Punarnava or Boerhavia diffusa is eulogized by ayurveda acharyas by different names owing to its medicinal properties.
It is called as Punarnava (Punar + nava). Punar means – once again, nava means - becoming new. This plant rejuvenates
liver and detoxifies it. It clears the
lungs and reduces cough, asthma etc. It rejuvenates
male reproductive system and acts as an
aphrodisiac. This increases libido,
erection and
quality and quantity of semen. It is used in
Vajikarana preparations. It detoxifies
skin and clears it of infections. This plant cleanses the kidneys and helps to get rid of renal calculi (kidney stones). Thus the plant punarnava acts on all important organ systems and rejuvenate them, giving a new life . Hence the name punarnava.
Shothagni is another synonym for Boerhavia diffusa . Shotha means inflammation. The plant which acts as an enemy to inflammation is shothagni. This plant is known to reduce inflammation in
arthritis and
joint pain. It is widely used in inflammation of liver, kidney and joints.