The Health Benefits of Shankhpushpi – A Powerful Supplement for Mind and Body

Shankhpushpi (scientific name convolvulus prostratus) is a natural supplement championed in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Traditional medicine attributes many health benefits to the shankhpushpi plant, and it is used to treat chronic cough, sleeplessness, epilepsy, anxiety, etc.

Traditionally used as a brain tonic, there are many potential shankhpushpi benefits, and it may have nootropic effects, promoting brain health and cognitive function.

Shankhpushpi has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and has been revered for centuries for the remarkable health benefits attributed to this herbal supplement. Among the many purported shankhpushpi benefits, this herb is believed to enhance cognitive function and promote overall well-being, but more research is needed to confirm its effects.

Despite the growing popularity of dietary supplements that trace their origins back to traditional medicine, such as BioPerine and curcumin (derived from black pepper and turmeric), shankhpushpi is still relatively obscure. In this article, we’ll discuss the health benefits and shankhpushpi side effects, and tips on using shankhpushpi supplements for optimal results.

Shankhpushpi Background

Shankhpushpi is native to India and has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, as it is believed to improve cognitive function and promote brain health. The name shankhpushpi loosely translates to “conch shell,” owing to the distinctive shape of its flowers, which tend to be blue or white.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, shankhpushpi is recognized as “medhya rasayana”, a plant that supports memory – in other words, a nootropic! While the mechanism of these shankhpushpi benefits for cognitive function is largely unknown, early studies show that it has many potential health benefits when taken as a dietary supplement.

Other Potential Health Benefits

While these health benefits are impressive enough, preliminary studies show that shankhpushpi may have additional benefits, though more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Improved Heart Health

Shankhpushpi has been observed to significantly reduce serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides after ninety days of supplementation.

Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

In animal studies, shankhpushpi doses of 0.4mg/kg had a thyroid-suppressing effect with very few observed shankhpushpi side effects, meaning it may help treat thyroid-related diseases.

How to take Shankhpushpi

Like many other herbal supplements, shankhpushpi is available in various forms, including powder, capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. The best form to take depends largely on your personal preference, and many people choose pill or powder-based options for convenience and flexibility.

Most shankhpushpi supplements are made from dried and powdered plants, so they provide roughly the same nutrients and shankhpushpi benefits in a much more convenient form. Here are some guidelines for taking shankhpushpi supplements, with advice on the three most common types:

Powder:

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of shankhpushpi powder in around 1 fl oz of warm water or milk, adding honey or sugar to taste, and take it once or twice a day. Although this is a traditional and versatile way to take shankhpushpi, the plant has a bitter taste that may initially be offputting.

Capsules/Tablets:

When taking a capsule or tablet, you should always follow the recommended dosage, as you may suffer from shankhpushpi side effects if you take too much. Depending on the concentration of the tablets, it is recommended to take 1-2 shankhpushpi capsules/tablets with water after meals, once or twice daily.

Liquid Extract:

Liquid shankhpushpi extracts can vary significantly in contents and concentration and may be mixed with oil, alcohol or syrup. We recommend you follow the instructions on the extract packaging or add a few drops of extract to water or herbal tea, taking 1-2 times daily.

Shankhpushpi Side Effects

Shankhpushpi is generally considered safe and has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, but it may cause adverse side effects in some individuals. You should be especially careful if you are taking other medication, as shankhpushpi has the potential to interact with the following drugs:

Blood Pressure Lowering Drugs

Shankhpushpi is known to lower blood pressure slightly, which is generally beneficial, but may cause dangerous interactions with drugs designed to lower your blood pressure. Although this is one of many shankhpushpi benefits that people seek, it can lead to dangerously low blood pressure if you take anti-hypertensive drugs or suffer from low blood pressure.

Phenytoin

Phenytoin is an anti-epileptic (or anticonvulsant) drug often sold under the brand name Dilantin, which works by slowing down impulses in the brain. However, one of the shankhpushpi side effects leads to decreased phenytoin concentrations in your brain, reducing its effectiveness and potentially increasing your risk of seizures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shankhpushpi is generally considered safe and has many potential health benefits when taken as a supplement, including enhanced cognitive function and neuroprotective properties. With a wide variety of health benefits and few known shankhpushpi side effects, this herbal supplement is very beneficial, and research into its effects is promising.

While shankhpushpi supplements are widely available online, you should always try to find high-quality products with third-party certification for the best results, as the FDA does not regulate supplements. And as always, we strongly recommend asking your doctor if shankhpushpi supplements are right for you, especially if you are taking anti-seizure or blood-pressure-lowering medication.