Shankhpushpi is a plant native to India. It is scientifically called Convolvulus pluricaulis. Shakhpushpi is a Sanskrit word. This word means or stands for a plant with bell-shaped or conch-shaped flowers.
In India, it is also known by various other vernacular names like:
- Sankhapuspa
- Sankhapuspi
- Shankhavali
- Aparajita
- Bilikanthisoppu
- Shankhavela
- Shankhapuspi
- Sanghupushpam
- Kakkurattai.
Health Benefits Of Shankhapushpi
Improves Cognitive Functioning:
Shankhpushpi is a traditional remedy for increasing the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and flavonoids present in it improve the memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, and alertness of an individual. Being a brain tonic and stimulator, people taking shankhpushpi have improved memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. The neuroprotective elements in the plant prevent loss of memory and relieve tension from the brain.
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. Shankhpushpi is a powerful memory booster that helps in enhancing the brain’s working capacity and reduces the loss of concentration.
Intake of a decoction of a spoonful of shankhpushpi powder with a glass of water on a daily basis can do wonders in boosting your memory.
Shankhpushpi for Depression
Shankhapushpi holds high significance due to its potent anti-stress, anti-depressive and anti-anxiety properties are 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 include restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, and helps in relaxing the mind and body.
Enhances Cardiac Functioning:
Shankhpushpi is extremely effective in treating various heart ailments due to its strong antioxidative nature. It strengthens the heart muscles and prevents lipid buildup in the blood vessels. The bioactive constituents like the ethanolic extract reduce the levels of non-esterified fatty acids i.e. NEFA and hence 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.
Stimulates Digestion:
The digestive properties found in this traditional herb are found to be extremely beneficial in improving 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.
Augments Skin Health:
Shankhpushpi plays a key role in treating various skin infections. The abundance of antioxidants in the potent herb is very effective in removing harmful free radicals from the body and its antipruritic nature alleviates itching sensation caused due to allergic conditions like psoriasis, eczema, acne, sunburn etc. It also acts as a skin tonic, penetrates deep into the skin, nourishes it from within and imparts a radiant and healthy glow. Apart from this, antioxidative nature also treats the various signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, etc.
Apply a mixture of a tablespoon of shankhpushpi powder with honey and rose water on your face regularly, to reduce spots and fine lines and achieve a younger rejuvenated radiant skin.
Prevents Headache:
Shankhpushpi holds high significance in providing relief from chronic headaches, tension, etc. Normally, a headache occurs due to excessive workload, stress, anxiety, etc. It soothes irritated nerves, calms the brain and improves nerve function.
Massaging the forehead with shankhpushpi oil helps to relieve headaches and provides a soothing and cooling effect.
Shankhpushpi for Insomnia
Shankhpushpi helps reduce the levels of cortisol which is a stress hormone and thereby attenuates stress and improving the quality, duration and providing a peaceful sleep.
Drinking a spoonful of shankhpushpi powder mixed in a glass of milk and Jeera, before going to sleep is highly effective in regulating body metabolism, inducing sleep and treating sleep disorders like insomnia.
Shankhpushpi for Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which an individual suffers from self-starvation. It is also attached to mental health as the individual suffers from low weight issues, fear of gaining weight, lower self-esteem and an intense desire to reduce weight. The person also has a loss of hunger or desire to eat any food. Shankhpushpi is a natural appetizer that aids in the digestion of food, improves appetite and helps the person to eat.
Shankhpushpi for Infections
Several studies show that Shankhpushpi has potent anti-bacterial properties that are extensively used for removing bacteria from the body. The bioactive compounds present in this traditional herb not only prevent worm infestation but also treats wounds and improve healing.
Shankhpushpi for Hypertension
The active components in shankhpushpi make it an appropriate remedy for people suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. It prevents the arteries from hardening i.e. atherosclerosis, thus reducing strokes and preventing heart ailments. Shankhpushpi works as an amazing natural remedy for hypertension treatment.
Shankhpushpi for Ulcers
The glycoprotein secretions of the herb have been found in various studies to be extremely effective in treating different types of stomach ulcers including peptic and ulcerative colitis.
Shankhpushpi for Neural Diseases
This memory-boosting herb is a magical remedy for a host of psychotic diseases like epilepsy, dementia, and Alzheimer’s as it prevents the destruction of neurons and improves cognitive functioning.
Shankhpushpi For Pregnancy
This herb is considered safe for pregnant women as it effectively strengthens the uterus and prevents miscarriages. Consult your doctor on using a mixture of shankhpushpi and ashwagandha churna for a course of 3 to 4 months in case of frequent miscarriages.
Adverse Effects of Shankhpushpi
This memory-boosting herb has no proven side effects but one should always consult a doctor before starting to use shankhpushpi formulations in case it has any harmful interactions with the medicines the individual is already taking.
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.
Growing Shankhpushpi
Aparajita Flower plants are the easiest flowering plants you can grow at home without a fuss.
This flowering creeper plant requires a bit of support and is perfect for a balcony where you can guide them along the railing. The Aparajita flower is blue or white in colour and looks quite heavenly.
The Aparajita plant is known as Shankhpushpi in Hindi & Butterfly pea, Clitoria Ternatea, Bluebell vine or Asian pigeonwing in English.
Conclusion
Shankhpushpi is a traditional herbal remedy blessed with umpteen health benefits. It holds high significance in improving memory capacity, enhancing concentration, and learning capabilities, and treating mental fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, depression, etc. The extensive health benefits of the various herbs used in this formulation also increase its therapeutic efficacy in treating infertility issues. If taken in the proper dosage, one can steer clear of the side effects and enjoy the countless health benefits.