Spreading Hogweed (Latin name, Boerhaavia diffusa) grows wild in the
Himalayas, up to an altitude of 2,000 m. It is a diffusely branched, pubescent or glabrous, prostrate herb with stout, fusiform and woody rootstock; creeping, purplish stems (swollen at the nodes); and long-petioled leaves.
The roots show anti-convulsant, analgesic, alzative, laxative, and expectorant properties. They also possess diuretic and hepatoprotective actions. Spreading Hogweed is locally known as Punarnava, Shothagni, Rakta punarnava, Lal Punarnava and Santh.
