herb data, Red Hogweed, Boerhavia diffusa, Spreading Hogweed, Beshakapore, Lal Punarvava, Punarvava, Raktpunarnava, holisticonline.com

**Herb Information**
Name: Red Hogweed
Biological Name: Boerhavia diffusa, Boerhavia procumbens, Boerhavia repens Nyctaginaceae
Other Names: Red Hogweed, Spreading Hogweed, Beshakapore, Lal Punarvava, Punarvava, Raktpunarnava (red) Punarnanava, Thazhuthama
Description: This herb is found in India. This is one of the prized ayurvedic herbs. It contains an alkaloid punarnavine. The herb is a diuretic that acts on the glomeruli of the kidney through increasing the heart-beats and strengthening and raising the blood pressure as a result.
Parts Used: Herb, root
Medicinal Applications Action bitter, diaphoretic, diuretic, emetic, expectorant, laxative, rejuvenative, stomachic Root- anthelmintic, febrifuge, purgative Uses Red (chronic) alcoholism asthma edema eye diseases heart disease hemorrhoids insomnia jaundice kidney stones nervous system disorders rat and snake bites rheumatism skin diseases urethritis wasting diseases White All the actions of the read mentioned above plus anemia cough intestinal colic kidney disorders The decoction of the root is taken as a remedy in rheumatism, impure blood, cough, asthma, hernia, dropsy, chest-pain, piles, and swellings. It is also used for gonorrhea, and internal inflammations.
Dosage: Juice, decoction, infusion, powder, paste, oil, sugar water, or honey paste
Safety: No information about the safety of this herb is available. Use caution. Ayurvedic herbs are often taken in combination with others to neutralize the toxicity one herb with the opposing effect of other. Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional.