About Shankhapushpi
- Botanical name – Convolvulus pluricaulis
- Family name – Convulvulaceae
- English name – Bindweed
- Common name – Sankhapushpi
- Synonyms – Sankhahwa, Mangalyakusuma, Vishnukranta, Nilipushpi.
- Habit – Perennial shrub
- Sanskrit Name: Shankhapushpi
- Useful Parts – Whole plant and juice
- Type: Perennial herb.
- Roots: Rhizomes are stoloniferous.
- Stems: sparsely tufted, erect
- Leaves: Linear, green with uttered veins
- Flowers: Small, light to purple, clustered (10-20 flowers)
- Fruit: Nut oblong, trigonous, stramineous
Shankhapushpi is an important Medhya Rasayana herb which is widely used in Ayurveda to enhance memory, intellect, and mental well-being. It is also a popular brain tonic, psychostimulant, and tranquillizer, which helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and drowsiness management.
Ayurvedic Properties
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Guru (Heavy), Sara (Unstable), Snigdha (Oily), Pichchila (Sticky)
Ushna (Hot)
Madhura (Sweet)
Tridoshahara (Balances Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Health Benefits for Shankpushpi
Blood
Vomiting
Its Swarasa 10 ml should be taken in hemetemesis.
Memory aid and
brain tonic
Alleviates stress and enhances mental function. Daily intake produces Rasayana effects and increases memory.
Aids mental
health
Eliminate feelings of hopelessness and panic. In Unmada, it should be taken along with 1 gm Jiraka powder with milk.
Balances Nervous
System
Used in the treatment of insomnia, epilepsy, and ADHD.
Digestive
Aid
Cholesterol and fat optimising can help with intestinal issues or dysentery.
Cholesterol &
Lipid Control
Enhances unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Scientific Studies
- Memory Improvement & Stress Relief – Choudhary et al., 2006
- Anti-Ulcer Activity – Mishra et al., 2011
- Cognitive Booster for Alzheimer’s & ADHD – Sharma et al., 2014
- Cholesterol-Lowering Properties – Singh et al., 2019
FAQ
Is it safe to take Shankhapushpi every day?
✔ Absolutely! Just stick to the proposed dosages.
Is Shankhapushpi suitable for kids?
✔ Absolutely, it is effective for improving children’s memory, concentration, and IQ.
How much time will it take for benefits to appear?
✔ Continued application should yield benefits after 4-6 weeks.
Can you use it with different Ayurvedic herbs?
✔ Definitely. It works perfectly with Brahmi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi.
Is Safed Musli OK for daily use?
✔ Yes, provided you follow the suggested doses.
Can women consume Safed Musli?
✔ Absolutely! It promotes lactation, immunity, and hormonal balance.