punarnava does not deplete electrolytes; it instead corrects the underlying imbalance. Whether the fluid buildup results from sitting too much, hormonal changes, PCOD, a slow metabolism, or early kidney issues, Punarnava relieves heaviness and restores fluid circulation.  

2. Powerful Mutravirechaniya Herb for Kidney Function

Punarnava is a well-known herb for supporting kidney filtration, making it an essential supplement for urinary and renal health. It helps in increased urination, reduces swelling in the legs, face, and lower abdomen, supports renal detoxification pathways, and avoids frequent recurrence of urinary obstruction and infections.

3. Effective relief of liver congestion and metabolic swelling

Punarnava improves liver function by promoting bile flow and alleviating fatty congestion. Its detoxifying properties help ease abdominal heaviness and enhance metabolism. This makes it valuable for conditions like fatty liver.

• A slow metabolic fire leads to Kapha-Pitta imbalances with water retention

• Diffuse swelling due to toxin accumulation

By removing stagnated doshas from the abdominal area along with ignition of digestive fire, Punarnava helps restore metabolic balance.

4. Specific Relief for Swelling/Uterine Edema due to PCOD/PCOS

Classical texts mention Punarnava in cases of Yoni-gata Shotha, which refers to pelvic and uterine swelling. It improves the uterine and pelvic area by reducing inflammation, improves blood circulation within reproductive tissues, and relieves water retention associated with PCOD/PCOS.

Punarnava’s twofold action—correcting metabolic issues and providing local anti-inflammatory effects—makes it valuable for female reproductive health.

5. Fast-acting anti-inflammatory herb

Punarnava’s Shothahara action reduces inflammation in tissues affected by fluid buildup. In the majority of people, swelling reduces to normal within 5 to 7 days, particularly from swelling of the lower limbs, travel puffiness, and absence of exercise-induced injuries and inflammation.  

6. Uric Acid Regulation and Joint Comfort

By enhancing kidney filtration and lowering inflammatory byproducts, Punarnava supports healthy uric acid levels. It helps in eliminating uric acid more efficiently, relieves swelling and stiffness in the joints, reduces metabolic inflammation, and enriches detoxification pathways, aiming at better joint health and movements.

Scientifically Validated Actions of Punarnava

Modern research supports Ayurvedic knowledge. Punarnava contains punarnavine, boeravinones, liriodendrin, flavonoids, phenolics, and glycosides. These compounds contribute to its therapeutic effects.

1. Diuretic and Anti-edema Action Enhancement

Studies show that Punarnava increases urine output, promotes sodium and chloride excretion, and maintains potassium levels. This explains its effectiveness in:

• Edema: - Nephrotic, Cardiac

• Water retention, hormonal and metabolic

• Cardiac and hepatic pathologies leading to edema

• Fluid accumulation due to PCOD/PCOS

• Pelvic congestion

 Note: Results hereby confirm the validation of Punarnava as a nontoxic, natural diuretic.

2. Nephroprotective Effects

Some studies prove that Punarnava protects kidney functions by:

• Reduced creatinine and urea levels

• Protection of the nephrons against oxidative damage

• Higher filtration rates of glomerular filtration

• Early renal impairment is reduced.

3. Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Activity

Punarnava reduces inflammatory substances, preventing tissue swelling and joint pain. Studies show that it helps:

• Reduce swelling associated with inflammation

• Relieve the uric acid inflammation of the joints.

• Block the cytokines responsible for chronic inflammation.

 Note: This proves the classical Shothahara action through general anti-inflammation action.

4. Hepatoprotective Action

Punarnava protects liver cells from chemical damage, oxidative stress, and fatty infiltration. It helps in:

• Normalize liver enzymes

• Enhanced detoxification process

• Improved liver regeneration

• Relieve congestion due to metabolic imbalance. 

5. Antispasmodic Effects; Menstrual Health

Punarnava relaxes smooth muscles gently, including those in the uterus and pelvic area. It supports congestion associated with PCOD/PCOS and uterine swelling and relieves menstrual bloating and pelvic inflammation. 

Note: This dual metabolic and reproductive action makes Punarnava a good friend, especially for women. 

6. Antioxidant Activity and Immunomodulation 

Punarnava boosts antioxidant activity by enhancing glutathione, catalase, and SOD levels. Its phytonutrients help in reducing Oxidative stress, boosting immunity, reducing Chronic inflammation, and protecting the vital organs against metabolic lesions. All these actions reinforce its action as a rejuvenating herb. 

How Does Punarnava Work?

Ayurveda Mechanism 

• Decreases swelling; drainage of the excess fluid and supports natural diuresis and renal filtration. Clears Ama and metabolic toxins.

• It balances both Kapha and Pitta without heating.

• Improves detoxification of the liver and intra-abdominal circulation.

• Relieves uterine and pelvic congestion. 

Modern Biomedical Mechanism 

• It increases urine output and safely reduces the inflammation.

• Protects renal and hepatic cells.

• Regulates uric acid metabolism.

• Provides antioxidant support.

• Relaxes pelvic congestion.

Note: Together, these mechanisms explain Punarnava's diverse uses across metabolism, kidney, liver, and reproductive health. 

Who should take Punarnava? 

Punarnava is especially useful in the following conditions: 

• Edema and water retention

• Early issues with kidney filtration

• Swelling due to PCOD/PCOS

• Uterine and pelvic congestion

• Fatty liver tendencies

• Discomfort from uric acid

• Abdominal bloating and slow metabolism

• Mild urinary issues

• Kapha and Pitta imbalance is causing swelling

Note: Its broad action makes Punarnava Standardized Extract Capsules suitable for daily support when used under professional guidance. 

Safety and Precautions while using Punarnava 

• Punarnava is safe and generally well-tolerated when taken in the right doses. Excessive use may lead to dryness or fatigue, so staying hydrated is important while using diuretics or blood pressure medications along with the Punarnava. better to seek guidance from an Ayurveda physician.

• During pregnancy and lactation, it is better to avoid unless prescribed. 

• Long-term use is safe for chronic conditions in maintenance doses.

Yukti Herbs Punarnava Capsules – 500 mg Extract 

A pure single-herb formulation designed to promote fluid balance, relieve swelling, and support kidney and liver health. Each capsule contains 500 mg of standardized Punarnava extract in a 100% vegetarian capsule shell. This makes it suitable for those looking to support kidney filtration, reduce puffiness and water retention, assist with liver detoxification, balance uric acid levels, relieve swelling associated with PCOD/PCOS, and improve metabolic clarity. As a modern and convenient Punarnava supplement, it provides classical benefits in a precise, concentrated form.

References:

1. Bhav Prakash Nighantu, Guduchyadi Varga, Shaloka 232

2. Dhanwantri Nighantu, Shatpushpadi Varga, Shaloka 304-305

3. Chakra Dutta, Chapter 39, Shaloka 19

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