Evidence supporting the use of: Boerhavia diffusa
For the health condition: Bedwetting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Boerhavia diffusa, commonly known as "Punarnava," is a plant used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for a variety of urinary disorders, including bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis). The traditional use is based on its reputed diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and rejuvenative properties. In Ayurveda, Boerhavia diffusa is believed to strengthen the urinary system and balance the body's doshas, which is thought to help manage involuntary urination during sleep in children. Texts such as the "Charaka Samhita" and various Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias mention its use for "mutrakrichra" (urinary disorders), which is sometimes interpreted to include symptoms like bedwetting. However, there is limited direct scientific research specifically evaluating Boerhavia diffusa for the treatment of bedwetting. Most modern studies have focused on its effects in chronic kidney disease, diuresis, and general urinary tract health, rather than nocturnal enuresis. Consequently, the evidence for its efficacy in bedwetting is largely anecdotal and derived from traditional practice rather than clinical trials. Thus, while Boerhavia diffusa is traditionally used for urinary conditions including bedwetting, robust scientific validation for this specific indication is lacking.
Other health conditions supported by Boerhavia diffusa
Abdominal PainAbrasions
Abscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bedwetting
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Edema
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gastritis
Glaucoma
Gonorrhea
Gout