Punarnava
Boerhavia diffusa
About Punarnava
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) is a herb used in the Ayurveda tradition to help with Kidney Support, Edema, Liver Support, and Inflammation. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.
Botanical background
Boerhavia coccinea is a species of flowering plant in the four o'clock family which is known by many common names, including scarlet spiderling, red boerhavia, hogweed, and in Spanish, hierba del cancer and hierba de la hormiga.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Tea / Infusion
- Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Punarnava in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
- Cover while steeping.
- Strain and drink.
Tincture
- Pack dried Punarnava into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Punarnava into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Punarnava in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Punarnava itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb is processed through the liver, which is already working harder during pregnancy — generally used cautiously and not at high/concentrated doses without guidance. This is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionLiver-processed compounds can appear in breast milk — generally used cautiously and in moderation.
Children
Use CautionA child's liver is still developing its full drug/herb-processing capacity — these herbs are generally used cautiously and at reduced, age-appropriate doses.
Contraindications
- Active liver disease — monitor liver enzymes with long-term use
- Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function
Warnings
⚠️ Liver Health
Some herbs used for liver conditions can be hepatotoxic at high doses. Have liver function monitored if using long-term.
⚠️ Kidney Disease
Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.
Processed by the liver
Watch for: Any medication that is also processed by liver enzymes (ask your pharmacist — this includes many common prescriptions)
Can alter how quickly the body clears certain medications, raising or lowering their effective dose.
Where to find in nature
Native region
India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh
Climate
Tropical and subtropical monsoon
Habitat
Forests, riverbanks, cultivated medicinal gardens, and the foothills of the Himalayas
🌿 To see Punarnava growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Indian grocery and spice shops (e.g. Patel Brothers, India Bazaar)
- Ayurvedic medicine practitioners and Ayurvedic pharmacies
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Punarnava, look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.