What is Shankhpushpi?
Shankhpushpi is an ancient Ayurvedic herb known for cognitive, digestive, and spiritual wellness. The plant is called Mangalyakushuma in Sanskrit, which translates to one that brings good health and fortune. Shankhpushpi is a perennial herb. In Ayurvedic scriptures, it is considered to be one of the most wonderful gifts of nature to mankind. It is also known as Butterfly Pea Flowers.
It has specific arrowhead-shaped leaves and bulb-shaped blue flowers and is about 2mm – 5mm in size. They grow in rocky and sandy areas under xerophytic conditions and are mostly found in areas of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab in India.
Shankhpushpi and Ayurveda:
The flowers (Pushpa) of this plant resemble the shape of a conch shell (Shankh), giving the name Shankhpushpi. The mention of the plant dates back to the Acharya Charak, an Ayurvedic text from 200 BC. All classical Ayurvedic texts categorize Shankhpushpi as a “Medhya,” or brain tonic. Ayurvedic practitioners consider it to be a special gift from nature. Yogis love this plant for its ability to deepen their meditation while instilling serenity and calmness.
The holistic science of ayurveda popularises shankhpushpi in various rasayanas or formulations and scriptures by the Sanskrit names: Shyamakranta, Vishnukranta, Vaishnava, Sankhaholi, Vishnugandhi, Vishnukranthi, Shankavall, Vishnukranthi, Krishna Kranti, Nila Shankhapushpi, Ksheerpushpi, Laghu Vishnukranta, Erravishnukaraantha.
This magical herb is believed to be the host of properties such as Medhya (memory booster), Vamana (Vomiting), Deepana (enhances stomach fire), Pachana (helps in digestion), Rochana (stimulates appetite), Kusthahara (treats skin disease), Shothahara (reduces inflammation), Hridaya (treats heart problems), Jantujit (relieves from worm infestation).
How to use:
These herbs are often used in Flower Teas. Simply infuse 5-6 flowers in hot water and steep for 2-3 mins. You will see the color of the infusion magically turn into delightful blue. Add honey or lemon as per taste and enjoy your sip.
Potential Benefits:
Release Stress:
It’s rich in antioxidant properties that can help reduce mental fatigue that happens due to long work hours or screen exposure.
Skin:
Due to its anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, it may promote skin health by making the skin glow. It may fight against free radicals and help slow the process of skin aging. It may help with acne or pimples, especially for teenagers. It may also help with skin infections.
Mood Elevator:
Due to its potential antidepressant activity, shankhpushpi may be able to enhance the mood of the person consuming the herb.
Digestion:
It may stimulate better digestion thanks to the traditional herbs and essential oils present in it.
To sum it up there are several health benefits of Shankhpushpi or Butterfly Pea Flowers in this modern world. Every day, we learn more about its uses and boons. Try the Shankhpushpi Tea, also called Blue Tea, and explore the magic yourself. You can use these in your herbal teas, drinks, or in other forms. Its versatile attributes can be a great addition to your daily diet.
Disclaimer: These benefits have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. If you are pregnant or have any ongoing health conditions please check with your doctor before consuming any herbal beverages.
