How to Use Punarnava for Weight Loss

Punarnava (botanically Boerhavia diffusa) has anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic actions. So, it can reduce body weight, eliminates fat deposition on visceral organs, lowers cholesterol level and improves overall lipid profile.

In this article, I will talk about how to use Punarnava for Weight Loss. In which conditions does it work. How does it work? How can we combine Punarnava powder with other herbs for the best results? Why do we need to combine it with other herbs?

An animal study indicates that Punarnava root extract has potential benefits in reducing weight and high cholesterol in subjects with a high-fat diet. The observation suggests that Punarnava reduces visceral fat and body weight. However, this study does not clarify any mechanism of action. (1)

Let’s check what ayurveda says about Punarnava’s use in weight loss. You must remember almost 75% of herbs have anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic properties.

All herbs with ayurvedic qualities like dryness and lightness, taste like bitter and astringent and potency like hot exert anti-obesity and antihyperlipidemic actions.

Punarnava is one of them. However, there is a slight difference. It also has a sweet taste in addition to bitter and astringent tastes and it has sweet resultant. So, it should not have strong anti-obesity properties. Therefore, I consider it a mild anti-obesity and moderate antihyperlipidemic herb.

So, you cannot lose weight significantly with Punarnava alone. You have to combine it with other herbs to get its benefits.

The next question…

Which herbs should we use along with Punarnava for losing weight?

We require 2 types of herbs:

1. Digestion modulator or metabolic booster.
2. Potential anti-obesity or Lekhaniya herbs.

In the first category, we have three primary herbs:

1. Black pepper.
2. Long pepper.
3. Ginger powder.

These three herbs are also called Trikatu in ayurveda.

In the second category, we have 10 herbs according to Charak Samhita:

1. Nagarmotha.
2. Turmeric.
3. Daruharidra.
4. Vacha.
5. Ativisha.
6. Kutki.
7. Chitrak.
8. Chirbilva.
9. Swetvacha.
10. Pushkarmool.

Which herbs are most suitable for me with Punarnava?

According to body type and dosha in your health condition, we need to select the most appropriate combination. The combination can vary for each person depending on these factors.

Punarnava is best for everyone because it balances three doshas in the body, but we need to consider dosha and qualities for other herbs. For example:

• If you are having pitta dosha dominance, then you can use Punarnava with Nagarmotha and Kutki.
• If you have Kapha dosha dominance, you can use any of the herbs on the list.
• If you have Vata dosha dominance, you can use any of herbs in the list except Nagarmotha and Kutki.

Also Read

• Punarnava Uses, Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects.
• Ayurvedic Medicine for Weight Loss.