Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis)-Benefits & Side Effects

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) is a perennial plant indigenous to India. Often called morning glory, speed wheel, or aloe weed in English, this herb is used medicinally. It has unique leaves that resemble arrowheads and blue or white flowers that resemble bulbs. The herb’s many medicinal uses extend from the roots to the tips, making it incredibly helpful.

The well-known Ayurvedic herb sankhpushpi is mostly used as a brain tonic. With shankh meaning conch and pushpi meaning flowers, shankhpushpi literally means “flowers that resemble a conch shell.” Sankhpushpi has several applications and benefits in Ayurveda.

Table of Contents

Description

One well-known Ayurvedic treatment for improving memory and intelligence is shankhpushpi. It aids in mental renewal and can be used to treat toxicity and other issues including vomiting.

Botanical Name:

Convolvulus Pluricaulis

Family:

Convolvulaceae

Leaves:

The leaves are one of Shankhpushpi’s most distinctive characteristics. Since they emerge singly and at different times along the stem, they are alternating. The leaves are tiny; they are usually 0.5 to 1.5 inches long.

Flowers:

Beautiful funnel-shaped blooms bloom all season long on Shankhpushpi. These flowers have five joined petals at the base, and they are usually blue or white in color. The blossoms have a diameter of around one inch, making them comparatively petite.

Fruits:

The seeds are contained in tiny, rounded capsules that accompany the petals. When fully grown, these capsules are dry and brown.

Stems:

The stems can grow up to 30 cm in length; they are thin and twining. They grow relatively erect at first, but eventually they spread out across the ground or clamber onto nearby vegetation for stability.

Habitat:

Convolvulus pluricaulis is a prostrate, spreading, perennial wild herb that is typically found in xerophytic environments on rocky or sandy soil.

Parts Used:

Root
Seeds

Dosage:

Paste 1-2 gm
Decoction 50-100 ml

Chemical Constituents

The plant has a wide range of chemical components, including alkaloids, glucose, sucrose, glycosides, nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and different acids.

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis)-synonym

Shankpushpi, Shakhhava, Manglay and Kusuma

Medicinal Properties of Shankhpushpi

The herb is used to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease because it improves memory when taken daily in tiny doses.
It functions as an antidepressant medication and balances neurotoxins to lessen the impact of toxins on the brain.
In addition to acting as a psychostimulant and tranquilizer, it revitalizes the brain.
The herb helps with insomnia, which encourages restful sleep.
Its anti-aging qualities lengthen life, minimize skin diseases, and revitalize the skin.
Incredibly helpful in the treatment of mental illnesses and epilepsy.
It eases constipation and enhances vigor and digestion.

Other Language Names of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis)

English name – English speedwheel

Urdu name – Sankali

Hindi name – Sankhahul, Shankhahuli

Sanskrit name – Shankhava, Shankhpushpi, Ksheerapushpi, Mangala Kusuma

Telugu name – Sankhapuspi

Marathi name – Sankhvel

Gujarati name – Sankhavali

Scientific Classification

Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Solanales
Family	Gentianaceae
Genus	Convolvulus
Species	pluricaulis

Ayurvedic Properties

Hindi/Sanskrit

Rasa -Tikta
Guna -Snigdh,Picchila
Virya -Sheets
Vipaka -Madhura

English

Taste -Bitter
Physical Property-Oily,Sticky
Potency- Cold
Metabolic Property (After Digestion)-Sweet

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) Uses

Shankhpushpi powder is drunk with either milk or warm water.
Decoctions made from Shankhpushpi’s Panchang are consumed.
Another type of Shankhpushpi is syrup.
Its powder is combined with honey or butter.
To enhance cognitive function and prevent memory loss, the juice can be administered as shots twice a day or combined with water.
The doctor may advise swallowing the capsules or tablets with milk or water, ideally after a meal.

Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) Benefits

Improves skin health:

Shankhpushpi is renowned for its beneficial effects on skin health as well. Antioxidants found in abundance in the herb aid in shielding the skin from harm caused by free radicals. Unstable chemicals called free radicals can cause dull skin, wrinkles, and early aging. You can nourish your skin from the inside out and keep it looking young and glowing by incorporating it into your diet on a daily basis.

Helps lower blood pressure:

The ability of Shankhpushpi to reduce blood pressure is another noteworthy advantage. According to studies, the plant possesses hypotensive qualities, which means that it can aid in blood vessel relaxation and improved circulation. Your blood pressure may drop if you include Shankhpushpi in your everyday routine; this can help improve your cardiovascular health.

Treats epilepsy:

Convolvulus Pluricaulis is good for those with epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy would benefit from consuming 2 grams of its juice with honey twice a day. Penny wort combined with Shankhpushpi can treat anxiety and epilepsy.

Improves memory:

To increase memory, take three to six grams of Shankhpushpi powder every morning with milk and honey. Children who are given power also become intelligent, perceptive, and brilliant. It encourages intelligence in general.

Headache:

It is recommended to take Sharbat of Shankhapushpi twice a day for effective relief from persistent headaches, tension, frustration, and other related symptoms.

Heart problems:

Treatment options for heart issues include the herb and its mixtures with therapeutic ayurvedic botanicals. Technique: Make the mixture of two teaspoons of Shankhapushpi , two teaspoons of Arjun bark , two teaspoons of Amla Churan , two teaspoons of Punarnava Churan , and ten grams of Puskarmool Churan . To create a fine powder, combine and mill. Administer two tsp twice day.

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Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) Side Effects

Stomach upset:

Shankhpushpi may upset your stomach, resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.

Dizziness:

Shankhpushpi could make you lightheaded.

Low blood pressure:

Blood pressure may be lowered by shankhpushpi. See your doctor before taking shankhpushpi if you are on medication for high blood pressure.

Liver damage:

Rare cases of liver injury linked to shankhpushpi usage have been reported. Should you notice any signs of liver damage, such as black urine, jaundice, or pain in your abdomen, cease taking Shankhpushpi right away and consult your physician.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Conch is not safe for breastfeeding or pregnant women. Before taking Shankhpushpi, see your doctor if you are expecting a baby or are breastfeeding.

Conclusion

Sankhpushpi, a herbal remedy with several traditional uses, has many health benefits. It is crucial for treating mental fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and other related disorders as well as for improving memory, attention, and learning abilities. This mixture’s therapeutic potency in the treatment of infertility issues is further enhanced by the multiple health benefits of the various herbs that are contained in it. When used as directed, one can avoid negative side effects and benefit from a number of health benefits.

FAQS

Does Shankhpushpi Aid in the Treatment of Epilepsy?

Strong brain tonic Shankhpushpi has many neuroprotective qualities. Since ancient times, it has been a service tonic in traditional medicines. It affects the central nervous system and aids in the control of epileptic episodes.

What advantages does Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi) offer?

Because of its mild laxative effect, it aids in the management of digestion and constipation. Because of its antidepressant properties, it promotes mental wellness and may be useful in the treatment of depression. Ayurveda claims that Shankhpushpi relieves anxiety, tension, and helps to quiet the brain.