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Convolvulus, Shankhapushpi

White-flowered variety
–Shankhapushpi (Ayurveda)
–Sivakrandi (Siddha)
Blue-flowered variety:
–Vishnukranti, Vishnu gandhi (Ayurveda)
–Vishnukrandi (Siddha)
–Sankhaholi (Unani)
C. microphyllus
Wight, R., Icones Plantarum Indiae Orientalis, vol. 4 (1846)

C. alsinodes
Burman, J., Thesaurus Zeylanicus, (1737)
Botanical name:
Convolvulus spp.
  1. White-flowered Variety (primary): Convolvulus microphyllus (syn. C. pluricaulis, C. prostratus)
  2. Blue-flowered variety is Convolvulus alsinoides (syn. Evolvulus alsinoides)

Parts used:
Whole plant, Herb

Temperature & Taste:
Cool, neutral in relation to dryness. Sweet

Uses:
1. Benefits the Brain, Stops Wind:
-promotes Intellect (Charaka)
-Confusion, Mental Illness, Neurosis, Insanity
-Nervous debility, Anxiety, Stress; useful tranquilizer
-Nervous disorders, Epilepsy

2. Benefits Spleen, Increases Qi:
-digestive stimulant, bloating, wind (especially related to stress and anxiety)
-Gastro-duodenal Ulcers (Blue-flowered variety)
-promotes Strength, Rasayana

3. Astringes to Stop Leakage and Bleeding:
-Internal Hemorrhage, Uterine bleeding
-Spermatorrhea
-promotes Fertility in both sexes

4. Clears Heat, Resists Poison:
-Blood disorders, Venereal diseases
-effects of toxic chemicals
-decoction is used as an alterative


DOSE:
2–10 grams

SUBSTITUTE:
1. Clitoria ternatea is used in the South of India
2. Lavandula bipinnata (Wild Lavender) has been used as a substitute
3. Canscora decussata in Bengal

Main Combinations:
1. Brain and intellect tonic:
i. Shankhapushpi juice (3 parts), Ghee (1 part) (Charaka)
ii. Convolvulus Shankhapushpi with Bacopa or Centella (Brahmi)
iii. Epilepsy, Speech impediment, poor memory, Convolvulus Shankhapushpi with Calamus, Centella, Costus
2. Insanity, Epilepsy:
i. Convolvulus Shankhapushpi juice taken with Costus and honey for Insanity (Chakradatta)
ii. Convolvulus Shankhapushpi with Bacopa monieri (Brahmi), Calamus (Vacha), Costus (Kushta)
3. Infertility, Convolvulus Shankhapushpi with Withania, Asparagus racemosus, Asparagus adcendens, Mucuna
4. Digestive disorders with bloating, rumbling (associated with anxiety), Convolvulus Shankhapushpi with Fennel seed, Coriander seed, Tribulus seed
5. Blood diseases, Venereal diseases, Convolvulus Shankhapushpi is prepared as a syrup with Black Pepper
6. Skin diseases, Convolvulus Shankhapushpi with Gotu Kola, Madder, Neem
7. Bleeding, Convolvulus Shankhapushpi with Madder, Emblic Myrobalan

Cautions:
None noted. Avoid overdose.

Main Preparations used: