Shankhpushpi
Shankhpushpi
Shankhpushpi or Shyamaktanta is a perennial herb and is used for its medicinal benefits. The constituents present in this plant helps to calm down the brain and relieve stress, anxiety and improves concentration. This plant is adapted by Indian and Chinese medicine to cure various diseases. It is used in Ayurvedic formulations to improve memory, sleeplessness, epilepsy and hallucinations. It is also considered as the best medicine for chronic cough, hypertension, diabetes, sunstroke and to decrease cholesterol[1][2]. Another variety of Shankhpushi with blue flowers known as Vishnukarnta (Evolvulus alsinoides ) is also found.
What are the synonyms of Shankhpushpi?
Convolvulus pluricaulis, Shyamakranta, Syamakranta, Visnukranta, Speedwheel, Sankhaholi, Vishnukarandi, Vishnukranti, Krsnakranti, Shankavall, Vishnukrantha, Krishna-enkranti, Erravishnukaraantha[1].
What is the source of Shankhpushpi?
Plant Based
Benefits of Shankhpushpi
1. Poor Memory
Shankhpushpi improves memory and concentration levels due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property.
2. Indigestion and Constipation
Shankhpushpi improves digestion and manages gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, jaundice, dysentery, piles dyspepsia because of its mild laxative nature.
3. Insomnia
Shankhpushpi helps to manage stress and insomnia by relaxing the mind due to its Vata balancing and Medhya properties.
4. Epilepsy
Shankhpushpi helps to lower the risk of epilepsy and other mental disorders due to its Medhya and Rasayana properties.
5. ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Shankhpushpi improves concentration and attention span in children suffering from ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property.
Shankhpushpi improves memory and concentration levels due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property.
2. Indigestion and Constipation
Shankhpushpi improves digestion and manages gastrointestinal disorders such as constipation, jaundice, dysentery, piles dyspepsia because of its mild laxative nature.
3. Insomnia
Shankhpushpi helps to manage stress and insomnia by relaxing the mind due to its Vata balancing and Medhya properties.
4. Epilepsy
Shankhpushpi helps to lower the risk of epilepsy and other mental disorders due to its Medhya and Rasayana properties.
5. ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Shankhpushpi improves concentration and attention span in children suffering from ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) due to its Medhya (improves intelligence) property.
Precautions when using Shankhpushpi
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Take Shankhpushpi in recommended dose and duration as a high dose can lead to stomach problems like loose motion.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Use Shankhpushpi only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Patients with heart disease
Ayurvedic View
Monitor your blood pressure while taking Shankhpushpi with your preexisting antihypertensive medication. This is because Shankhpushpi has blood pressure lowering property.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Use Shankhpushpi only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Shankhpushpi
- Shankhpushpi Powder - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Shankhpushpi Juice - 2-4 teaspoons once or twice a day.
- Shankhpushpi Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Shankhpushpi Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.
How to use Shankhpushpi
1. Shankhpushpi Powder with Milk
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi powder with lukewarm milk.
b. Take it preferably in the morning.
c. Use this remedy on a daily basis to improve memory and concentration[3].
2. Shankhpushpi Juice with Water
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Shankhpushpi juice.
b. Mix it with one glass of water and drink it twice a day.
c. Use this remedy on a daily basis to lower the risk of epilepsy[3].
3. Shankhpushpi Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Shankhpushpi.
b. Swallow it with milk or water preferably after meals.
4. Shankhpushpi Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Shankhpushpi.
b. Swallow it with milk or water preferably after meals.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi powder with lukewarm milk.
b. Take it preferably in the morning.
c. Use this remedy on a daily basis to improve memory and concentration[3].
2. Shankhpushpi Juice with Water
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Shankhpushpi juice.
b. Mix it with one glass of water and drink it twice a day.
c. Use this remedy on a daily basis to lower the risk of epilepsy[3].
3. Shankhpushpi Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Shankhpushpi.
b. Swallow it with milk or water preferably after meals.
4. Shankhpushpi Tablet
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Shankhpushpi.
b. Swallow it with milk or water preferably after meals.
Benefits of Shankhpushpi
1. Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Shankhpushpi oil helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin. It also helps to reduce degeneration of skin cells and works as anti-aging due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Add honey and apply to face and neck.
c. Wait for at least 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash it with cool plain water.
2. Acne
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Shankhpushpi helps to control acne. It prevents excess sebum production, removes clogging of pores and reduces inflammation. This is because of its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Add honey and apply to face and neck.
c. Wait for at least 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash it with cool plain water.
3. Premature greying and hair growth
Shankhpushpi prevents premature greying, controls hair fall and promotes hair growth due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
a. Take few drops of Shankhpushpi oil.
b. Massage evenly on the scalp and hair.
c. Repeat this to control premature greying of hair and hair fall.
4. Wound healing
Shakhpushpi helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also helps to reduce skin inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Boil it in 2-4 cups of water till the amount reduces to 1 cup.
c. Filter the liquid and clean the affected area once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Shankhpushpi oil helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin. It also helps to reduce degeneration of skin cells and works as anti-aging due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Add honey and apply to face and neck.
c. Wait for at least 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash it with cool plain water.
2. Acne
A Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to acne and pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Applying Shankhpushpi helps to control acne. It prevents excess sebum production, removes clogging of pores and reduces inflammation. This is because of its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Add honey and apply to face and neck.
c. Wait for at least 20-30 minutes.
d. Wash it with cool plain water.
3. Premature greying and hair growth
Shankhpushpi prevents premature greying, controls hair fall and promotes hair growth due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips:
a. Take few drops of Shankhpushpi oil.
b. Massage evenly on the scalp and hair.
c. Repeat this to control premature greying of hair and hair fall.
4. Wound healing
Shakhpushpi helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. It also helps to reduce skin inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Boil it in 2-4 cups of water till the amount reduces to 1 cup.
c. Filter the liquid and clean the affected area once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
Precautions when using Shankhpushpi
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Use Shankhpushpi oil after diluting with any base oil like coconut oil before applying to the body.
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Shankhpushpi leaves or root paste with honey or milk if you have a hypersensitive skin.
Recommended Dosage of Shankhpushpi
- Shankhpushpi Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Shankhpushpi Paste - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Shankhpushpi
1. Shankhpushpi oil
a. Take few drops of Shankhpushpi oil.
b. Massage it evenly on the scalp and hair.
c. Use this remedy regularly or whenever you feel stress and anxious.
2. Shankhpushpi Fresh Paste
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi fresh paste.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the face and neck.
c. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and dull skin.
3. Shankhpushpi Decoction
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Boil it in 2-4 cups of water till the amount reduces to 1 cup.
c. Filter the liquid and clean the affected area once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
a. Take few drops of Shankhpushpi oil.
b. Massage it evenly on the scalp and hair.
c. Use this remedy regularly or whenever you feel stress and anxious.
2. Shankhpushpi Fresh Paste
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi fresh paste.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the face and neck.
c. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of dry and dull skin.
3. Shankhpushpi Decoction
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi powder.
b. Boil it in 2-4 cups of water till the amount reduces to 1 cup.
c. Filter the liquid and clean the affected area once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Shankhpushpi Syrup is available in the market in various pack sizes and brands. For example, Dabur offers Shankhpushpi Syrup (450 ml) at Rs 150, while Baidyanath offers the same quantity at Rs 155.
Modern Science View
Shankhpushpi is available in the market in the following forms:
1. Syrup
2. Tablets
3. Churna or Powder
4. Capsule (Extract)
1. Syrup
2. Tablets
3. Churna or Powder
4. Capsule (Extract)
Modern Science View
Shankhpushpi is a rich source of carbohydrates such as D-glucose, maltose, rhamnose, sucrose and alkaloids such as shankhapushpine, convolamine and convoline. It also contains fatty acids, volatile oils, proteins and amino acids[2].
Modern Science View
Shankhpushpi might help reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the level of cortisol which is a stress hormone[5].
Modern Science View
The active constituents present in Shankhpushpi such as alkaloids, flavanoids, and coumarins has antidepressant activity which helps manage depression[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, the constituents present in Shankhpushpi can help you reduce stress, anxiety. It can also tranquilize the mind and calm it down. Shankhpushpi is known to improve memory and acts as a best brain booster. However it is advisable to consult your doctor before starting the use of Shankhpushpi in the regular basis[1-2].
Modern Science View
Shankhpushpi enhances the function of brain. Certain components present in Shankhpushpi calms the brain and helps relieve stress. Due to this, it may act as a tranquilizer and may be useful in managing insomnia[7][8].
Modern Science View
Shankhpushpi has been used in traditional medicine as a nervine tonic. It acts on the central nervous system and may be useful in managing epilepsy[9][10].
References
- Bhowmik D, KPSampath, Paswan S,et.al. Traditional Indian Herbs Convolvulus Pluricaulis and Its Medicinal Importance. J Pharmacogn Phytochem.2011;1(1):50-58.
- Agarwal P, Sharma B, Fatima A,et.al.An update on Ayurvedic herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2014;4(3): 245–252.
- Balkrishnan A.Shapushpinkh.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017
- Shah JS, Goyal RK.Usage trends for memory and vitality-enhancing medicines: A pharmacoepidemiological study involving pharmacists of the Gujarat region.Int J Ayurveda Res.2010; 1(3): 138–143.
- Rao RV, Descamps O, John V.Ayurvedic medicinal plants for Alzheimer's disease: A review.Alzheimers Res Ther.2012; 4(3):22.
- Sharma K, Bhatnagar M, Kulkarni SK.Effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. and Asparagus racemosus willd on learning and memory in young and old mice: a comparative evaluation.Indian J Exp Biol.2010;48:479-485.
- Bhowmik D, Kumar KPS, Paswan S et al.Traditional Indian herbs Convolvulus pluricaulis and its medicinal importance.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2012;1(1):50-58.
- Dhingra D, Valecha R.Screening for antidepressant-like activity of convolvulus pluricaulis choisy in mice.Pharmacologyonline.2007;1:262-278.
- Siddiqui NA, Ahmad N, Musthaq N et al.Neuropharmacological profile of extracts of aerial parts of Convolvulus pluricaulis choisy in mice model.Open Neurol J.2011;8:11-4.
- Sharma K, Arora V, Rana AC et al.Anxiolytic effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis choisy petals on elevated plus maze model of anxiety in mice.Journal of Herbal Medicine and Toxicology.2009;3(1):41-46.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.