Shankhpushpi, clad by the vernacular names Shankhini, Kambumalini, Samkhapushpi, Sadaphuli, and Sankhaphuli is a potent memory booster and brain tonic that actively works to improve intelligence and functioning of the brain. The name shankhpushpi was given to the plant owing to its shankh or conch shaped flowers. It also helps in enhancing concentration, learning capabilities, mental fatigue, insomnia, stress, anxiety, depression, etc.
Also Read: Sage: 5 Stunning Health Benefits Of The Memory Boosting Herb
What is Shankhpushpi?
Shankhpushpi, which goes by the botanical name Convolvulus pluricaulis is a perennial plant native to India. Well-known as morning-glory, speed wheel or Aloe weed in English, this medicinal herb has specific arrowhead-shaped leaves and bulb-shaped blue or white flowers. The herb is extremely beneficial and is used from root to tips for its wide range of therapeutic benefits.
The holistic science of ayurveda popularizes shankhpushpi in various rasayanas or formulations and scriptures by the Sanskrit names Shyamakranta, Visnukranta, Vaishnava, Sankhaholi, Vishnugandhi, Vishnukranti, Shankavall, Vishnukrantha, Krishnaenkranti, Nilashankhapushpi, Ksheerpushpi, Laghuvishnukranta, Erravishnukaraantha.
The host of properties including Medhya (memory booster), Vamana (Vomiting), Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Kusthahara (treats skin disease), Shothahara (reduces inflammation), Hridaya (treats heart problems), Jantujit (relieves from worm infestation) makes this magical herb a potent solution of umpteen health problems.
Effect On Doshas
Shankhpushpi characterizes Tikta Rasa (bitter taste). It shows Snigdha (oily, sticky) and Pichhil (slimy) gunas, Sheeto Virya (cold potency) and Madhura Vipaka (pungent metabolic property). It pacifies Tridoshas, i.e. the Pitta (fire and air), Vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas and works more on Vata and Pitta doshas. Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas
Known as Mangalyakushuma in Sanskrit which means bringer of good fortune and health, each and every part of this milky-white flowered plant is extremely beneficial for treating a host of ailments and improving the longevity of life.
Phytochemical Constituents
The magical herbal remedy as a whole contains a myriad of active constituents including alkaloids like shankhapushpine, convolvuline, convolidine, convolvine, convolamine, convoline, confoline, convozine. Besides these, it also contains volatile oils, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, palmitic acids, linoleic acids, myristic acids, flavonoids, steroids-phytosterols, D-glucose, maltose, sucrose, starch, rhamnose, and other carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids.
Health benefits Of Shankhapushpi
Improves Cognitive Functioning:
Shankhpushpi is a traditional remedy for increasing the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Being a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhpushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. The neuroprotective elements in the plant prevent loss of memory and relieve tension from the brain.
Reduces Mental Fatigue:
Mental fatigue is a condition of excessive and prolonged cognitive activity. It mostly occurs due to excessive work using a computer, watching television for hours, learning or memorizing activities, etc. and causes a person to lose concentration and feel lethargic. Shankhpushpi is a powerful memory booster that helps in enhancing the brain's working capacity and reduce the loss of concentration.
Intake of a decoction of a spoonful of shankhpushpi powder with a glass of water on a daily basis can do wonders in boosting your memory.
Shankhpushpi for Depression
Shankhapushpi holds high significance due to its potent anti-stress, anti-depressive and anti-anxiety properties are extremely useful for treating different types of psychotic problems like depression, dementia, restlessness, etc. It balances the brain chemicals i.e. neurotransmitters and ups the secretion of dopamine which in turn keeps the serotonin level under control and helps to reduce various symptoms of anxiety which includes restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, and helps in relaxing the mind and body.
Enhances Cardiac Functioning:
Shankhpushpi is extremely effective in treating various heart ailments due to its strong antioxidative nature. It strengthens the heart muscles and prevents lipid build up in the blood vessels. The bioactive constituents like the ethanolic extract reduce the levels of non-esterified fatty acids i.e. NEFA, and hence reduces the risk of heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc. It also plays a key role in lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood.
Stimulates Digestion:
The digestive properties found in this traditional herb is found to be extremely beneficial in improving digestion. It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices thereby increasing the absorption of essential nutrients and enhancing digestion. It also prevents fluid retention and treats symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Augments Skin Health:
Shankhpushpi plays a key role in treating various skin infections. The abundance of antioxidants in the potent herb is very effective in removing harmful free radicals from the body and its antipruritic nature alleviates itching sensation caused due to allergic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, sunburn etc. It also acts as a skin tonic, penetrates deep into the skin, nourishes it from within and imparts a radiant and healthy glow. Apart from this, antioxidative nature also treats the various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, etc.
Apply a mixture of a tablespoon of shankhpushpi powder with honey and rose water on your face regularly, to reduce spots and fine lines and achieve a younger rejuvenated radiant skin.
Prevents Headache:
Shankhpushpi holds high significance in providing relief from chronic headaches, tension, etc. Normally, headache occurs due to excessive workload, stress, anxiety, etc. It has a soothes irritated nerves, calms the brain and improves nerve function. Also Read: Five Common Types Of Headaches: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Massaging the forehead with shankhpushpi oil helps to relieve headaches and provide a soothing and cooling effect.
What Is Shankhpushpi Good For?
Shankhpushpi for Insomnia
Shankhpushpi helps reduce the levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone and thereby attenuates stress and improves the quality, duration and provides a peaceful sleep.
Drinking a spoonful of shankhpushpi powder mixed in a glass of milk and Jeera, before going to sleep is highly effective in regulating body metabolism, inducing sleep and treating sleep disorders like insomnia. Also Read: Types of Insomnia: Here’s What You Should Do To Sleep
Shankhpushpi for Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which an individual suffers from self-starvation. It is also attached to mental health as the individual suffers from low weight issues, fear of gaining weight, lower self-esteem and an intense desire to reduce weight. The person also has a loss of hunger or desire to eat any food. Shankhpushpi is a natural appetizer and aids in the digestion of food, improves appetite and helps the person to eat.
Shankhpushpi for Infections
Several studies show that Shankhpushpi has potent anti-bacterial properties that are extensively used for removing bacteria from the body. The bioactive compounds present in this traditional herb not only prevents worm infestation but also treats wounds and improves healing.
Shankhpushpi for Hypertension
The active components in shankhpushpi make it an appropriate remedy for people suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. It prevents the arteries from hardening i.e. atherosclerosis, thus reducing strokes and preventing heart ailments. Shankhpushpi works as an amazing natural remedy for hypertension treatment.
Shankhpushpi for Ulcers
The glycoprotein secretions of the herb have been found in various studies to be extremely effective in treating different types of stomach ulcer including peptic and ulcerative colitis.
Shankhpushpi for Neural Diseases
This memory-boosting herb is a magical remedy for a host of psychotic diseases like epilepsy, dementia, Alzheimer’s as it prevents the destruction of neurons and improves cognitive functioning. Also Read: World Alzheimer’s Day: Try These Nutritious Smoothies To Enhance Brain Function
Shankhpushpi For Pregnancy
This herb is considered safe for pregnant women as it effectively strengthens the uterus and prevents miscarriages. Consult your doctor on using a mixture of shankhpushpi and ashwagandha churna for a course of 3 to 4 months in case of frequent miscarriages.
Shankhpushpi Formulations
Shankhapushpi is widely available in the market in various forms like tablets or capsules known as gutikas, powder or churna, juice or kashayam, syrup or arishtam, oil or tailam. But mostly it is used in the form of syrup.
Shankhpushpi Syrup
Ingredients (per 10 ml)
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) 200 mg
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) 50 mg
Sugar (Sarkara) 8000 mg
Citric Acid (Nimbu swaras) 6 mg
The indications of shankhpushpi syrup are the same as that of the herb itself.
Dosage Of The Various Shankhpushpi Formulations
The precise therapeutic dosage may vary from person to person depending upon the age, severity, and condition of the patient. One must consult an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner, as he or she will thoroughly examine the indications and prescribe the effective dosage for the specific time period.
Shankhpushpi Tablet/ Capsule (Gutika) – 1 or 2 tablets for adults twice a day.
Shankhpushpi Powder (Churna) - ¼ to ½ teaspoon for adults twice a day.
Shankhpushpi Juice (Kashayam) – 2 to 4 teaspoons for adults once or twice a day.
Shankhpushpi Syrup (Arishtam) – 20 ml for adults twice a day with water after meals.
Benefits Of Shankhpusphi Syrup
Shankhpusphi syrup is an excellent ayurvedic formulation which works wonders in enhancing brain power and memory. It is highly beneficial in treating mental issues, forgetfulness and poor concentration. The herb acts on brain and nerves cells thereby enable to calm the mind, lowers anxiety, mental pressure, stress and depression. It is best suggested for enhancing learning abilities and stimulating intelligent quotient in children, while it is also valuable in preventing dementia and memory loss in older people. The powerful combination of shankhpusphi and Brahmi in the syrup functions as an amazing brain stimulant.
Ingredients
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis)- 200 mg
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) 50 mg
Sugar (SHARKARA) 8000 mg
Citric Acid (NIMBU SATVA) 6 mg
Water Q.S.
Some of the healing properties of this incredible syrup include:
Memory enhancer
Focus
Concentration span
Brain stimulant
Increase learning skills
Anti-depressant
Anti-stress reliever
Mood booster
Potent antioxidant
Antacid
Shankhpushpi syrup is recommended to heal the following health problems:
Learning issues
Poor brain function
Delay brain milestones in children
Stress
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Poor sleep
Mental retardation
Epilepsy
Hypertension
Various Ways To Take Or Use Shankhpushpi
Shankhpushpi Tablet/ Capsule:
The tablets or capsule can be swallowed with milk or water preferably after meals or as suggested by the doctor.
Shankhpushpi Powder:
The powder can be infused in lukewarm milk and can be ingested in the morning preferably after meals. Used on a daily basis, it is extremely beneficial to boost memory.
Shankhpushpi Juice:
The juice can be mixed with water or taken as shots twice a day to prevent memory loss and boost brain functioning.
Shankhpushpi oil:
Massaging the forehead and scalp with the oil relieves from stress and headache.
Shankhpushpi Decoction:
Boil 1 teaspoon of shankhpushpi powder with a cup of water. Cool, filter the liquid and apply it over the wounds dabbed in cotton to eliminate germs and enhance quick healing.
Adverse Effects of Shankhpushpi
This memory-boosting herb has no proven side effects but one should always consult a doctor before starting to use shankhpushpi formulations in case it has any harmful interactions with the medicines the individual is already taking.
Since shankhpushpi has a mild hypotensive effect, people suffering from low blood pressure should consult a doctor before taking this. Although it has been suggested for pregnancy, the individual must consult her doctor before using and in no way should self-medicate herself.
As it is an herbal formulation, it has a specific bitter taste, one might feel slightly nauseatic or have a vomiting tendency while having the formulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Shankhpushpi Available In The Market?
Shankhpushpi is a powerful Medhya Rasayana herb that is not only available in the market as a standalone herb but also in conjugation with other herbs. It is generally available in the market in the following forms:
- Syrup or Arishtam
- Tablets/ Capsules or Gutikas
- Powder or Churns
- Oil or Tailam
- Juice or Kashayam
Does Shankhpushpi Help In Managing Epilepsy?
Shankhpushpi is a powerful brain tonic enriched with neuroprotective properties. It has been used as a service tonic in conventional medications since ancient times. It works on the central nervous system and helps to manage the episodes of epilepsy.
Does Shankhpushpi Help To Treat Hysteria?
Hysteria is a psychological condition where an individual has a sudden outburst of emotion or excitement. A brain tonic imbued with potent Medhya traits, Shankhpushpi is highly significant in dealing with hysteria as it effectively works as a stimulant and boosts the function of the brain. Additionally, it also helps to soothe the mind and de-stress the brain.
What Is The Use Of Shankhpushpi Oil?
Shankhpushpi oil is a herbal concoction that has numerous ingredients with powerful curative qualities. Together this preparation assists in enhancing hair growth.
Can You Take Brahmi Along With Shankpushpi?
Yes, as both the herbs are categorized as Medhya Rasayanas; they can be taken together. There are many kashayams, gutikas and churnas available in the market, that have the above combination and do not cause any counter interaction.
What Is Shankhpushpi Good For?
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is an Ayurvedic herb renowned for its medicinal properties. It is beneficial for:
Cognitive Health: Enhances memory, concentration, and overall brain function.
Stress Relief: Acts as a natural anxiolytic, helping reduce stress and anxiety.
Nervous System Support: Strengthens the nervous system and promotes mental clarity.
Digestive Health: Promotes a smooth digestion process and offers respite from gastrointestinal issues such as indigestion, flatulence and bloating..
Heart Health: Helps in managing blood pressure and supports heart health.
Can I Take Shankhpushpi Daily?
Yes, Shankhpushpi can be taken daily, provided it is consumed in the recommended dosage. Regular intake can help in managing stress, enhancing cognitive functions, and supporting overall well-being. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Is Shankhpushpi Good for Liver?
Yes, Shankhpushpi is known to support liver health. It has that help in detoxifying the liver and improving its overall function. Regular consumption of Shankhpushpi can aid in maintaining liver health and preventing liver-related disorders. hepatoprotective properties.
Which Is Better, Brahmi or Shankhpushpi?
Both Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and Shankhpushpi have their unique benefits and are used in Ayurvedic medicine for enhancing cognitive functions and promoting mental health. However, their uses may vary slightly:
- Brahmi: Primarily known for improving memory, cognitive function, and reducing anxiety.
- Shankhpushpi: Also enhances cognitive function but is particularly noted for its calming effects on the nervous system and stress-relieving properties.
The choice between Brahmi and Shankhpushpi depends on individual health needs and goals. Consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner can help determine which herb is more suitable for you.
Is Shankhpushpi Good for Sleep?
Yes, Shankhpushpi is beneficial for improving sleep quality. Its calming and stress-relieving properties help in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, which can lead to better sleep. Regular use of Shankhpushpi can help manage insomnia and improve overall sleep patterns.
Conclusion
Shankhpushpi is a traditional herbal remedy blessed with umpteen health benefits. It holds high significance in improving the memory capacity, enhancing concentration, learning capabilities, and treating mental fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, etc. The extensive health benefits of the various herbs used in this formulation also increase its therapeutic efficacy in treating infertility issues. If taken in the proper dosage, one can steer clear of the side effects and enjoy the countless health benefits.
This article is reviewed by M Sowmya Binu, Health and Nutrition, Expert)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
Role of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in neurological disorders: An umbrella review covering evidence from ethnopharmacology to clinical studies
Author links open overlay panelRuchi Sharma a 1, Rajeev K. Singla b c 1, Subhadip Banerjee d, Baivab Sinha b e, Bairong Shen b 2, Rohit Sharma a 3
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0149763422002846
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353910690_AYURVEDIC_MEDICINAL_IMPORTANCE_OF_SHANKHPUSHPI_CONVOL
