SHANKHAPUSHPI

Introduction:

‘Shankhapushpi’ is a perennial herb having flowers similar in shape and size of conch or shankh. There are few herbs which are used as “Shankhapushpi” with different names like Aparajita, Vishnukranta, Shape and colours of flowers are Blue, White and Pink with Latin names Evolvulus alsinoides Linn, Clitorea ternatea Linn, or Canscora decussata Schult. But variety with the white flower is mainly used for medicinal purpose. All parts of plant are used in Ayurveda.

Shankhpushpi is a brain tonic (Medhya) improves memory and ability to learn. Also useful in anxiety issues, tension headaches, insomnia, and digestive problems like ulcers or dysentery and complexion promoting. Acts as a tranquilizer, anti-epileptic, and anti-hysterical. There are three main herbal brain tonics Brahmi, Vacha and Shankhapushpi. As per Acharya Charaka, Shankhapushpi is the best among the three.

Uses:

1. Used mainly as brain tonic to improve memory and ability to learn, powder/extract with milk to be taken regularly.

2. Rejuvenate nervous functions hence used to treat epilepsy, insanity, hallucination and hysteria. Powder may be taken with honey and milk.

3. In Insomnia or sleeplessness, mix powder with a pinch of jeera or cumin seeds and drink with milk.

4. In fever or burning sensation of body, soak powder in water overnight, strain and drink next day as “Sharbat”. In summer, this “Sharbat” can be used for cooling effect on body.

5. Useful to calm nerves and to treat Anxiety, restlessness and Depression. Good mood stabilizer. Eases stress, tension. Relieves migraine and Headache. “Sharbat” may be taken.

6. Powder is used as digestive stimulant, in liver disease, flatulence, gastric ulcers, vomiting and in loss of appetite.

7. Nourishes skin layers, enhance beauty, and prevents wrinkles. Prepare paste of powder in milk and honey for use.

8. Decoction of powder is used as uterine tonic and in recurring miscarriages.