Urinary Infections: Punarnava Ayurvedic Background Punarnava is a pure herbal extract from Himalaya Herbal.

Punarnava is a weed found in India and Brazil. It's a spreading, creeping plant that grows about 2 meters. It contains pink flowers with oval fruits that are brown or green in color. The seeds, leaves and roots are medicinal in nature. Villagers in ancient times noticed the plant springing back to life after being dead; hence it's named as Punarnava - the renewer. The plant is called as Erva Tostao in Brazil. This plant is part of several herbal remedies and is widely used by the doctors for the treatment of urinary infections. Botanical name: Boerhaavia diffusa Family name: Nyctaginaceae Common name: Spreading hog weed, hog weed, Tar vine, Horse purslane and pig weed Constituents of Punarnava Punarnava contains the following constituents with several medicinal properties. Lignans - Liriodendrin Salts - Potassium nitrate Phytosterols - B-sitosterol Alkaloids - Punarnavine Xanthones - Boerhavine Rotenoids - Punarnavosides Though, Punarnava is not known to cause any side effects, you should seek a doctor's advice before you begin the treatment. Punarnava for Urinary Infections Sages in Ayurveda have described Punarnava as a medicinal herb with purifying, astringent, cooling and bitter properties. Punarnava balances all main problems such as kapha, pitta and vata. The roots possess diuretic properties and help to prevent the retention of fluid in the body.

The medicinal extract tones the body and boosts the health of urinary tract. Boerhaavia also strengthens kidneys. Other Punarnava Indications In addition to being a tonic for kidneys, Punarnava is effective for the following. The herb possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties and serves as a very effective medicine for treating edema. Punarnava enhances liver health and promotes respiratory health and lung function. It has proven efficacy for weight loss. Antifungal action The extract of Punarnava contains anti-fungal properties against dermatophytic fungi such as M. Canis, M. Fulvum and Microsporum Gypseum. Ethyl acetate extract of the root of Boerhaavia is the most effective for dermatophytic fungi. The clinical tests demonstrated 78.83% effectiveness against M. Gypseum, 62.33% against M. fulvum and 42.30% against M. Canis. The sporulation of dermatophytic fungi was also found to decrease with increase in the concentration of Punarnava extract. Spasmolytic Effects of the Roots The health of gastrointestinal tract can be significantly improved with the treatment of Boerhaavia. Methanol extract derived from the roots of Punarnava contains spasmolytic properties and directly acts on smooth muscles. For the treatment of pneumonitis and dyspnoea, ayurvedic experts recommend 5 gms of Punarnava with 250 mg Vacha and 5 gms shunthi. 5 gms of Punarnava powder acts as a very efficient herbal remedy for suppressing urine and treating calculus and dysurea. A form of Boerhaavia termed as swarasa contains high potency for the treatment of any type of oedema.

The herb also possesses anthelmintic, diaphoretic, laxative and stomachic properties. Punarnava helps to prevent intestinal pain and spasms by treating bloating and flatulence. The herb has been traditionally used in India for centuries for the treatment of anemia - low quantity and quality of blood - caused due to Kapha problem. Punarnava acts as a strong anti-diabetic agent.

Usage Instructions for Punarnava The standard dose of Punarnava for the treatment of urinary infections is 1 tablet twice every day before having a meal; however this dose may need to be modified for some patients depending upon how severe the condition is. Take the doses precisely as the doctor has prescribed them. Important Information: It may be troublesome for children to swallow the tablets. Hence this herbal remedy is indicated for use in patients of the age 14 years and above. Ayurvedic formulations treat the conditions effectively and safely only if you adopt a health regime. While undergoing the treatment with Punarnava, ensure that you adopt precautionary measures such drinking ample quantity of water and urinating and washing the genital area before and after having sexual intercourse.