Shankhpuspi Herb Powder

Botanical Name:  Convolvulus pluricaulis

Common Name:

• English: 
• Ayurvedic: Shankhapushpi, Shankhaahvaa, Kshirapushpi, Maangalya Kusuma, Blue-flowered var, Vishnukraanti, Vishnukraantaa,
• Unani: Sankhaahuli (blue-flowered)
• Also, known as:  Sankhpuspa, Sankhahva, Sankhapuspi, Shankhavali, Shankhapushpi, Sankhahuli, Shankhavela, Sankhapuspi, Sankhapuspi, Ksirapuspi, Sankhapuspi, Sankhahuli, Kakattam, Kakkanangudi, Karakhuratt, Sanghupushpam, Shankhapushpi,

Origin: India

Harvested:  Wild

Parts Used: Whole plant                                                                

General Information:

According to Ayurveda, it is a small annual herb, with conch shell-like flowers (shankh is conch and pushp flower). Three varieties of shankhpushpi, with white, red or blue colored flowers, are recognized but the variety with white flowers (C. pluricaulis) is considered genuine. Sankhpuspi consists of whole plant of Convolvulus pluricaulis a prostrate, sub-erect, spreading, hairy, perennial herb with a woody root stock, found throughout India.

Root - Usually branched, cylindrical, ribbed having some rough stem nodules and small secondary roots, 1 to 5 cm long, 0.1 to 0.4 cm thick, yellowish-brown to light brown.

Stem - Slender, cylindrical, about 0.1 cm or less in thickness with clear hairy nodes and internodes; light green.

Leaf - Shortly petiolate, linear-lanceolate, acute, hairy on both surfaces; 0.2 to 3 cm long and 0.1 to 0.5 cm broad; light green.

Flower - White or pinkish; solitary or in pairs sessile or sub-sessile in the leaf axis; sepals narrowly, linear-lanceolate, sparsely hairy; corolla shortly discoid; stamen 5, free, epipetalous, alternate with the petals, inserted deep in the corolla tube; ovary superior and bicarpellary.

Fruit - Capsule, oblong globose with coriaceous, pale brown pericarp.

Seed - Brown; minutely puberulous.

How to use:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also, for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot. 

Precautions: 

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

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This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.