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Shankhapushpi for Migraine Relief - #33792
Shankhapushpi, commonly called the blue pea flower in English - So, someone suggested I boil a few of these blue flowers (fresh or dried) along with a few black peppercorns in water until it is reduced to a quarter of the original and drink this blue-hued tea everyday as a Migraine preventive. I find this method to be a bit time consuming... Is it true that it can act as a migraine preventive + act as a memory-boost tonic and if so what are the best brands/ways to take it without the side effects of sedation or lowered blood pressure? (Note: I took Manasamithram for about 48 days last year on the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor to help with sleep and found that the tablet caused a lot a dreams through the night....not sure if it's a side effect of Shankhapushpi in it ?).
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डॉक्टरों की प्रतिक्रियाएं
Here is a breakdown of your questions:
1. Is it True that it Can Act as a Migraine Preventive + Memory-Boost Tonic?
Memory-Boost Tonic (Nootropic): Yes, this is one of its primary traditional uses. Both the species commonly referred to as Shankhapushpi (C. pluricaulis) and Blue Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea) are renowned as Medhya Rasayanas (mind/intellect rejuvenators). They are believed to enhance cognitive function, memory, concentration, and learning ability.
Migraine Preventive: The traditional use of these herbs for reducing stress, anxiety, and improving overall nervous system health suggests it could potentially help with stress-related headaches and migraines. One source specifically mentions its use in headache and joint disorders. However, it’s important to understand that while it has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that may help, it is not a primary, scientifically proven migraine preventive in the same category as prescription medication.
2. Best Ways to Take it Without Side Effects of Sedation or Lowered Blood Pressure
The convenience of taking it in a pre-made form can certainly save you the time of boiling and reducing the tea.
Forms with Less Sedation: Sedation is generally a dose-dependent side effect. To minimize it, you should start with a low dose and monitor your body’s response. The best forms for consistent, measurable dosing and convenience are typically:
Shankhapushpi Capsules/Tablets: These offer a standardized dose. They are often recommended to be taken with water or milk, preferably after meals (for brain/memory benefits, a morning dose may be best for focus; an evening dose is better for sleep/relaxation).
Shankhapushpi Syrup: This is a very common and convenient preparation, often taken 1-2 teaspoons once or twice a day. Syrups are a good alternative if you find the boiling process time-consuming.
Shankhapushpi Powder (Churna): Typically 1-3 grams mixed with warm water or milk.
Regarding Sedation: Shankhapushpi is known for its mild sedative properties, which is why it is often used for sleep and anxiety. To counter this for daytime use, some sources suggest taking it in the morning for memory enhancement and to stick to the lower end of the recommended dosage.
Regarding Lowered Blood Pressure: The herb does have properties that can help regulate or lower blood pressure.
Precaution: If you already have low blood pressure or are taking antihypertensive (blood pressure) medication, you must take care before changing your dosage to avoid a significant drop in blood pressure.
3. Your Experience with Manasamithram and Dreams
Manasamithram (Manasamithra Vatakam) is a complex Ayurvedic formulation with over 70 ingredients, including Shankhapushpi.
The vivid dreams are unlikely to be caused solely by the Shankhapushpi component. The formulation contains many potent herbs used for psychiatric and neurological conditions, and the effect you experienced might be due to the synergistic action of other ingredients that specifically impact sleep cycles or a high Vata or Pitta balance, which Ayurveda associates with certain types of intense dreams.
In summary, for convenience and to better manage potential side effects, consider a commercial preparation (syrup, capsule, or tablet) and begin with a low dose.
Shankhapushpi, known in Ayurveda for its brain-boosting qualities, can be beneficial for migraines due to its calming, nervine properties. It’s traditionally used to enhance memory and reduce anxiety. One way to incorporate it without spending much time is to use Shankhapushpi powder or liquid extract, which you can mix with warm water or milk. These formulations are generally quicker to prepare than making a decoction from scratch. When buying Shankhapushpi products, choose reputable Ayurvedic brands like Himalaya, Baidyanath or Dabur, known for quality assurance. These often come in the form of capsules or syrup, which are convenient to administer and often come with dosage instructions.
Regarding side effects, Shankhapushpi is considered quite safe with minimal side effects, but individual reactions can vary. The dream activity you experienced while taking Manasamithram might not be solely from Shankhapushpi, as this formulation contains other herbs that could influence dream patterns or sleep cycles.
When starting Shankhapushpi or any new preparation, begin with a small dose to observe how your body responds. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach, as this can sometimes increase sensitivity to its effects. Monitor your response to gauge any impact on blood pressure, though Shankhapushpi typically doesn’t cause significant changes. Consulting a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before combining it with other supplements or medications is advisable, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking prescription medications.
For migraine management, it’s beneficial to look beyond herbs alone and also consider dietary and lifestyle factors. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, reducing stress through yoga or meditation, and avoiding known dietary triggers like caffeine or processed foods can also significantly help.
Shankapuspi can help prevent migraines and improve memory without causing sedation , if you feel that it’s taking lot of time to prepare then take it in syrup form which are easily available N the vivid dreams is not due to Shankapuspi in Manasamitram it might be due to other contents
HELLO LAKSHMI JI, Shankhpushpi is very effective in relieving migraine pain.
I RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING TREATMENT PLAN FOR YOUR MIGRAINE- TREATMENT- 1. Pathyakshadhatryadi Kashaya - 3 tsp after lunch and dinner 2. Brahmi vati -1-0-1 after meals 3. Shankhpushpi churna - 1 tsp with milk at bedtime
DIET- .Take diet rich in omega3 fatty acids like nuts and seeds. .Include turmeric,ginger,ghee in diet. .Avoid artificial sweeteners. .Avoid 5Cs of migraine(cheese,chocolate,coffee,coke,citrus fruits). . Avoid cold water and cold fooditems.
YOGA- Balasana, anulomvilom,yognidra,setubandhasana,bhramri. OTHER TIPS-
.Avoid exposure to cold environment,AC. .Avoid bright lights,loud noise,strong scents. .Avoid physical exertion. .Stress management. .Don’t withhold natural urges like sneezing, sleep, tears. .Prefer natural lights for reading and working a daytime. . Soak feet in hot water for few minutes relieves migraine pain. Follow this treatment plan ,you will get relief. Review after 1 month. Take care Regards, Dr. Anupriya
Don’t consume any herb without advice of Ayurved physician.
Hello Lakshmi ji, Thank you for your detailed query. I’ll explain clearly about Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), its role in migraine prevention, memory boosting, and the safest way to use it.
✅ What Shankhapushpi Does
1. For Migraine Prevention
Shankhapushpi is Medhya Rasayana (nervine tonic) and has cooling, calming properties, so it can reduce stress-triggered migraine attacks.
It works better as a preventive than as a pain reliever once migraine starts.
2. For Memory & Concentration
Improves cognitive functions, concentration, and mental clarity. Works best when taken regularly in moderate doses.
3. For Anxiety & Sleep
It has a mild calming effect. Some people experience dreamful sleep (like you did with Manasamithram, which contains Shankhapushpi + other herbs ).
Pure Shankhapushpi alone is less sedative, but sensitive people may feel mild relaxation.
✅ Forms & Best Way to Take It
Powder (Churna): 1–3 g with warm milk or water, once/twice daily.
Syrup: Common, easy to take, good for memory tonic (but often contains sugar).
Capsules: Convenient, standardized dose, avoids the hassle of decoction.
Decoction (as suggested): Effective but time-consuming, and daily preparation may not be practical.
👉 If you want a ready-to-use form without strong sedation or low BP risk:
Shankhapushpi capsules are safe.
Shankhapushpi syrup is also popular, but check sugar content if you’re prone to diabetes.
✅ Dosage & Safety
Capsules: 1 capsule twice daily after meals. Syrup: 1–2 tsp twice daily with water/milk. Powder: ½ tsp with warm milk at night.
✅Safety
Usually safe; may slightly lower BP in sensitive individuals, but not drastic. Avoid high doses with other sedatives (like Manasamithram) unless prescribed.
✅ Additional Ayurvedic Support for Migraine
❌Avoid excess coffee, fermented foods, sour/pungent/oily foods. Favor warm, fresh, easily digestible meals.
✔️Regular sleep, reduce screen time, avoid fasting.
Other Useful Herbs:
Brahmi capsules 1-0-1 for stronger memory & stress relief.
Nasya therapy (Anu Taila ) – very effective for recurrent migraine.
During Flared up epispde of Migraine You can take Pathyakashadhtryadi ks tab 2-0-2 after food
If migraines are very frequent or severe, you should still get checked for triggers (sinus issues, cervical problems, eye strain, hormonal causes).
Shankhapushpi helps prevention, but not an immediate painkiller.
Start with a low dose to see how your body responds. Combine with lifestyle and dietary care for best results.
Suggested: Shankhapushpi capsule 1 twice daily after meals for 2–3 months, then review.
Wishing you a good health😊
Warm Regards Dr Snehal Vidhate
Thank you very much for your detailed guidance.
You have suggested taking Pathyakashadhtryadi ks tab 2-0-2 after food during a migraine flare-up.
Can this be used as a preventive occasionally for travel-induced migraines? Kindly recommend dosage and how many days prior to travel should I begin taking it? Windy/cold/monsoons/AC/cooling foods/hot weather are also frequent migraine triggers. Will this give relief? Lastly, stomach discomfort and vomiting are often associated with my migraines. Can this medicine be taken on an empty stomach during such episodes?
Many thanks in advance once again.
Hello Lakshmi Since you have migraine problem You start with Pathyadi kadha 15 ml twice daily after food with water Shirshoolavajradi vati 1-0-1 after food with water Avipattikar tablet 1-0-1 after food with water Brahmi vati 0-0-1 at bedtime with water Do Nasya with badam oil 2 drops in both nostril once daily Light massage on scalp with Brahmi oil.
Shankapuspi is one of the wonderful herb for nervous system support and managing stress Nowadays it’s available in tea form, you can have that regularly
Shankhpushpi can help in migraine it don’t do any type of sedation Lot of dreams can’t be due to Shankhpushpi it maybe due to other
Shankhapushpi, or Clitoria ternatea, has indeed been traditionally used in Ayurvedic formulations for cognitive enhancement and mental well-being. It’s believed to support brain function and potentially help with managing migraines due to its calming properties.
As for the method you mentioned, yes, boiling the flowers with black pepper is a traditional way to prepare it. This method intends to balance the mind’s vata dosha, often associated with anxiety, overactive thoughts, and headaches, but it can be time-consuming as you noted.
If you’re looking for more convenient options, several high-quality brands offer Shankhapushpi in powdered or capsule form, ensuring consistency in dosage and ease of use. When choosing a brand, look for those that adhere to rigorous quality standards and are transparent about ingredient sourcing. Capsules can generally be taken once or twice daily, with dosages varying by manufacturer—follow product instructions carefully.
Regarding the concerns of sedation or lowered blood pressure, Shankhapushpi is generally safe but in doses higher than recommended or combined with sedative herbs like in Manasamithram, it might contribute to mild sedative-like effects. It’s unlikely the herbs in Manasamithram alone caused vivid dreams; it was likely the synergistic effect of combined ingredients.
For a safer approach, particularly if you’ve experienced unusual side effects before, start with a small dose, observing how your body responds before gradually increasing it to the suggested amount. It’s always ideal to consult a practitioner knowledgeable in Siddha-Ayurveda before integrating any herbs into your regimen, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. This ensures the chosen approach aligns with your unique constitution, or prakriti, and safely addresses the root issues of migraines while supporting cognitive health.
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