Botanical Name: Boerhaavia diffusa

Common Name:

English: Punarnava
Also, known as: Ronga Punarnabha, Rakta Punarnava, Hog Weed, Saturdi, Gadapurna, Lalpunarnava, Kommeberu, Chuvanna Tazhutama, Rakta Punarnava, Laalapuiruni, Iteit, ltcit, Khattan, Mookarattai, Mukurattai, Atikamamidi, Erragalijeru, Surkh Punarnava, Ranga Punarnabha, Rakta Punarnava, Horse Purslene, Hog Weed, Dholisaturdi, Motosatodo, Gadapurna, Lalpunarnava, Sanadika, Kommeberu, Komma, Vanjula Punarnava, Chuvanna Tazhutawa, Ghetuli, Vasuchimuli, Satodimula, Punarnava, Khaparkhuti, Lalapuiruni, Nalipuruni, Khattan, Atikamamidi, Erra galijeru

Origin: India

Harvested: Wild or cultivated

Parts Used: Dried root

General Information:

In India Boerhaavia diffusa is a very popular medicinal plant, called ‘Punarnava’; especially the roots, leaves and seeds are used, and the root is listed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia. Boerhaavia diffusa is a tropical crawling root plant, with bioactive compounds in both the leaves and roots.

Boerhaavia diffusa, is an herbaceous perennial plant with vigorous, many-branched stems growing from a taproot; up to 2 meters long the stems can be erect or procumbent. The stems branch mainly from the base, they are prostrate when young, becoming ascending to erect when flowering. Root well developed, fairly long, somewhat tortuous, cylindrical, 0.2 - 1.5 cm in dia.; yellowish-brown to brown; surface, rough due to minute longitudinal striations and root scars; fracture, short; odour, not distinct; taste, slightly bitter. Leaves opposite, simple, unequal, stipules absent, short petiole 2-4 cm long; blade broadly ovate to elliptical, base obtuse, cordate or truncate, apex acute to obtuse, margins sinuate, pale green to whitish beneath, sometimes with red marginal glands. Flowers bisexual, regular, pale rose coloured, small, short-stalked. fruits highly viscid, easily detachable, club-shaped, apex rounded, 5-ribbed, with rounded ribs, with glandular hairs, and one-seeded. The plant is gathered from the wild and is also sometimes used as food.

A very popular medicinal plant, especially in India, where it is widely used in Ayurveda. Medicines containing this plant are sold worldwide.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also, for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Punarnava Root Powder