Shankhpushpi
Shankhpushpi is a potent memory booster and brain tonic that actively works to improve intelligence and functioning of the brain. The name shankhpushpi was given to the plant owing to its shankh or conch shaped flowers.
Shankhpushpi has botanical name Convolvulus pluricaulis which belongs to Convolvulaceae family, is a perennial plant native to India.
It is also known as morning-glory, speed wheel or Aloe weed in English and as Mangalyakushuma in Sanskrit which means bringer of good fortune and health. This medicinal herb has specific arrowhead-shaped leaves and bulb-shaped blue or white flowers.
In Ayurveda, it is recognized as “Medhya Rasayana”, which means a drug that rejuvenates, maintains and potentiates intellect and memory.
Chemical Constituents –
The magical herbal remedy as a whole contains a myriad of active constituents including alkaloids like shankhapushpine, convolvuline, convolidine, convolvine, convolamine, convoline, confoline, convozine. Besides these, it also contains volatile oils, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, hydrocarbons, palmitic acids, linoleic acids, myristic acids, flavonoids, steroids-phytosterols, D-glucose, maltose, sucrose, starch, rhamnose, and other carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids.
Properties –
• Anti-stress
• Anti-depressive
• Anti-anxiety
• Digestive
• Antihypertensive
• Mood booster
• Anti-convulsant
• Rejuvenator
Parts Used –
Whole plant is used from its root to its tips for the medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
The precise therapeutic dosage may vary from person to person depending upon the age, severity, and condition of the patient.
• Shankhpushpi Tablet/ Capsule (Gutika) – 1 or 2 tablets for adults twice a day.
• Shankhpushpi Powder (Churna) – ¼ to ½ teaspoon for adults twice a day.
• Shankhpushpi Juice (Kashayam) – 2 to 4 teaspoons for adults once or twice a day.
• Shankhpushpi Syrup (Arishtam) – 20 ml for adults twice a day with water after meals.
• Shankhpushpi Oil – 2-5 drops or as per your requirement for massage
• Shankhpushpi Paste – ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement for skin treatment
Benefits –
• Improves cognitive functioning
The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Being a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhpushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities.
• Reduces Mental Fatigue
Mental fatigue is a condition of excessive and prolonged cognitive activity. It mostly occurs due to excessive work using a computer, watching television for hours, learning or memorizing activities, etc. and causes a person to lose concentration and feel lethargic.
• Depression
Shankhapushpi is extremely useful for treating different types of psychotic problems like depression, dementia, restlessness, etc.
It balances the brain chemicals i.e. neurotransmitters and ups the secretion of dopamine which in turn keeps the serotonin level under control and helps to reduce various symptoms of anxiety which includes restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, and helps in relaxing the mind and body.
• Enhances cardiac functioning
It strengthens the heart muscles and prevents lipid build up in the blood vessels. It reduces the risk of heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc. It also plays a key role in lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood.
• Good for digestion
It stimulates the secretion of digestive juices thereby increasing the absorption of essential nutrients and enhancing digestion. It also prevents fluid retention and treats symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Helps treating headaches
Shankhpushpi holds high significance in providing relief from chronic headaches, tension, etc. It soothes irritated nerves, calms the brain and improves nerve function. Massaging the forehead with shankhpushpi oil helps to relieve headaches.
• Gives relief in Insomnia
Shankhpushpi helps reduce the levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone and thereby attenuates stress and improves the quality, duration and provides a peaceful sleep.
• Treats Hypertension
The active components in shankhpushpi make it an appropriate remedy for people suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension.
• Boosts memory and ADHD condition
it can be used to improve memory or in conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is usually seen in children, wherein the child has trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors or is overly active.
• Epilepsy
Shankhpushpi has anticonvulsant activity and reduces the risk of epilepsy or fits.
• Good for skin
It makes the skin glow and effective against wrinkles.
It can also be used to treat acne or pimples, which is usually very problematic in the teenage years of life.
Side Effects –
This memory-boosting herb has no proven side effects. Since shankhpushpi has a mild hypotensive effect, people suffering from low blood pressure should consult a doctor before taking this. Although it has been suggested for pregnancy, the individual must consult her doctor before using and in no way should self-medicate herself.
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