Punarnava,

Sothaghni.

Vern. Svetapunarnaba, Beng. Sant, Hind.

Both the red and white varieties of this plant are noticed by Sanskrit writers but the white is preferred for use. Its root is regarded as laxative, diuretic and stomachic; it is used in jaundice, ascites, anasarca, scanty urine and internal inflammations. One of its Sanskrit synonyms, namely, sothagni means cure for dropsy. A decoction of punamavά root is recommended to be given with the addition of powdered chireta and ginger in anasarca.1 A compound decoction much used in this disease is prepared as follows.

* The closely allied species A. bidentata, Bl. is probably used as frequently as this. G. K.

Punarnavάshtaka.2 Take of Punamavά root, nim bark, leaves of Trichosanthes dioica (patola), ginger, Picrorrhiza Kurroa (katuki), chebulic myrobalan, gulancha, and the wood of Berberis Asiatica (daruharidrά), quarter of a tolά each, water thirty-two tolάs; boil together till reduced to one-fourth. This decoction is given in general anasarca with ascites, cough, jaundice, difficult breathing, etc. An oil, prepared with a decoction of the root and a number of the usual aromatics in the form of a paste, is rubbed on the body in general ansarca complicated with jaundice. It is called Punamava taila.3

The Bhάvaprakάsa gives an electuary under the name of Punarnavavaleha. It is prepared with a decoction of the root of Boerhaavia diffusa and a number of other ingredients, and is used in strangury or scanty urine.