Abstract

Shankhpushpi is an Ayurvedic drug used for its action on the central nervous system, especially for
boosting memory and improving intellect. Quantum of information gained from Ayurvedic and other
Sanskrit literature revealed the existence of four different plant species under the name of
Shankhpushpi, which is used in various Ayurvedic prescriptions described in ancient texts, singly or in
combination with other herbs. The sources comprise of entire herbs with following botanicals viz.,
Convulvulus pluricaulis Choisy. (Convulvulaceae), Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. (Convulvulaceae),
Clitoria ternatea Linn. (Papilionaceae) and Canscora decussata Schult. (Gentianaceae). A review on
the available scientific information in terms of pharmacognostical characteristics, chemical
constituents, pharmacological activities, preclinical and clinical applications of controversial sources of
Shankhpushpi is prepared with a view to review scientific work undertaken on Shankhpushpi. It may
provide parameters of differentiation and permit appreciation of variability of drug action by use of
different botanical sources.

6 Brain Tonics in Ayurveda: Super-herbs

for Mental Clarity
by RootBabes | Feb 1, 2019 | Ashwagandha, Focus

Reading Time: 5 minutes

From the day-to-day hectic shuffle to get our work done, sustain
relationships with significant others, and try to find meaning in all of the
disarray, it’s easy to get caught up in cycles of monotony. While habits are
evolutionarily natural to humans, the mindless default motor functions we
perform to get through our day can also prove to be harmful on our
creative capacity. Especially in an age where many of us are overworked
and exhausted from doing our best to get ahead and better ourselves, the
pressures of everyday life can be severely stress-producing. A lack of
sleep, poor diet, and the natural aging process on top of this can contribute
to a condition known as mental fog, which can make it hard to concentrate
and deliver the most creative versions of ourselves.
In many instances, simple changes to how often we exercise, what foods
we eat, and how much we sleep can help boost mood and mental power.
These foundational factors are at the core of our brain’s ability to function,
and without proper diet, sleep, and exercise, additional supplements we
take can only help so much. However, if you are seeking that extra boost
for your brain in the form of an herbal tonic, there is a class in ayurvedic
medicine dedicated specifically to improve memory and intellect.

What is Medhya Rasayana?

Ayurveda, an ancient system of natural medicine with an origin in India, is
commonly known to incorporate herbs, roots, and other natural substances
into prescribed routes of treatment and therapy. Like other systems of
eastern treatment and care, Ayurveda commonly recommends
modifications to one’s lifestyle as well, reinforcing the importance of holistic
health – from rest and nutrition, to herbal supplements and teas.
Under the umbrella of Ayurveda lives a classification of herbs known
as Medhya Rasanaya. While western terminology would normally refer to
such substances as nootropics, plants that fall under the Medhya family
are valued for their brain-boosting abilities. “Medha” roughly translates to
intellect or retention, and “Rasanaya” means therapeutic process.
Many of these herbs are known for their bitter taste, and bitter herbs are
generally linked to increasing awareness and sensitivity, allowing our
minds to function with more clarity and efficiency. According to Chopra.com,
these bitter herbs tend to be highly detoxifying for the body, and tend to
increase Vata (one of the three energies that is associated with creativity,
enthusiasm, and focus). It is often found among bitter foods such as raw
green vegetables, but are also abundant in certain roots and herbs used in
ayurvedic medicine.
Many of these mind supplements stand out as ideal brain tonics to
promote energy flow and increase creativity, such that they naturally
balance out the body’s Vata levels. Here are a few of the most brain-
nourishing natural herbs and roots.

1. Shankhpushpi
Also known by its scientific name as C. pluricaulis, shankhpushpi is a
perennial herb that is commonly found in parts of India, and looks very
similar to morning glory. It is not only traditionally used in ayurvedic
medicine, but in ancient Chinese treatments as well, seeing medicinal use
for a number of viral diseases, central nervous system (CNS) diseases,
and many other conditions.
Shankhpushpi is also renowned for its ability to boost memory and improve
mental clarity and intellect. In Ayurveda, it is classified as a medhya rasana
(essentially a brain booster), making it an ideal candidate for a brain
tonic. Research has also associated the shankhpushpi herb with significant
improvements in intellect. Most people consume this herb in its powdered
form, mixing approximately half a teaspoon into hot, filtered water, 1-2
times per day.
 Health Benefits of Morning Glory Flowers (#1 Effective
Home Remedy)
written by Dian Paramita Ayuningtyas July 6, 2018

Morning glory is a flower of which the name well represents the appearance. The beautiful bloom in
blue, ink, and purple shades give us the representation of glory in the morning. Talking about the
physical characteristic, morning glory is a twisting vine with beautiful petals. And just like the name,
this flower bloom by the morning sunshine.

Most people adore morning glory flowers’ aesthetic property. However, morning glory is not just
praised for its classic beauty, but also for itspowerful health benefits of morning glory flowers. Find
out more about the health benefits of morning glory flowers on this page.

Nutritional Information of Morning Glory

The thorough clinical research on morning glory nutrients has not been carried. However, botanists
found that the flower possess amazing abilities which are credited to the excellent nutrients in it. Here
are some of the values found in morning glory flowers:

 Aspartic acid
 Arginine
 Cysteine
 Tropine
 Pseudotropine
 Alkaloids
 Resins
 Fat
 Volatile oil
 Phytosterol

Therefore, it is no wonder that morning glory, which is also the symbol of unrequited love, own the
excellent benefits for some health problems.

The Health Benefits of Morning Glory Flowers

There are many health benefits of morning glory we can get by consuming this trumpet shaped flower.
The beneficial part of morning glory is not only the petals. The flower seeds are also beneficial for
health. Here are the health benefits:
1. Combat stress

Most of the morning glory flower species are originated from America. However, it is can be found
everywhere now. Even Chinese is one of the countries which massively use morning glory flowers as
the herbal remedy in their traditional medication method. One of the usages of morning glory flowers
is to combat stress. It has such a calming effect which is suitable to alleviate the symptom of stress.

2. Antibacterial agent

Although morning glory flowers are known as the herbal remedy just like the Health Benefits of
Bougainvillea Flowers. But don’t think you can only take them as medicine. You can also consume
them as side dish. Just stir fry the flowers and eat them for your meal time. It is known to have
excellent antibacterial property. It is effective to fight Escherichia coli and Candida Albicans.
3. Good for diabetes

Chinese herbalists not only rely on morning glory flowers to fight bacteria. They also believe on the
ability of morning glory flowers to regulate blood sugar. Therefore, it is good for them who are in
high risk of diabetes or already diagnosed with diabetes. You can also have the natural anti-diabetic
effect from Health Benefits of Guava Leaves for Diabetes.
4. Treat insect bite

Most of the consumption of morning glory flowers is taken orally. However, do you know that this
flower can also be used as topical medicine? Well, you can crush fresh morning glory flowers and use
them as topical treatment to treat insect bite. The health benefits of morning glory flowers to treat
insect bite firstly found among Native Americans. Then, a certain study supports that morning glory
flowers are effective topical treatment for spider bite.

5. Good for skin

Besides the ability of morning glory flowers in treating insect bites, this flower is also excellent to be
used as the treatment for skin problems. It is able to effectively treat dermatitis, just like the Health
Benefits of Argan Oil . Morning glory flower is not only able to deal with the common dermatitis, but
also the stasis dermatitis.
6. Relieve cough

The consumption of morning glory flowers is known to be helpful for cough. It is possible since
morning glory flowers have the ability to get rid of the mucus, so that it enhances the cough recovery
 process. Therefore, morning glory might be one of the recommendations of herbal medicine to relieve
cough. It is just like Health Benefits of Onion Tea.
7. Treat stomachache

Morning glory flower is used as the traditional medicine for stomachache. People in china has been
using this bird inviting flowers to relieve stomach problems, including bloating. It is also is as one of
the ingredients in Chinese herbal remedy to deal with health problems caused by pinworm.

8. Improve brain power

The consumption of morning glory within the recommended dosage is able to improve brain power. It
is possible when morning glory flowers play their significant role in giving brain stimulus, so that it
supports the cognitive function of the brain.

9. Reduce swelling

The other method in consuming morning glory is by process the flower into herbal tea. Consuming
morning glory as herbal tea is effective to reduce swelling or edema because of the excessive body
fluids. The tea optimizes the excretion of the fluid and quickly relieves edema. You can also combine
these flowers with the other kinds of tea such as golden monkey tea and have the addition Health
Benefits of Golden Monkey Tea .
10. Treat arthritis

In gaining the health benefits of morning glory flowers to treat arthritis, you can both taking the
flower orally or topically. Both usages will give the quicker effect for your joints pain. Drink them as
warm morning glory to reduce the pain and apply the crushed fresh flowers topically to boost the
recovery process. [AdSense-C]

The other health benefits of morning glory flowers are:

1. Treat muscle cramp

2. Scrofula
3. Epilepsy
4. Antifungal property
5. Pain killer
Precautions in Using Morning Glory Flowers

The morning glory flowers are known to be beneficial. However, it is better if you limit the
consumption or the usage of morning glory flowers, even for the medicinal purpose. It is possible
since this flower contains compound alkaloids which sometimes perform hallucinogenic effect.

The excessive intake of this compound may show harmful effect. In spite of this hallucinogenic effect,
the consumption of morning glory should not be used alongside the use of prescriptive medicine for
depression.

The consumption of morning glory should be avoided by pregnant women as it may harm the
pregnancy. It may lead to uterine contraction which further causes miscarriage. Someone with heart
disease history should also avoid morning glory as it is harmful for cardiovascular health. Among all
the morning glory species, the Korean morning glory is known to be the most dangerous and
poisonous as it contain highest alkaloids.