6. Puvankurunthal (Vernonia Cinerea)

Vernonia Cinerea is a terrestrial annual herb. Its shape is erect and has cylindrical stems. Leaves are ovate and the flowers are either white or purple and occur in small head inflorescence. The plant grows in wastelands, open fields, and roadsides. It is often called a poor man’s herb. The seeds contain fatty oil which is used as an anthelmintic.
The main Benefits of Puvankurunthal include:

• It helps to pacify Vata and Pitta Dosha.
• It is also beneficial for purifying the blood.
• It is used to cure tonsillitis, stomach ailments, fever, etc.
• The juice extracted from the leaves is mixed with cow’s milk and is used to treat conjunctivitis. The roots cure swelling and inflammation.
• The juice is also effective in treating poisonous insect bites. .
• It is also beneficial in flatulence and intestinal colic. .
• It treats skin problems like leucoderma and other skin diseases.