Morning Glory

(Shankhapushpi)
Sanskrit: शंखपुष्पी • Botanical: Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy

Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is one of the most celebrated Medhya (brain tonic) herbs in Ayurveda. The text notes it has conch-shell shaped flowers, hence the name. It is a trailing herb found throughout India. It is one of the four Medhya Rasayanas described by Charaka. The plant is used to enhance memory, intellect, and cognitive function. It also has anxiolytic and mild sedative properties, making it useful in anxiety and insomnia. The text distinguishes it from Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) and Vishnukranta (Evolvulus alsinoides) which are sometimes confused with it.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
Shankhapushpine, Convolamine, Convolvine, Scopoletin
Also Known As
English: Shankhapushpi
Sanskrit: शंखपुष्पी, मंगल्यकुसुमा, शंखाह्वा
Hindi: शंखपुष्पी, शंखाहूली

What is Shankhapushpi / Morning Glory (शंखपुष्पी / शङ्खपुष्पी)?

Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is one of the most celebrated Medhya (brain tonic) herbs in Ayurveda. The text notes it has conch-shell shaped flowers, hence the name. It is a trailing herb found throughout India. It is one of the four Medhya Rasayanas described by Charaka. The plant is used to enhance memory, intellect, and cognitive function. It also has anxiolytic and mild sedative properties, making it useful in anxiety and insomnia. The text distinguishes it from Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) and Vishnukranta (Evolvulus alsinoides) which are sometimes confused with it.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Medhya (nootropic/brain tonic)
  • Rasayana (rejuvenative)
  • Vayasthapana (anti-aging)
  • Balya (strengthening)
  • Nidrajanana (sleep-inducing)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Morning Glory by Condition

Explore how Morning Glory is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Morning Glory for Brain Fog & Memory

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.