Botanical Name: Convolvulus pluricaulis

Family: Convolvulaceae

Description: Shankhpushpi is a perennial herb with a prostrate, spreading habit. It has small, fleshy leaves that are elliptical in shape and arranged alternately on the stem. The plant produces distinctive white or light blue funnel-shaped flowers, resembling a conch shell, which is where its name “Shankhpushpi” (conch flower) is derived from.

Occurrence: Shankhpushpi is commonly found in India, particularly in the regions of Bihar, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. It thrives in sandy and rocky areas, often in grasslands and open spaces.

Chemical Constituents:

• Alkaloids (shankhapushpine, convolvine)
• Glycosides
• Flavonoids
• Triterpenoids
• Fatty acids
• Beta-sitosterol
  
  

Guna (Properties):

• Rasa (Taste): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
• Virya (Potency): Sheeta (cold)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (sweet)
  
  

Uses:

1. Cognitive Health: Enhances memory, learning, and concentration.
2. Anxiety and Stress: Acts as a nervine tonic, reducing anxiety and mental fatigue.
3. Insomnia: Helps in promoting sound sleep and managing insomnia.
4. Neuroprotective: Protects against neurodegenerative disorders.
5. Digestive Health: Aids in digestion and alleviates gastrointestinal issues.
6. General Tonic: Improves overall vitality and mental clarity.
   
   

Mode of Action: Shankhpushpi’s cognitive-enhancing properties are attributed to its neuroprotective effects and its ability to improve synaptic transmission and plasticity. The alkaloids and glycosides in Shankhpushpi promote the synthesis of neurotransmitters, enhancing cognitive functions such as memory and learning. Its adaptogenic properties help in reducing stress and anxiety by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and balancing neurotransmitter levels. The herb’s cooling nature also promotes calmness and relaxation, aiding in the treatment of insomnia and mental fatigue.

Home Remedies:

1. For Enhanced Memory: Take 1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi powder mixed with honey or warm milk daily in the morning.
2. For Stress Relief: Prepare a tea by boiling 1 teaspoon of dried Shankhpushpi in 2 cups of water. Strain and drink it twice a day.
3. For Insomnia: Mix 1 teaspoon of Shankhpushpi juice with a pinch of cumin powder and consume it before bedtime.
4. For Digestive Health: Mix Shankhpushpi powder with a little ghee and take 1 teaspoon after meals to aid digestion.
   
   

Dosage:

• Powder: 1-3 grams, twice a day with warm water or as directed by an Ayurvedic practitioner.
• Juice (Swarasa): 10-20 ml, once or twice a day.
• Decoction: 50-100 ml, once or twice a day.
  
  

Note: Dosage may vary based on individual health conditions and should be taken under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.

Shankhpushpi is a revered herb in Ayurveda, known for its wide range of therapeutic benefits, particularly in enhancing cognitive functions, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being.