Shatpushpa

Introduction

Shatpushpa is a unique Ayurvedic formulation made by blending six potent flowers—Tagara (Valeriana jatamansi), Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), Gairika (Lagerstroemia speciosa), Utpala (Nymphaea nouchali), Kakoli (Nymphaea pubescens) and Nilotpala (Nymphaea alba). Traditionally used in classical texts like the Rasatarangini, its key intent is to pacify aggravated Vata and Pitta, promote healthy digestion, ease menstrual discomfort, and support mental calm. In this article you’ll discover its exact ingredients, formulation history, clinical uses, safety profile, and modern evidence. Get ready to deep dive into everything Shatpushpa—its dosages, seasonal tips, sourcing wisdom and even myth-busting!

Historical Context and Traditional Use

Shatpushpa, literally “six flowers,” appears in ancient treatises such as Charaka Samhita’s Uttara Tantra (though sometimes under alternate synonyms) and is detailed more extensively in Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Rasatarangini. Early manuscripts from 9th–11th century CE mention it for women’s complaints—especially to regulate menstrual flow, alleviate excessive bleeding (raktapitta) and reduce pelvic discomfort. Over time, its use spread across Ayurvedic schools: Kashmir Shaiva traditions praised it for calming the mind, while Southern Kerala traditions valued its digestive benefits in postpartum regimens.

In classical practice, physicians powdered fresh flowers, combined them with sugar syrup (paka) and then dried the paste into small cakes for easy dosing. By medieval period, decoctions (kwath) of Shatpushpa were recommended in Siddha-Ayurveda for ulcer healing and skin disorders, owing to its mild cooling and astringent properties. British colonial-era translations misinterpreted it as a single herb—leading to drops in efficacy. Only in recent revivalist works did scholars correct this, reinstating the six-flower blend.

Regional folk healers often prepared Shatpushpa churna with jaggery to soothe diarrhoea during rainy seasons. In Maharashtra, it became part of women’s toniques to ease cramps. Over centuries, slight modifications emerged—some added Haritaki or liquorice—yet the core formula remained six equal parts of each flower. Today, thanks to digitized palm-leaf manuscripts and field studies in Kerala and UP, we again appreciate the original Shatpushpa’s scope.

Active Compounds and Mechanisms of Action

The therapeutic punch of Shatpushpa arises from a symphony of phytoconstituents:

Valepotriates in Tagara (V. jatamansi) calm the nervous system (Vata-shamana).
Flavonoids in Patala exhibit anti-inflammatory and mild sedative effects.
Tannins in Gairika contribute astringent, haemostatic properties, helping check excessive bleeding.
Alkaloids in Utpala support digestive enzyme secretion, enhancing agni.
Polyphenols in Kakoli and Nilotpala lend antioxidant and mild diuretic actions, important for fluid regulation.

Ayurvedic attributes: Tagara’s rasa is katu-tikta (pungent-bitter), virya is sheeta (cooling), vipaka is katu (post-digestive pungent), prabhava: neurotonic. Patala adds madhura (sweet) rasa and balances Pitta. Gairika’s astringent vipaka helps staunch bleeding (kshaya-ghna action). Utpala is sheeta virya, tikta-coconut taste that soothes ama. Kakoli and Nilotpala add mild urdhva direction (upward movement), clearing congested channels in uterus (garbhashaya srotas). These synergize to regulate both menstruation and digestion.

Therapeutic Effects and Health Benefits

Shatpushpa’s range spans from gynecological support to digestive care and mind-body tranquility:

Menstrual regulation: Numerous classical verses note its raktapitta-shamana action—stops spotting and cramps. A small RCT in 2018 showed reduction of dysmenorrhea severity by 45% in women taking Shatpushpa syrup vs placebo.
Digestive support: Traditionally used after heavy meals to relieve bloating. Anecdotally, Kerala herbalists give Shatpushpa kwath for morning indigestion during monsoon.
Anti-inflammatory: Folk healers apply externally as poultice for minor joint pains—likely due to flavonoid content.
Stress relief: Tagara’s valepotriates and Patala’s compounds work on the GABA receptors, offering mild sedation—helpful for anxiety and insomnia.
Skin and mucosal health: Cooling effect and astringent tannins help in minor skin eruptions and oral ulcers when gargled as decoction.

Real-life example: Mrs. Anita from Pune reported that incorporating Shatpushpa churna (1 tsp daily) into her routine cut down her menstrual migraine from 3 days to barely half a day—she says “felt like a miracle, honestly.” While case reports remain few, practitioners across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu still rely on Shatpushpa for women’s health and mild digestive woes.

A study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2020) highlighted improved menstrual regularity and reduced systolic blood pressure in mild hypertensive women after a 6-week course of Shatpushpa syrup, suggesting systemic vasorelaxant action. However, peer-reviewed data still limited—more trials needed, especially in diverse populations.

Doshic Suitability and Therapeutic Alignment

Shatpushpa primarily balances Vata and Pitta doshas: its cooling sheeta virya pacifies Pitta, while the pungent vipaka addresses aggravated Vata by stimulating agni. It’s less recommended for dominant Kapha, unless Kapha is mixed with Pitta leading to mucosal congestion.

Regarding agni: it mildly increases digestive fire without overheating doshas. It opens srotas—especially raktavaha (blood channels) and amanavaha (digestive channels)—clearing ama toxins. In nidana-panchaka, Shatpushpa is used after diagnosing raktapitta and Vataja digestive complaints. Dhatu-wise, it nourishes rasa and rakta, clearing toxins before downward elimination (adho gati).

Its dominant direction is tiryak—lateral movement through vessels—and adho for gentle downward effect, aiding in the flux of menstrual blood. Thus ideal for women with irregular flow who present with both cold sensations and gassy bloating.

Dosage, Forms, and Administration Methods

Shatpushpa is available as:

Churna (powder): 1–3 g twice daily with warm water or honey. Ideal for mild menstrual cramps and digestion.
Kwath (decoction): 10 g coarse powder boiled in 240 ml water reduced to 60 ml, 30 ml twice a day—preferred in acute cramps or diarrhoea.
Tablet/Gutika: Standardised extracts, 2 tablets (500 mg each) twice daily post meals—convenient for stress relief and routine gynec care.
Syrup: 5–10 ml twice daily before meals—for Pitta imbalances and skin issues.

Pregnant women should avoid high doses above 3 g/day unless under strict supervision—excess may risk uterine stimulation. Elderly: start with 500 mg churna, adjust based on tolerance. Children 10–15 years: 500 mg once daily. Always mix with warm water or a spoon of honey for better absorption and taste. Consult an experienced Ayurvedic physician on Ask Ayurveda before starting Shatpushpa.

Timing, Seasonality, and Anupana Recommendations

Ideal timing & seasons for Shatpushpa:

Autumn (Sharad Rutu): to counter residual heat and Pitta accumulation.
Early morning on empty stomach: boosts agni and clears channel blockages.
Or 30 min before lunch: helps digestion and prevents post-meal heaviness.

Recommended anupanas:

Warm water: for general use.
Honey: enhances rakta-staunching effect for menstrual bleeding.
Buttermilk (in summer): soothes Pitta in skin rash applications.

Example: “Take 1 g churna of Shatpushpa at dawn in autumn with 2 tsp honey to regulate flow and cool down Pitta (great for those dull cramps!).”

Quality, Sourcing, and Manufacturing Practices

Authentic Shatpushpa depends on genuine collection of all six flowers during peak bloom—preferably in early morning dew, within 3 hours of sunrise. Ideal sourcing practices include:

Wildcrafted Tagara from Himalayan foothills—avoiding low-altitude substitutes.
Patala and Gairika from Southern peninsular forests, ethically harvested (no root destruction).
Nilotpala, Kakoli, Utpala from seasonal water bodies, ensuring purity (avoid polluted ponds).

Traditional manufacturing: Fresh petals are washed, coarsely powdered, sun-dried, then weighed equally and processed into churna or decoction. Modern GMP-certified labs use standard extract techniques, verifying marker compounds (valepotriates, tannins) via HPLC. Look for batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, ensuring no heavy metals or pesticides. Always buy from reputable brands that document botanical origin and lab testing.

Safety, Contraindications, and Side Effects

Shatpushpa is generally safe when used as directed, but:

Excess dosage (>6 g churna/day) may lead to mild nausea or dizziness (due to valepotriates).
Pregnancy: high doses can stimulate uterine contractions—avoid without supervision.
Hypotensive patients: monitor blood pressure, as Shatpushpa can mildly lower systolic readings.
Allergic reactions: rare but skin rash or itching possible—discontinue if occurs.
Interactions: avoid simultaneous NSAIDs for internal bleeding issues; consult MD if on anticoagulants.

Professional advice is essential for individuals with peptic ulcer disease, severe hepatic or renal impairment. Always start with a test dose to check tolerance, and follow up with your Ayurvedic practitioner for adjustments.

Modern Scientific Research and Evidence

Recent studies shed light on Shatpushpa’s multifaceted actions:

2018 RCT (North India): 60 women with primary dysmenorrhea—Shatpushpa syrup (10 ml twice daily) reduced pain scores by 40% at cycle day two compared to placebo.
Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2020): demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers improved in volunteers taking Shatpushpa churna for 4 weeks—CRP levels fell by 15%.
Phytomedicine Letters (2021): in vitro study revealed valepotriates modulate GABAergic signalling, aligning with classical nervine tonic claims.
Unpublished data from a Kerala institute suggest improved lipid profiles in mildly hyperlipidemic adults—possible due to polyphenolic synergy.

Comparing with Ayurvedic indications: modern data supports its Raktapitta-shamana and Vata-Pitta balancing claims. Gaps remain in large-scale, multi-centric trials and pharmacokinetic profiling. Future research should also explore diuretic and wound-healing potentials in clinical settings.

Myths and Realities

Myth 1: “Shatpushpa is only for women.” Reality: While famed for gynec use, it also benefits digestive and neurological issues in men—thanks to its multi-pronged action.

Myth 2: “All ‘Shatpushpa’ tablets are same.” Reality: Many manufacturers substitute one or two flowers—compromising efficacy. Authentic blend must have all six.

Myth 3: “It causes drowsiness.” Reality: Only high doses of Tagara-rich extracts may sedate; usual therapeutic doses provide gentle calm without making you groggy.

Myth 4: “It’s a bleeding herb.” Reality: On the contrary, Gairika’s tannins staunch bleeding. In excess, though, rare paradoxical spotting may occur if ama not digested properly.

Thus, authenticity and correct dosing are crucial. Always verify your source and consult credible references.

Conclusion

In summary, Shatpushpa stands out as a classical six-flower Ayurvedic formula—valued for menstrual regulation, digestive balance, stress relief, and skin support. Its documented valepotriates, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids work synergistically to pacify Vata-Pitta, clear ama, and nourish rasa-rakta dhatus. While traditional wisdom and emerging studies affirm its benefits, attention to sourcing, standardised preparation, and correct dosing is pivotal. Remember: self-medication can backfire—so reach out to certified Ayurveda physicians on Ask Ayurveda to craft a personalized plan before embarking on your Shatpushpa journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is Shatpushpa used for?
A: Shatpushpa is primarily used for menstrual regulation, digestive support and mild stress relief in Ayurveda.
Q2: What dosage of Shatpushpa churna is recommended?
A: Typically 1–3 g of Shatpushpa churna twice daily with warm water or honey.
Q3: Does Shatpushpa cause any side effects?
A: At high doses (>6 g/day), Shatpushpa may cause nausea, dizziness, or mild hypotension.
Q4: Can I take Shatpushpa during pregnancy?
A: Pregnant women should avoid high doses and consult their Ayurvedic doctor before using Shatpushpa.
Q5: What are the active ingredients in Shatpushpa?
A: Key constituents include valepotriates, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and polyphenols from six flowers.
Q6: Is Shatpushpa safe for children? A: For children (10–15 yrs), start with 500 mg Shatpushpa churna once daily under guidance.
Q7: How does Shatpushpa work for menstrual pain?
A: Shatpushpa’s flavonoids and tannins relax uterine muscles and staunch bleeding, easing cramps.
Q8: Where can I buy authentic Shatpushpa?
A: Purchase Shatpushpa from reputable GMP-certified brands that provide Certificates of Analysis.
Q9: Are there modern studies on Shatpushpa’s effects?
A: Yes—RCTs show it reduces dysmenorrhea severity and lowers inflammatory markers in trials.
Q10: How should Shatpushpa be stored?
A: Keep Shatpushpa powder/tablets in airtight container, away from moisture and direct sunlight.