Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Shankh Pushpi शंख पुष्पी
Convolvulus pluricaulis
Part used: Whole Plant
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Convolvulus pluricaulis
- Part used: Whole Plant
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Whole plant powder 3–6 g per day with milk; fresh juice 10–20 ml; syrup as directed.
Shankh Pushpi in other languages
Introduction
Shankh Pushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is a small trailing herb of Indian wasteland whose pale flowers are said to resemble a conch — the source of its name.
It is one of Ayurveda's principal Medhya Rasayana drugs, used for memory, concentration and mental calm, and it is among the gentlest of them, suitable for children and for long courses.
Classification
Family Convolvulaceae. The whole plant is officinal. Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya. Guna: Snigdha, Picchila. Virya: Sheeta. Vipaka: Madhura. Doshaghnata: pacifies all three doshas, chiefly Vata and Pitta.
Uses & benefits
Given for weak memory, poor concentration and mental fatigue, and in anxiety, restlessness and disturbed sleep. Classical texts also list it in Apasmara and Unmada. It is a component of Brahmi Vati in this catalogue and is often paired with Brahmi and Vacha.
Shankhpushpi for memory and study
The classical Medhya indication. Cooling and calming rather than stimulating, it suits students and anyone whose concentration fails through restlessness.
Shankhpushpi for anxiety and sleep
Its sheeta virya settles an over-active mind, which is why it is given where anxiety disturbs sleep, usually with milk in the evening.
Dosage — how much to take
Whole plant powder 3–6 g per day with milk; fresh juice 10–20 ml; syrup as directed. Taken over weeks rather than briefly.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Shankh Pushpi?
The citations held for Shankh Pushpi in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthana 1 — Rasayana); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga — Shankhapushpi).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Shankh Pushpi?
Grouped with the intellect-promoting Rasayana drugs. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Chikitsasthana 1 — Rasayana.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Shankh Pushpi?
Tikta rasa, sheeta virya; medhya and rasayana. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Shankhapushpi.
What is Shankh Pushpi traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Given for weak memory, poor concentration and mental fatigue, and in anxiety, restlessness and disturbed sleep. Classical texts also list it in Apasmara and Unmada. It is a component of Brahmi Vati in this catalogue and is often paired with Brahmi and Vacha.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Shankh Pushpi?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Shankh Pushpi classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Shankh Pushpi carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Shankh Pushpi is used medicinally?
The part used is Whole Plant.
How much Shankh Pushpi is taken, and how?
Whole plant powder 3–6 g per day with milk; fresh juice 10–20 ml; syrup as directed. Taken over weeks rather than briefly. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Shankh Pushpi be avoided?
One of the gentler classical drugs and well tolerated, including in children at reduced dose. Because it is calming, tell your physician if you are on sedative or antiepileptic medication. Several unrelated plants are sold as Shankhpushpi — confirm the label states Convolvulus pluricaulis.
Where does Shankh Pushpi grow?
A prostrate herb of dry sandy waste ground and field margins across the plains of India, common in Rajasthan, Gujarat and the Deccan.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga — Shankhapushpi
Tikta rasa, sheeta virya; medhya and rasayana. - Charaka Samhita — Chikitsasthana 1 — Rasayana
Grouped with the intellect-promoting Rasayana drugs.
Safety & precautions
One of the gentler classical drugs and well tolerated, including in children at reduced dose. Because it is calming, tell your physician if you are on sedative or antiepileptic medication. Several unrelated plants are sold as Shankhpushpi — confirm the label states Convolvulus pluricaulis.
Where it grows
A prostrate herb of dry sandy waste ground and field margins across the plains of India, common in Rajasthan, Gujarat and the Deccan.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shankhpushpi the same as Brahmi?
No, though both are Medhya drugs and often given together. Brahmi is Bacopa monnieri; Shankhpushpi is Convolvulus pluricaulis and is the more cooling and calming of the two.
Can children take it?
It is classically given to children at reduced dose for memory and restlessness, but the dose should be set by a physician rather than scaled down at home.
