Photo: Dr.S.Soundarapandian / Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Punarnava Shwet पुनर्नवा श्वेत
Trianthema portulacastrum
Also known as: Punarnava Mool
Part used: Root
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Trianthema portulacastrum
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Whole plant powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily; fresh juice 10–20 ml.
Punarnava Shwet in other languages
Introduction
Punarnava Shwet is the white-flowered punarnava (Trianthema portulacastrum), the horse purslane that spreads across Indian fields with the first rain. It is distinguished in the texts from Rakta Punarnava, the red-flowered Boerhavia diffusa.
Both are Shothahara drugs — given for swelling and fluid retention — but the white variety is described as the more purgative and is the one classically preferred where the bowel is also sluggish.
Classification
Family Aizoaceae. The whole plant and root are officinal. Rasa: Madhura, Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Laghu, Ruksha. Virya: Ushna. Vipaka: Katu. Doshaghnata: pacifies Kapha and Vata.
Uses & benefits
Given in oedema, ascites and puffiness of the face and limbs, and where sluggish kidney function shows as fluid retention. It is a mild diuretic that does not deplete, and is also used in anaemia and enlarged liver or spleen. In this catalogue it is the lead herb of Punarnavadi Kwath and Punarnavadi Mandoor.
Punarnava for swelling and fluid
The classical Shothahara indication. It is used where the ankles and face swell and the urine is scanty, and is preferred over harsher diuretics because it does not leave the patient weak.
Punarnava for the liver and spleen
Classical texts give it in Yakrit-Pliha vriddhi — enlargement of the liver and spleen — usually with iron-bearing preparations such as Punarnavadi Mandoor.
Dosage — how much to take
Whole plant powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily; fresh juice 10–20 ml. Usually taken before food.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Punarnava Shwet?
The citations held for Punarnava Shwet in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthana 4 — Shothahara group); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Punarnava dvaya).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Punarnava Shwet?
Listed among the drugs that reduce swelling. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Shothahara group.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Punarnava Shwet?
Describes the white and red varieties separately, with the white the more purgative. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Punarnava dvaya.
What is Punarnava Shwet traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given in oedema, ascites and puffiness of the face and limbs, and where sluggish kidney function shows as fluid retention. It is a mild diuretic that does not deplete, and is also used in anaemia and enlarged liver or spleen. In this catalogue it is the lead herb of Punarnavadi Kwath and Punarnavadi Mandoor.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Punarnava Shwet?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Punarnava Shwet classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Punarnava Shwet carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Punarnava Shwet is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Punarnava Shwet is taken, and how?
Whole plant powder 3–6 g per day; decoction 40–80 ml twice daily; fresh juice 10–20 ml. Usually taken before food. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Punarnava Shwet be avoided?
Well tolerated in classical doses. Because it increases urine output, take care if you are on diuretic medication or being treated for kidney disease — tell your physician. Avoid in pregnancy. The two punarnavas are different plants; check which your prescription names.
Where does Punarnava Shwet grow?
A prostrate annual weed of cultivated ground, roadsides and waste places throughout India, appearing abundantly with the monsoon.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Punarnava dvaya
Describes the white and red varieties separately, with the white the more purgative. - Charaka Samhita — Sutrasthana 4 — Shothahara group
Listed among the drugs that reduce swelling.
Safety & precautions
Well tolerated in classical doses. Because it increases urine output, take care if you are on diuretic medication or being treated for kidney disease — tell your physician. Avoid in pregnancy. The two punarnavas are different plants; check which your prescription names.
Where it grows
A prostrate annual weed of cultivated ground, roadsides and waste places throughout India, appearing abundantly with the monsoon.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between white and red Punarnava?
White Punarnava is Trianthema portulacastrum, red is Boerhavia diffusa. Both reduce swelling; the white is described as more purgative and the red as the better general Rasayana. This site keeps separate pages for each.
Why is it called Punarnava?
The name means "renewed again" — the plant appears to die back in the dry season and springs up again with the rains, and the drug is credited with a similar renewing action on the body.
