Shankhapushpi Convolvulus pluricaulis Benefits, Dose, Side Effects
Shankhapushpi is a very famous Ayurvedic medicine used to improve memory, intelligence etc. It is also used in other conditions like vomiting and toxic conditions.
Botanical Name- Convolvulus pluricaulis Chois (Convolvulus microphyllus Sied. Ex. Spring)
Family- Convolvulaceae – Trivrit Kula
Table of Contents
Medicinal properties
Convolvulus pluricaulis Medicinal Properties
Rasa (taste)- Tikta (bitter)
Guna (qualities) – Snigdha (unctuous, oily), Picchila (sticky)
Vipaka-madhura – undergoes sweet taste conversion after digestion
Veerya – Sheeta – coolant in nature. As per Bhavamishra – Ushna (hot potency)
Prabhava – Special effect – Medhya – improves intelligence.
Effect on Tridosha
Balances Pitta and Kapha.
Part used, Dosage
Whole plant, root, seeds, ash (alkali).
Shankhapushpi Dosage-
Paste 1-2 g
water decoction (Kashayam / infusion) – 50-100 ml in divided quantity per day,
Kshara (alkali preparation) 250 mg – 2 g in divided dose per day.
Shankhapushpi capsule – 1 capsule once or twice a day, before or after food as advised by the doctor.
Sanskrit verse
Traditional Benefits
Medhya – Paste of Shankhapushpi improves memory and intelligence
Rasayanam – anti aging, improves life expectancy, longevity
Kasajit – useful in cough, cold
Visha – useful in toxic conditions, natural detoxification
Apasmara – useful in epilepsy
Unmada, Bhuta – useful in psychiatric disorders
Chardihara – useful in vomiting
Sara – promotes movement of liquids in natural path, useful in constipation
Vrushya – acts as aphrodisiac
Manasarogahrut – useful in mental disorders, depression
Smrutiprada – improves memory. Hence useful in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and in students seeking memory improvement.
Kantida – improves skin complexion and quality of the skin
Balada – improves strength
Agnida – improves digestion power
Kushta – useful in skin diseases
Krimi – useful in intestinal worm infestation
Anidra – useful in insomnia, induces sleep
It improves hair quality and promotes hair growth
Useful in high BP (hypertension) and hematemesis (blood vomiting)
Because it enhances mood, relieves anxiety and acts as an aphrodisiac, it is quite useful in treating sexual disorders in men.
It has mild diuretic action. Hence used in relieving fluid retention.
It is used in treating migraine and tension headaches
Leaves – are used in treating asthma and bronchitis.
Its leaves and flowers are used in treating high blood pressure.
Use as rejuvenator
Shankpuspi for anti ageing purpose
As per Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 1.3, regular intake of 2 – 3 grams of paste of Shankhapushpi is explained as an excellent brain tonic and rejuvenator – Medhya Rasayana.
Use in pregnancy, lactation, children
Usage of Shankapuspi in pregnancy, lactation, children-
During pregnancy, take this only if your doctor prescribes, for the prescribed amount of time.
It is quite safe to use in a lactating mother.
It is safe to use in children above 3 years of age, in smaller doses.
Use for de-addiction
Is Dabur Shankhpushpi helpful in recovering from addiction?
Though it is not directly indicated as a De-addiction medicine. It helps to treat shivering, confusion, memory problems, depression and anxiety that are associated with the process of De-addiction.
Can Shankapushpi be used to recover from addiction?
Research
Medicinal importance
Experimental study on effect on brain
Side effects
Because it decreases blood pressure, people with low BP should exercise precaution.
People on treatment for hypertension should consult their doctor before taking this herb.
Interaction with medicines, supplements
Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.
With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
Ayurvedic medicines
Ayurvedic medicine with Shankhapushpi ingredient:
Shankhpushpi oil
Saraswata Choornam
Brahmi Vati
Manasamitra Vatakam
Chopchinyadi Churna
Manufacturer:
Patanjali Divya Shankhpushpi Churna – manufactured by Patanjali Ayurved Limited.
Systemic Action
Externally – Improve hair growth, and good for skin disorders
Internally
Nervous system – Improve intellect, Act as brain and nerve tonic. calm down the nervous system and indicated in insomnia.
Digestive system – It is bitter in taste so it acts as carminative and also because of its unctuousness it has anulomana action (Facilitate movement of doshas in proper direction).
Circulatory System – Cardiac tonic. Indicated in bleeding disorders, Hypertension etc.
Respiratory System – Indicated in vata pittaja kasa and in hoarseness of voice.
Excretory system – Increase urine production. used in conditions like painful micturition, UTI etc.
Reproductive System – Aphrodisiac, Indicated in conditions like decreased sperm count, and female infertility due to weakness of uterus, and in recurrent abortion.
Skin – Indicated in Syphilis and other skin disorders
Tapakrama – Indicated fever with burning sensation. It can be used as a coolant drink in hot weather to pacify thirst.
Satmikarana – Improves body strength and is rejuvenative.
Sanskrit synonyms
Shankhava, Shankhapushpi – flower resembles the shape of a conch, white coloured flower, like conch
Supushpi – Flowers are beautiful
bhulaghna – Sankhupushpi plant grows on ground
Ksheerapushpi – has white coloured flower
Mangala Kusuma – auspicious
Vernacular names
Hindi Name- Sankhahul, Shankhahuli
Telugu Name- Sankhapuspi
Marathi Name- Sankhvel
Gujarati Name- Sankhavali
English name – English speed wheel
Urdu name – Sankali
Varieties
Sodhala enumerated white and blue flowered varieties of Sankhapuspi. The blue variety is Vishnukranta(Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.)
Morphology
Perennial prostate herb
Root – Tap root, branched
Stem – Prostate, aerial, herbaceous, weak, branched, cylindrical, hairy, and green
Leaf – Simple, alternate, sub- sessile, exstipulate, oblong lanceolate, with unicostate reticulate venation
Inflorescence – Dichasial cyme
Flowers Pedicellate, light purplish colour
Fruit – capsule
Seed – Endospermic
Useful part – Whole herb
Major chemical constituents
Sankhapushpine, B- sitosterol, Kaempferol, N- hexacosanol, Hydroxy Cinnamic acid, etc.
(Reference: Illustrated Dravyaguna VIjnana, Vol. II, by Dr JLN Shastry)
Substitute
Evolvulus alsinoids
Camscora decussata
Controversies
Sankhupushpi is one among the controversial drugs.
Sankha means conch, Puspi means flower. Different plants having conch shaped flowers are being used as Sankhapuspi in different regions.
1. Convolvulus pluricaulis chois Convolvulaceae
2. Evolvlulus alsinoides Linn. Convolvulaceae
3. Canscora diffusa R.Br. Gentianaceae
4. Clitoria ternatea Linn Papilionaceae
5. Lavendula bipinnata Okze Lamiaceae
Distribution
It is found distributed across India especially in Gujarat, Goa, Rajasthan, Bihar etc
Ashwagandha with Brahmi and Shankhapushpi
Can Ashwagandha be taken along with Brahmi and Shankhapushpi?
Dr JV Hebbar
Short answer is, yes; these three can be combined.
At the outset, all are useful to improve brain functions, memory, concentration and intelligence. But when we dig deep, this combination is useful in a wide variety of illnesses.
Let us slice and dice this combination to arrive at where exactly this combination is more useful and where it is not.
1. Strength and immunity – Ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi are explained as Balaprada and Balada. Ashwagandha is Pushtiprada – improves body nourishment. To fight fatigue, muscle wasting and to improve immunity in chronic disorders, to relieve tiredness due to long illness, this combination is useful.
Ashwagandha is kshayahara – useful in treating muscle wasting, emaciation, post tubercular treatment to improve muscle mass and strength
Ashwagandha is explained as Vranaan hanti – useful to bring about quick wound healing. After an injury due to a fall or road traffic accident, this combination can be helpful.
2. Aphrodisiac – Both Ashwagandha and Shankhapushpi are Vrushya and Vaajikari. Ashwagandha is Ati Shukrala – improves semen quantity and quality.
3. Anti Aging, cell rejuvenation – All three herbs are explained Rasayani, Vayasthapani – These improve life expectancy, anti aging, elixir. After a long term illness, this combination can be very useful.
4. Anti inflammatory – Ashwagandha and Brahmi are explained as shophahara. Whenever there is inflammation due to injury, or due to chronic illness, chronic respiratory disorders, asthma, this combination is useful.
5. Cough, cold, asthma – Ashwagandha and Brahmi are explained as Shwasara, kasahara. This combination is useful to relieve inflammation, asthma, cough and cold.
6. Diabetes and hypertension – All three herbs are useful in both these conditions.
8. Intelligence: Brahmi and Shankhapushpi are intelligence and memory.
Shankhapushpi is explained as medhya – Paste of Shankhapushpi improves memory and intelligence
Smrutiprada – improves memory. Hence useful in Alzheimer’s disease,
dementia and in students seeking memory improvement.
9. Psychiatric disorders:
Brahmi is Unmada vinashini – useful in psychiatric disorders
Shankhapushpi is explained as Unmada, Bhutaghna – useful in psychiatric disorders
Manasarogahrut – useful in mental disorders, depression
Summing up:
Ashwagandha, Brahmi and Shankhapushpi together are:
Very useful in improving memory, concentration, strength, immunity, muscle strength, to promote life expectancy, to delay aging and to treat irritable bowel syndrome, weak digestion strength, mania, schizophrenia and depression
Moderately useful in – wound healing, cold, cough, asthma, to improve digestion strength,
Somewhat useful – to improve sleep, voice, speech and to treat epilepsy, fever, vomiting.
How to take it?
There are many medicines with these three herbs together. For example,
Shankhapushpi syrup / Bravobol syrup / Brahmi Power Granules– Adult dose is 1 teaspoon once or twice a day after food with milk or water.
Divya Medha Vati tablet / Dimag Paushtik Rasayan Tablet / Sunidra Tablet/ Brenkam tablet / Memtone tablet 1 at night after food.
All these contain the above three, along with many other ingredients. Please consult a doctor before taking any of the above products.
Side effects: Ashwagandha, in some people may cause diarrhea / constipation, stomach upset or anxiety.
Brahmi in some people increases alertness and hence, is not useful for some people with insomnia.
67 comments
Khalid Lakdawala
Which reputed company sells this herb? Any reference?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi Khalid, thanks for asking this question. I updated this information in the article.
Within India, Baidyanath manufactures Shankphapushpi capsule – dose is 1 capsule once or twice a day before or after food or as directed by Ayurvedic doctor.
Outside India, Gopala Ayurveda sells Shankhapushpi powder.
Dr Wadke, Nature’s formulary, and Swanson have Shankhapushpi capsule.
joshi
Dr.can one take both shankphapushpi and ashwagndha capsules
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
They do not interact in a bad way, so can be taken. They in combination would increase sleep time.
Bharat
Is it ok to take this in capsule form? Reason I’m asking is that you’ve mentioned many a times that it is best to “taste” the medicine as that has important effect on our constitution. If we take the powder, how much should be taken? Also, could you specify which company in India is good for powder form of this herb?
Jyothir
Wow, this sounds like a wonder drug with so many uses! Can this be taken as a tonic specially for 40+ people ?
Anil Talegaonkar
Dear Dr : Sankhpushpi is also available in market in syrup form, will this give satisfactory results ? How often it can be taken ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Though I have not used it in my patients, I have heard very good reviews about it.
It is a good product. Dose for children – 1 teaspoon at night, after food.
Dose for adults – 1 – 2 teaspoons once or twice a day, after food.
Jorge Enrique Galindo
Tengo un hijo con autismo. El está tomando Shankapuspi y Vacha con miel. Es esto bueno para él?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
querido Jorge Enrique Galindo, Sí, es bueno para él. Además, mejorará su memoria, la concentración, potencia la comprensión y las habilidades del aparato locomotor.
También sugiero que incluya un poco de manteca en su dieta. que mejorará aún más el efecto de Shankhapushpi. Sólo la mitad de una cucharilla, junto con su comida (en estado caliente) es bueno tener, todos los días.
joshi
Dr.local(hubli)ayurvedic shop people are telling that there is no single drug capsule of shankhapushpi.is it true?They are saying that baidyanth has brain tab which has other medicines along with shankhapushpi and also they say that they have shankhapushpi tab of naranarayan co.
mankindthoughtANAND KUMAR RICHHARIYA
Can it be taken along with anti hypertensive drugs(allopathy) Is it true that it induces dryness in the mouth if so what can be the reason.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
If taken along with antihypertensive drug, the dose needs to be monitored (of the antihypertensive and also of Shankhapushpi) because, Shankhapushpi can lower the BP. I have not come across the dryness of mouth issue with any of my patients using this herb.
Ishar Singh Narang
very very informative. I am already using this item in liquid. Now for the first time I have heard that this is also in capsules available and have noted for procurement. I use this as due to my age I am losing memory. This now I have come to know that it also decreases blood pressure.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Thanks!
chandra
Hi, how safe is it to take the leaves of shanka pushpi along with brahmin leaves. How many leaves in a day is safe for adolescents and 40 plus. How long can it be taken
Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Just one leaf of each herb, can be made into a paste with honey and can be had once a day, in the morning, 10 minutes before food.
chandra
Thank you doctor, I was thinking of taking the syrup. but not sure about the duration and doctor can this be taken a year long or for a certain period of time every year
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, this can be taken for two months time during spring season.
Anonymous
I bought shankhpushpi syrup of Baidyanath. How much should i take it & how many times ?? should it be taken with water ???
S K Raman
Hi,
I bought Dabur Shankh Pushpi Syrup for my children. I have two question on this please suggest me.
1. My son is 8yrs old and he is a CP(Cerebral Palsy) child. Is this syrup is advisable for him?
2. My daughter is 10yrs old and she is having urological issue of weaken bladder. She is under treatment for the same. Is she can take this syrup?
Also let me know the dosage can be given.
Nagaraj
Excellent information you have provided about Shankapushpi. Your suggestions are very useful doctor. You are quoting do’s and don’ts accurately in Ayurvedic medicines. Very valuable guidance indeed.
Vimalesh Kumar Bhatia
Thanks for such a prompt reply…
sreenath
My brother-in-law is brain operated patient, twice he got operated due to high BP, now he is totally bed ridden, no any body movenment, his hands & legs have become little bit stiff, health wise he is quite normal & eye sight has become little bit dim. Now, we are giving him Shankapushpi syrup of baidyanath, whether this will improve his eye sight & mental distrubance with any improvement in body movements.( like.hands & legs)
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, Shankhapushpi alone cannot improve your brother’s condition, though it would improve his memory and concentration and impart other benefits as explained in the article. Please consult an Ayurveda doctor directly.
Mohan
Dear doctor
Thanks for giving valuable information to us.
Sir, my questions are
1 why shankpushpi duration of intake two month why not more?
2 what is impact of shankhpushpi and ashwghandha on hair fall.
Please give me suggestion
Dr Malini Bhat
Dear sir, There is no mention of the duration being 2 months but as we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many different ways. So the drugs are to be taken under guidance from a ayurvedic doctor.
Shankhapuspi and Ashwagandha both are used as a mental tonic and both help in stimulating the nervous system and skeletal system.
Ansh
Sir can you give any information about Shankhapushpyarista; such as ingredients or manufacturer etc.?
Thanks a lot Sir.
Dr Malini Bhat
There is no information about Shankhapushpyarishta but many ayurvedic companies like Patanjali,Dabur etc are manufacturing Shankhapushpi syrup.
The main ingredients being Shankhapushpi and Bramhi , both help in enhancing memory and used as a brain tonic.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Root – collect it. Wash it with hot water thoroughly to get rid of mud. dry under shade. powder it.
Sukhbir
Is it safe for 4.5yrs old kid
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, usual dosage is – 500 mg capsule – 2 times a day after food.
Ganesh
My son is 12 yr age, having lower retention memory ( having learning disability). I should give him sankhapuspi or bramhi or both to improve memory.
Dr Malini Bhat
Hello Sir, Here are some remedies to improve memory:
1. Soak 5 to 10 almonds in water overnight.The next morning, peel the skin and grind the almonds.Boil this paste with one glass of milk.Add some sugar or honey for taste.Drink it daily for 30 or 40 days.
2. Intake of Amla Juice everyday
3. Consume one to two teaspoons of juice extracted from brahmi leaves two or three times a day. You can also add a little honey.
Dr Helen Engelbrecht
Can One take Shankapushpi with Brahmi to increase clarity of mind before an Ayurvedic exam?
m d pawar
my son is 18 years lern in 12 th science , his 10 th std marks is 94% but he is upset in 12 th study please suggest which shankpushpi give t0 them-
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Dear Madam, eating leaves is not useful. Try to grow and consume Gotu Kola leaves. it is very easy to grow and you can use 4 – 5 leaves just as coriander leaves in diet.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
It depends on the type of disease. As a general supplement, 1 gram of both the powder, with milk can be given at night for 2 months time.
vishnu
Sir, in vitiated vata conditions like anxiety, palpatations and insomnia. is sankhapushpi syrup suitable with out consulting doctor ?
PC Acharya
1. My mother, 77yrs old, has high Bp. Can we give her shankhapuspi ?
2. We have shankhapuspi flower grown in our house. How are we to consume it ?
Luc Desfeux
I’m looking for herbal treatment for depersonalization. I know Shankhapushpi is one of them but which others? I’m from Belgium. Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
No.
Nandani
Hi sir ,my sister is 22 yeras old n she is having concerntration problem……..but she usualy suffer from cold time to time…..in such condition shankhpuspi syrup is preferable????
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Dear Dr Helen, you can add Shankhapushpi and turmeric to the above mix. No problem.
Monica
I want to give Shanka Pushpi to my son for memory improvement. He is currently taking a medicine (Levetiracetam) for epilepsy. Is it safe to give them together with no side effects?
Thanks
Manish
Sir, you mentioned shankpushpi reduces pitta and kapha. If it cant cure vata dosha how it can resolve mental instabilities, stress? , same applies to gotu kola.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Because, mental instabilities and stress are equally related with Pitta, especially, Sadhaka type of Pitta.
Manish
Is there a herb or medicine which promotes awareness, reduces anxiety and calms vata,pitta ?
Laishram Belladonna
Dr. Can u give the reason why this herb is to be avoided by pregnant ladies?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Hi, sorry. It is safe during pregnancy. But any health issues, if happens during pregnancy, often herbal supplements are blamed first. Hence the precaution.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
She is too young for online advice. If she is naturally intelligent, no need of this syrup. Please consult a local Ayurveda doctor directly.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Only for one month and then stop it.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
It can be taken by people taking aspirin and warfarin, in lower doses.
Charu
Thank u so much ji
J
For how long does one have to drink this herb?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
For up to 2 months time.
katheeja banu
hello doctor,
Am katheeja.my son is 3 years 3 months old he is not talking and not understanding anything till nw.he is not calling mom or dad and not pointing anything too..And also from his 1 year onwards we giving him food by force feeding only he doesn’t touch any foods or snacks.eventhough he do not eye conduct with us.please suggest me any medicine for his speech and understanding.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
hi, Shankpushpi capsule – 1 capsule 3 times a day after food can be given along with allopathic medicines for 3 months time.
Frida
Hi Dr Hebbar,
is Shankpushpi combinable with Kaishora Guggulu (3×3/d)? I want to take S. in summer, because I cant take Hypericum 900 mg against depression in Summer (I am living in Europe) because of the dermal hypersensitivity to sun and ask me, if it would be good, to take Shankpushpi, for example for 3 month. I have problems with concentration, strength and coordination as well (4 years ago tetraplegie and 4 narcosis -2 about 5 hours- in 4 weeks). I have an Angiomatosis / diffuse Gorham Stout syndrome with spinal involvement and compications. And what are you thinking about arjuna to stabilise the angiomatous vessel walls and not let them going in cysts? Sometimes I have elevated D-Dimers as well and tend to bleed (low coagulation/clotting).
What are you thinking about that? Or is it better not to take it, because of GSD, that is not known well in interaction with that plants?
Thanx,
Frida
Vasanth kumar
Does this generate body heat?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Not much.
Radha
Can Ayurvedic and homeopathy medication be taken together
Harish
Does Shankapushpi increase vata as it is Bitter in taste
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
Not to a very high extent. Only very slightly.
Sachin desai
Hi sir
I have come across shankapushpi being called as clitorea turnatea in scientific terms. Is it true Sir? How does it differ from the one you have mentioned in this article (convolvulus pluricaulis)
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)Author
It is not clitoria ternatea
Headache Man
Shankapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) gives me a headache or a stomach-ache almost every time I take it.