Top 10 Wonder Benefits of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) 

Shankhpushpi overview

The name ‘Shankhapushpi’ has been given because of its flower shape and size, which are in the shape of conch or shanka. Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is widely known among the common people and medical fraternity because of its effectiveness for the brain, that’s why it is commonly known as a brain tonic. Since it shows beneficial impacts for the brain; the herb has earned a good reputation in India and abroad among pharmaceutical companies. There are three main herbal brain tonics e.g., brahmi, vacha and shankhapushpi. Acharya Charaka said that Shankhapushpi is the best among the three and is considered foremost among the four medhya rasayanas.

Photo courtesy: theayurveda.org

Different names of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

• Biological name: Convolvulus pluricaulis
• English: Shankhpushpi
• Hindi: Shankhavali, Shankhahuli
• Sanskrit: Medhya, Mangalya Kusuma, Visnukranta, Kseerpushipi
• Punjabi: Porpang, Dodak.

Nutritional facts of Shankhpushpi

Chemical analysis showed that Shankhapushpi contains two types of principle elements and an alkaloid called Shankhapushpine and convolvuline.

Shankhpushpi and Ayurveda

From an ayurvedic point of view, it is oily and slippery in nature. It is cool and bitter in taste. Metabolic activity is sweet and specific action is intellect promoting.

Medicinal benefits of Shankhpushpi

As far as medicinal aspects of Shankhapushpi are concerned, only the white flower is used.  Medicinally, it is used as medhya (brain tonic), laxative, aphrodisiac, nervine tonic, rejuvenator, health-promoting, and complexion promoting. It also acts as a tranquilizer, hemostatic, hypnotic, anti-epileptic, and anti-hysterical.’

Shankhpushpi and Unani

 It is used in the formulation of many Unani medicines. In Unani medicine, it is a ‘balya rasayana’, nervine tonic, and brain tonic. In the traditional system of medicine, it is recommended to use in the form of a fine powder or in the form of an extract of the herb.

Top 10 benefits of Shankhpushpi

 As per the traditional system of medicine, the medicinal herb is considered as a promoter of life span, strength, and intellect. It is beneficial for many diseases and disorders such as insomnia, hysteria, Insanity, high blood pressure, and depression.

1. Memory: It is good to promote memory. Method: Take Shankhapushpi extract (2 to 4 teaspoon) and milk (1 glass). Mix it and take and regularly both in the morning and evening. It is good for memory and loss of memory. It is also beneficial for sleeplessness, Intestinal worms, high blood pressure, hysteria, and insanity.
2. Insanity: The medicinal herb is good for insanity, hysteria, and epilepsy. Method: Take the wonder Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) (1teaspoon), Dudiavacha (Acorus Calamus) (1teaspoon), Meetha Kuth (Saussurea Lappa) (1/4 teaspoon), and Honey (1 teaspoon). Now, make a fine powder of these. Before taking the formulation, one can mix with honey and lick it, two times a day, followed by one glass of milk. It is beneficial in case of sleeplessness, hysteria, epilepsy, insanity, and loss of memory.
3. Sleeplessness: The use of Shankhapushpi is good in case of sleeplessness. Method: Shankhapushpi (40-80 gm), milk (1glass), and Jeera (little amount), gives good results.
4. High blood pressure: The herb is beneficial in treating high blood pressure. Method: Take the power of the herb (2-4 gm) thrice a day. Shankhapushpi sharbat can be taken as a single herb or adjuvant to other modern medicines.
5. Headache: If you are suffering from chronic headache, tension, frustration, etc., it is suggested to take Sharbat of Shankhapushpi twice a day for good results.
6. Burning sensation in the body: Shankhapushpi can be dried at home in a shady place and powder it and a teaspoonful of this powder can be taken daily. The powder can be
   soaked overnight and the water strained and drinks in the morning. It is also
   taken as a cooling Sharbat in summer.
7. Heart problems: The herb and its formulations with medicinal ayurvedic plants are good to treat heart problems. Method: Prepare the mix of Shankhapushpi (c. Pluricaulis) ( 2 teaspoon), Arjun bark (Terminalia Arjuna)(2 teaspoon), Amla Churan (Phyllanthus Emblica): 2 teaspoons, Punarnava Churan (Boerhavia diffusa) : 2 teaspoons, Puskarmool Churan (Inula Racemosa): 10 gm./2 teaspoon Mix and grind together to make a fine powder. Take two teaspoons twice a day.
8. Longevity: It is scientifically proved that the use of the herb along with ghee is good for longevity of life and to strengthen the nervous system.
9. Anxiety: A “clinical study on the role of medhya rasayana and panchakarma therapy in anxiety states”, explored that medhya Rasayana herbs like Shankhapushpi and brahmi
   etc. along with Jatamansi quath is recommended to the patients with anxiety
   states.
10. Stress: The medicinal plant is also beneficial in combating stress.

Top 10 uses of Shankhpushpi

1. It is used for nervine tonic and brain tonic.
2. Shankhpushpi is used as a Rasayana for rejuvenating nervous functions.
3. It is used in case of epilepsy and convulsions.
4. It is helpful in controlling vomiting.
5. Persons suffering from diabetes should take it.
6. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia should use it regularly.
7. It is useful in insomnia and promotes good sleep.
8. It is good for learning, retention of memory, and also acts as a mood stabilizer.
9. It may be used in arthritis and rheumatic pain.
10. It may also be used in case of depression.

Shankhpushpi side effects

•  It shouldn’t be used during pregnancy.
• One shouldn’t take it during low blood pressure as it further may decrease the BP of the body.