Overview
Shankhapushpi is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for nightmares. Shankhapushpi (identified here as Crotalaria verrucosa) is one of the four Medhya Rasayanas (brain tonics) of Ayurveda. The flowers resemble a conch shell (Shankha), hence the name. The text notes considerable botanical controversy regarding identity - various plants have been called Shankhapushpi including Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, and Crotalaria verrucosa. It is described as bitter, pungent, astringent, light, unctuous, and cold in potency. It is primarily used to enhance intellect (Medhya), memory (Smriti), and treat mental disorders. It is also a rejuvenative and strength-giver. The text provides detailed discussion about identification controversies. Verse refs: pages 430-431.
How Shankhapushpi Helps with Nightmares
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Shankhapushpi has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing nightmares:
- Potency (Virya): Cooling
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Sweet
- Taste (Rasa): Bitter, pungent, astringent
- Qualities (Guna): Unctuous, light
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter, pungent, astringent
- Quality (Guna)
- Unctuous, light
- Potency (Virya)
- Cooling
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet
- Dosha Effect
- Dos.aHIIHFW9.3ï
- Key Constituents
- Alkaloids Shankapushpine, evolvine, betaine Essential oils (Paranjpe 2001)
- Also Known As
- English: Shankhapushpi
Sanskrit: शंखपुष्पी, क्षीरपुष्पी
Hindi: शंखपुष्पी, शंखाहूली - Dhatu
- Plasma, nerve, reproductive
- Srotas
- Nervous, mental, excretory, reproductive
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
Both laghu and brihad panchamula (dashmula), varshabhu (Trianthema portulacastrum), eranda, punarnava, mudgaparni (Phaseolus trilobus), mahameda, mashaparni (Teramnus labialis), shatavari, shankhapushpi, avakpushpi, rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), bala, atibala, are to be taken 80 gm each and crushed then boiled in one drone water (approximately 10.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा)
The chapter also describes atattvabhinivesha — a disorder of perverted intellect treated with brahmi, shankhapushpi, and medhya (intellect-promoting) rasayanas.
— Charaka Samhita, Epilepsy Treatment (Apasmara Chikitsa / अपस्मारचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 29: Gout Treatment (Vatarakta Chikitsa / वातरक्तचिकित्सा); Epilepsy Treatment (Apasmara Chikitsa / अपस्मारचिकित्सा)
Also add: Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens), Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Gaja Pippali (Scindapsus officinalis), Bala (Sida cordifolia), and Pushkaramoola (Inula racemosa) — each in two Palas (approx.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: None known
Safety: No drug–herb interactions are known but caution with all sedative medication due to potential positive interactions.
Other Herbs for Nightmares
See all herbs for nightmares on the Nightmares page.
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.