What is Shankhpushpi

 

What is Shankhpushpi?

Shankhpushpi, which goes by the botanical name Convolvulus pluricaulis is a perennial plant native to India. Well-known as morning-glory, speed wheel or Aloe weed in English, this medicinal herb has specific arrowhead-shaped leaves and bulb-shaped blue or white flowers. The herb is extremely beneficial and is used from root to tips for its wide range of therapeutic benefits.

The holistic science of ayurveda popularizes shankhpushpi in various rasayanas or formulations and scriptures by the Sanskrit names Shyamakranta, Visnukranta, Vaishnava, Sankhaholi, Vishnugandhi, Vishnukranti, Shankavall, Vishnukrantha, Krishnaenkranti, Nilashankhapushpi, Ksheerpushpi, Laghuvishnukranta, Erravishnukaraantha.

The host of properties including Medhya (memory booster), Vamana (Vomiting), Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana(stimulates appetite), Kusthahara (treats skin disease), Shothahara (reduces inflammation), Hridaya (treats heart problems), Jantujit (relieves from worm infestation) makes this magical herb a potent solution of umpteen health problems.

Effect On Doshas

Shankhpushpi characterizes Tikta Rasa (bitter taste). It shows Snigdha (oily, sticky) and Pichhil (slimy) gunas, Sheeto Virya (cold potency) and Madhura Vipaka (pungent metabolic property). It pacifies Tridoshas, i.e. the Pitta (fire and air), Vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas and works more on Vata and Pitta doshas. Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta And Kapha Doshas

Known as Mangalyakushuma in Sanskrit which means bringer of good fortune and health, each and every part of this milky-white flowered plant is extremely beneficial for treating a host of ailments and improving the longevity of life.