Shankhpushphi has been used in India for many years and is well known for its medicinal benefits. Many old ayurvedic books such as Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita have described the benefits of many herbs in detail. Shankhpushpi is the most widely used aushdhi for mental problems. Let’s discuss the amazing ayurvedic benefits of Shankhpushpi for children.
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What is Shankhpushpi?
Shankhpushpi is a plant generally native to India. The scientific name of Shankhpushpi is Convolvulus pluricaulis1. The flowers of this plant are generally white and blue in color. In Ayurveda, it is generally recognized as “Medhya Rasayana,” which means a chemical drug that has the ability to rejuvenate, maintain, and boost your memory and brain function. Other names of shankhpushpi are;
- Sankhapuspa
- Kakkurattai
- Shankhapuspi
- Sankhapuspi
- Shankhavali
- Aparajit
- Bilikanthisoppu
- Shankhavela
- Sanghupushpam
Ayurvedic benefits of Shankhpushpi for children
1. Boosts Memory
Shankhpushpi when consumed in the syrup form regularly for 3 months helps in the brain development of the children. It is effective in boosting memory, learning, grasping power, and intelligence. It is very effective if given along with Bramhi, Shankara, Nimu Satva, and water.
According to research2 published in Alzheimer’s drug-disease foundation, it is evident that shankhpushpi has some neuroprotective benefits. In normal rats, shankhpushpi extract is very effective in improving memory and reducing synaptic depression. Shankhpushpi contains polyphenols, flavonoids, and Vitamin E which act as great antioxidants and improve the cognitive function of the brain.
2. Provides brain strength
Mental fatigue is very common in children nowadays because they have a lot of studies burden them. Also, children nowadays work on mobile, laptops, television, etc which results in loss of concentration and feeling lethargic. Shankhpushpi is a very powerful memory-boosting remedy that is very helpful in enhancing the brain’s working and reducing the loss of concentration.
Research3 published in April 2010, revealed that shankhpushpi, when given to rodents continuously for 3 months, showed a significant decrease in brain fatigue.
Some people have reported that after taking shankhpushpi every day, they noticed that they feel less exhausted at the end of the day and are able to sleep well.
3. Ayurvedic benefits of Shankhpushpi for reducing depression
Anxiety is the most prevalent psychological disorder in the world. Almost 20% population is suffering from anxiety issues in the world for which many take anxiety-relieving pills. Decreased levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are responsible for anxiety disorders.
There are many medications and drugs available today for treating anxiety but they are all addictive and have a lot of other side effects as well. Also, anxiety in children is also increasing and it is not a good idea to start on anxiety pills at a very young age. A study4 published in January 2020, revealed that shankhpushpi and omega 3 fatty acid when given together revealed that, the effect of two was significantly greater as compared to the standard drugs used for the treatment of anxiety.
Depression is very common in children nowadays which is affecting their mental and physical growth. Shankhpushpi holds high significance as it contains some potent anti-stress, anti-depressive, and anti-oxidant properties which are very important in reducing the risk of anxiety and depression in children. Our brain cells secrete some neurotransmitters known as dopamine which is very effective in improving the levels of serotonin in the body and is very helpful in reducing anxiety-related symptoms. Along with shankhpushpi, moderate physical activities such as indoor and outdoor sports are also recommended.
4. Hepatoprotective and anti-ulcer effect
According to research5 published in the journal of ayurvedic and herbal medicine 2021, it is evident that Shankhpushpi has a lot of anti-gastric and antiulcer effects. Research suggested that consuming fresh shankhpuhpi juice every day protects gastric mucosa by the production of mucin. Also, the hepatoprotective effect of Convolvulus pluricaulis was studied on aqueous, alcoholic, chloroform extract. It is reported that serum biochemical parameters are decreased by extract-treated.
Ayurvedic benefits of Shankhpushpi also include heat stroke.
5. Enhances Cardiac Functioning
Shankhpushpi is extremely effective in treating various heart ailments due to its strong antioxidative nature. It strengthens the heart muscles and prevents lipid buildup in the blood vessels. The bioactive constituents like the ethanolic extract reduce the levels of non-esterified fatty acids i.e. NEFA, and hence reduces the risk of heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc. It also plays a key role in lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood.
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