Family Name: Gentianaceae
Botanical Name(s): Canscora Decussata
Popular Name(s): Sankh Pushpi, Shankhini, Kambumalini, Samkhapushpi, Sankaphuli
Parts Used: Entire plant and juice
Habitat: This herb is found in India and Burma
Description: Shankhapushpi is a morning glory like perennial herb. The branches of the Shankhapushpi are spread on the ground and can be more than 30 cm long. The flowers are blue in color (5mm) and the leaves, which are elliptic in shape (2mm), are located at alternate positions with branches or flowers.
Uses: Primarily, Shankhapushpi is used as a brain tonic. Shankhapushpi is one of the best and prominent natural medicines, which helps in improving memory. Whole plant of Shankhapushpi is used in medical treatment. Various chemical compositions such as glucose, sucrose, glycosides, alkaloids and various acids etc. are found in the plant. Shankhapushpi is also used as one of the most important ingredient in treatment of disorders/syndromes such as hypertension, hypotension, anxiety neurosis, stresses etc.