ShankhpushpiŚaṅkhapuṣpī
Pacifies Vata and Pitta; cooling and calming to the mind.
- Common name
- Shankhpushpi
- Sanskrit (IAST)
- Śaṅkhapuṣpī
- Latin botanical
- Convolvulus pluricaulis
- Form
- Herb / Powder (Choorna)
- Category tags
- CognitionMedhya rasayana · Nervine
Overview & dosha effects
Pacifies Vata and Pitta; cooling and calming to the mind.
Traditional uses
The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.
How it is taken
1 tsp (3–5 g) of fresh herb juice (svarasa) or 1/2 tsp churna with warm water or milk twice daily.
Classical text references
- [1]Bhāvaprakāśa NighaṇṭuGuḍūcyādi Varga
Cited as a medhya rasāyana in classical formularies.
Modern research
Contemporary clinical and pharmacological reviews (see references) explore Shankhpushpi's role in the areas where Ayurveda has traditionally used it. Evidence quality varies; treat single studies with caution and prefer systematic reviews.
Safety notes — read before use
As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.
- ✕Severe hypotension or with antihypertensive medication without monitoring
- ✕Pregnancy — insufficient safety data
- ✕Bradycardia
Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.
May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.
Specific to Shankhpushpi: Mild hypotensive — monitor in patients on antihypertensives.
Convolvulaceae family.
This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.
Classical alternatives
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) for similar medhya action with stronger evidence base.
References
- [1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu, Guḍūcyādi Varga — Cited as a medhya rasāyana in classical formularies.
- [2]PubMed · Convolvulus pluricaulis neuropharmacology ↗
- [3]Banyan Botanicals · Shankhpushpi ↗
