Overview
Shankhapushpi is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for ulcers. Shankhapushpi is the Medhya Rasayana for a foggy mind. Cool, bitter, and unctuous, 3-6g of root powder in warm milk sharpens Smriti and steadies frayed nerves.
How Shankhapushpi Helps with Ulcers
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Shankhapushpi has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing ulcers:
- Potency (Virya): Cooling
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Sweet
- Taste (Rasa): Bitter, pungent, astringent
- Qualities (Guna): Unctuous, light
Safety & Precautions
Shankhapushpi has a gentle reputation. Ayurvedic sources record no known contraindications, and traditional practitioners note no particular precautions at normal doses.
Sedative Medications
No herb-drug interactions are documented, but caution is advised with all sedative medication. Because Shankhapushpi calms the mind and promotes sleep, it may add to the effect of sleeping pills, anti-anxiety drugs or other sedatives. If you take any of these, talk to your prescriber before adding it.
Epilepsy and Serious Conditions
Shankhapushpi is a traditional herb for epilepsy, but it is not a replacement for anti-seizure medication. Never reduce or stop a prescribed drug on your own.
Buying the Right Plant
Several different plants are sold as Shankhapushpi, a confusion the Bhavaprakash Nighantu itself discusses. Choose a reputable supplier that names the botanical species on the label.
Our sources do not give specific guidance on pregnancy, nursing or overdose, so ask a qualified practitioner before using it in those situations.
Other Herbs for Ulcers
See all herbs for ulcers on the Ulcers page.
▶ 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)
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.