Featured Herb for Spring Renewal: Punarnava

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As we move closer to spring, it’s a good idea to revitalize our body by reducing the kapha buildup that occurs during the winter. Expelling kapha from our system will get us in shape for the change of season, supporting our natural resistance to colds and flu, allergies, excess mucus, and other kapha-related conditions.  

The featured Ayurvedic herb for April is Boerhaavia diffusa, commonly known aspunarnava. This water-loving perennial creeper flowers during monsoon season and grows all over India and Sri Lanka. The whole plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties. The Sanskrit name punarnavameans “the plant that makes one new again.” Its rejuvenative action works through its capacity to open channels and clear blockages, allowing essential nourishment to reach the tissues, making it perfect for spring cleansing and renewal. 

Punarnava’s combination of rejuvenative, diuretic, and expectorant properties enables this medicinal plant to play a broad range of therapeutic roles, from supporting efficient kidney, liver, and urinary function to nourishing the heart and alleviating coughs and colic. As a blood purifier, punarnava boosts immunity and improves functioning of lungs. Because of its positive impact on kidney function and blood sugar levels, the herb can also be helpful in managing diabetes.

As a diuretic and mild laxative, punarnava promotes detoxification and prevents fluid retention, making it helpful for health problems such as edema, congestive heart conditions, and gout. Symptoms of kapha-related arthritis such as pitted skin, swollen joints, and the sensation of extreme cold, also respond favorably to the herb.    

Punarnava increases the digestive fire and helps stimulate a sluggish digestive system. Because the herb absorbs fluids from the digestive tract, it can result in constipation when taken in excess. Punarnava  prevents intestinal spasms and pain, reduces flatulence and bloating, and helps expel intestinal worms. It can also be taken in conjunction other herbs and spices to target specific conditions. For instance it can be combined with arjuna, guggulu, and turmeric for heart issues stemming from excess vata and kaphaor used with coriander, gokshura, and kalamegha for urinary tract infections. 

Ayurvedic Energetics:

• Taste: bitter, sweet, and pungent

• Energy: cooling

• Quality: dry and light

• Doshas: vata and kapha reducing (in excess it increases vata)

• Tissues: plasma, blood, fat, nerve, and reproductive

• Channels: digestive, urinary, and plasma

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any

Uses of Eucalyptus Oil

The tall eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus globulus), originally from Australia, grows almost everywhere and is widely known as the gum tree. Its long, smoky-green leaves have a powerful invigorating aroma and a pungent taste. In Ayurveda, eucalyptus is regarded as a source of heating energy that reduces vata while increasingpitta, helping to dispel internal chill and strengthen metabolism and circulation. Its main actions are diaphoretic (i.e., causing sweating), decongestant, and stimulant.  

The essential oil is extracted by distillation of the leaves. Its main chemical components are eucalyptol and alpha-terpineol. Due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant qualities, eucalyptus is widely used in commercial products like mouthwash, rubs, ointments, and beauty care products. Since eucalyptus has many medicinal properties and uses, it’s a great idea to stock a bottle of pure and therapeutic-grade eucalyptus essential oil alongside the the other products used in your daily health care routine.

Eucalyptusis ideal for clearing breathing pathways, opening airways, and promoting vigor and vitality. The oil works as an expectorant and helps cleanse the body of toxins and harmful microorganisms. To help clear nasal congestion and refresh your vital energies, pour one or two drops of eucalyptus oil into your hands, place them over your nose, and inhale deeply. You can also rub eucalyptus on your chest to ease bronchial congestion. Diluting eucalyptus with a carrier oil (coconut, olive, almond) minimizes the possibility of skin irritation.

A study from NYU Medical School found that using eucalyptus oil helped relieve sinusitis. Patients experienced faster improvement when supplementing conventional allergy and sinus treatments with eucalyptus oil. The participants gargled with the oil to help clear mucus from the throat[1] . 

The strong antiseptic qualities in eucalyptus make it ideal for supporting the healing of cuts and wounds. Take advantage of its germicidal properties by diluting it with water for use as a daily mouthwash to complement your everyday mouth care and help prevent plaque, gum disease, and cavities. Because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil is also an excellent choice for pain relief when diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into sore muscles and joints.  

A few drops of eucalyptus oil added to coconut or olive oil gives dry hair a nice pick-me-up, while warding off dandruff and an itchy scalp. Eucalyptus is also an effective natural alternative to synthetic chemical treatments for head lice. 

The oil can even be used as a household cleanser. To create a green alternative to harsh spray-on disinfectants, combine eucalyptus with lemon and peppermint oils and water in a spray bottle. Wiping down surfaces in your kitchen or bathroom with this mixture brightens and sanitizes them, while leaving a fresh herbal scent in the air 

Because eucalyptus oil can be toxic if taken internally in large amounts, use it carefully, avoiding the contact with eyes and keeping it out of the reach of children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using eucalyptus oil.

You can purchase high quality, therapeutic-grade eucalyptus oil here.

Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.