Botanical Description and Habitat

Convolvulus is a small perennial herb abundantly found throughout the plains of India. The flowers are small and either white or blue. It is a perennial herb that grows on sandy or rocky soils.

Taste and Energetics

The taste of Shankhpushpi is bitter with an astringent taste and cooling virya. The post-digestive effect is sweet. Mainly found to pacify Vata and Pitta dosha and potency as a body purifier for Kapha dosha.

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Nervine Tonic: Shankhpushpi is a powerful nervine tonic, and it enhances the nervous system. It is mainly used for enhancing memory, learning ability, and cognitive functions. It helps improve concentration and mental clarity.

Calmness and Stress Reduction: An herb that calms the mind, Shankhpushpi is used to lessen stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion. It is also effective in the management of insomnia and sleep induction.

Anti-inflammatory: The herb is anti-inflammatory and is used to minimize the extent of inflammation in the body. It is used in the management of activities that cause inflammatory conditions and overall health management.

Digestive Health: Shankhpushpi maintains a favorable environment within the gut to facilitate digestion and enhance absorption. It improves nutrient absorption and is therefore effective in managing digestive conditions like indigestion, acidity, and constipation.

Rejuvenative: Shankpushpi is also an acknowledged rejuvenative and hence enhances overall bodily strength and vigor. It supports the rebuilding of tissues in the body, helps maintain a youthful look, and promotes longevity.

Blood Purification: Shankhpushpi purifies the blood and eliminates all the toxins from the body. It supports overall health and immune mechanisms.

Skin Health: Shankhpushpi is good for skin health. It helps to alleviate skin conditions like pimples, eczema, and other inflamed skin disorders.

Cardiovascular Health: Shankhpushpi supports cardiovascular health by reducing high blood pressure and improving flow. It also protects the health of the heart muscles and prevents deleterious actions on other heart diseases.

Ayurvedic Formulations

Shankhpushpi is used to formulate different Ayurvedic formulations, including Churnas, syrups, capsules, tablets, and oils. Most of the formulations are prepared by combining this plant with other herbs that potentiate its effect. Some common formulations include:

Shankhpushpi Churna: The powder form of Shankhpushpi used for the purpose of cognitive enhancement and stress relief.

Shankhpushpi Syrup: Liquid formulation used for enhancement in functions like memory, concentration, and for reducing anxiety.

Shankhpushpi Capsules/Tablets: Standardized extracts of Shankhpushpi used for other benefits related to health.

As per orthodox Ayurvedic practice, Shankhpushpi is administered in a much-diversified way for other diseases aside from those mentioned above, such as promoting overall vitality, enhancing longevity, and reproductive health. It is also incorporated into rasayanas to boost health and well-being.

Safety Considerations

Shankhpushpi is generally safe when taken in appropriate doses. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal side effects. Pregnant and lactating females, plus people with pre-existing conditions, may need to consult a healthcare provider before using Shankhpushpi.

Overall, Shankhpushpiis one of the most valued herbs in the Ayurvedic system because of its pronounced action on the nervous system, particularly its property of enhancing memory and cognitive functions. Bitter-astringent in taste and cooling in post-digestive effect, it is thus favorable to balance the disturbed state of Vata and Pitta dosha. When correctly prepared and used, Shankhpushpi has to be an excellent tool to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve the general well-being in accordance with Ayurvedic doctrine.

Botanical Description and Habitat

Neem is a large, evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent. It has small white flowers and produces olive-like fruits. Almost all parts of the neem tree, including the leaves, bark, seeds, fruits, and roots, are used for medicinal purposes.

Taste and Energetics

Neem has a bitter taste and cooling energy. Its post-digestive effect is pungent. It primarily balances Pitta and Kapha doshas while also having some effect on Vata dosha.

Medicinal Properties and Uses

Skin Health: Neem has a deep effect in conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis. It reduces inflammation and is an astringent. It soothes redness and itchiness, but also prohibits any microbial infection, hence providing clear and glowing skin.

Blood Purification: Neem is known to be a blood purifier. It helps to get rid of all the toxins (ama) from the blood and helps in enhancing better health and vigor. Neem is a common purgation used in de-tox therapies.

Antimicrobial: Exhibits good bactericidal, virucidal, fungicidal, and parasiticidal activity. It is used in the treatment of infections and as an immune booster.

Anti-inflammatory: Neem is anti-inflammatory in nature and therefore can help with arthritis and all other inflammatory conditions.

Helps Digestive Health: It stimulates the digestive enzymes and the gastrointestinal ways that help affect digestion. It helps in the management of indigestion, constipation, and intestinal worms.

Helps with Oral Health: This property helps to reduce plaque, prevent gum diseases, and cavities. It is traditionally used in toothbrushes. Indeed, neem twigs have been used for quite a long time.

Liver support:Neem supports the health of the liver and detoxifies the liver. Neem is also used for the treatment of liver disorders or general liver health.

Respiratory Health: It is useful in managing asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory allergies as it reduces the inflammation and relieves out respiratory passages.

Hair Health: Neem maintains a healthy scalp and hair of an individual. It helps to treat dandruff, lice, and other infections of the scalp, improving hair strength and growth.

Ayurvedic Formulations

Neem is utilized in numerous Ayurvedic formulations like churnas (powders), capsules, tablets, oils, and decoctions. It is usually combined with other herbs to enhance its therapeutic effects. Some common formulations of neem include:

Neem Churna/Powder: Detoxifier and also promotes skin health. 

Neem Oil: Skin, hair, and antiseptic. 

Neem Capsule/Tablet: The standardized extract of neem is used for a number of health benefits.

Traditional Uses

Traditional Ayurvedic practice uses neem for a myriad of purposes not specifically addressed herein, such as promotion of general vigor, longevity, and strengthening of the cardiovascular system. It is frequently incorporated into rasayanas—rejuvenative therapies—to enhance health and well-being.

Safety Considerations

Neem is generally considered safe in appropriate dosages. However, using too much may actually cause gastrointestinal upset and hypoglycemia. Pregnant and nursing mothers, and those with existing medical conditions, should use neem supplements under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Neem, among all herbs in Ayurveda, holds great importance because of its properties as a powerful detoxifier, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory agent. Its cooling nature and taste are bitter, hence good to balance the Pitta and Kapha doshas. Used in the right way, neem becomes a powerful tool for skin health, blood purification, and general health according to the principles of Ayurveda.

Botanical Description and Habitat: Bijasar is a deciduous tree that is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, particularly found in dry deciduous forests. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and has reddish-brown bark; compound leaves are its prime distinguishing characteristic.

Taste and Energetics: According to Ayurveda, Bijasar tastes bitter and has a cooling energy. It has a pungent taste after digestion.

Medicinal Properties and Uses:

Blood Sugar Regulation: Bijasar is primarily known for its hypoglycemic properties. Traditionally, it is used in Ayurveda to manage blood sugar levels and support pancreatic function. This herb helps increase insulin sensitivity and improves glucose uptake by the cells.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: It comprises antioxidant compounds that neutralize free radicals and act to protect cells from oxidative damage. Bijasar also has anti-inflammatory effects, helpful in treating inflammatory states.

Digestive Aiding Effect: The bitter taste of Bijasar stimulates digestion and increases appetite. It aids the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and thereby partakes in maintaining the overall health of digestion.

Diuretic: Bijasar is an excellent diuretic, encouraging the osmotic flow of urine, thereby cleansing the body of impurities.

Wound Healing: The paste or powder of Bijasar is applied externally to aid the healing process of wounds, diseases related to the integumentary system in indigenous Ayurvedic practice.

Ayurvedic Formulations: Bijasar finds its place in several Ayurvedic formulations that are prescribed for the management of diabetes and support general health. The efficacy is often enhanced by other herbs and individualized according to individual health needs.

Traditional Uses: Besides the management of diabetes, Bijasar has been traditionally used in conditions due to urinary disorders, skin diseases, and as a general tonic for vitality in Ayurveda.

Safety Considerations: Bijasar is generally safe when administered by a well-qualified Ayurvedic doctor, but it should be administered cautiously in an appropriate dosage, more so in patients having a preexisting disease or during ongoing medications.

Basically, Bijasar heralds the typical approach of Ayurveda: natural herbal support for good health in cases of diabetes and in enhancing general vitality. That is why, with its bitter taste, cooling nature, and healing properties, Bijasar truly occupies an important place in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia, offering holistic benefits in many parameters against various health concerns.

Following are the 30 Ayurvedic herbs recommended for blood purification.

• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Rhizome – Due to its antiseptic, pain relieving and blood purifying action, it is used in many skin as well as blood disorders. It also helps to stimulate the blood forming tissues.
• Neem (Azadirachtaindica) Leaf – Due to its bitter taste and its anti-microbial activity. It has been used for blood cleaning in any type of blood and skin problems.
• Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) Root – It is a blood purifier. Its use decreases the inflammatory process and is used in various skin disorders also.
• Gandhak rasayana – It is a good remedy for all type skin diseases, Kustha (Leprosy), Urticari, Boils, Eczema, Acne, Blood impurities.
• Anantmul (Hemidesmusindicus) Root – This herb is used in foul body odor, Skin ailments and blood disorders.
• Babchi (Psoraleacorylifolia) Seed – Stimulates the blood circulation. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
• Vijasar (Pterocarpus marsupium) Heartwood -Vijaysarheartwood is used as an astringent which causes the contraction of skin cells and also manages inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property
• Giloy (Tinosperacordifolia) Stem – Giloy enriches the blood and is helpful in skin ailments.
• Kalijiri (Salvia anthelminicum) Seed – The seeds of Kalijiri are considered strongly anthelmintic. The seeds are used as a febrifuge and for treating skin diseases and leucoderma in ayurvedic practice.
• Varuna (Crataevareligiosa) Stem – Varun is an anti-inflammatory herb and purifies urinary tract.
• Nagarmothan (Cyperusrotundus) Tuber – It helps in cleansing digestive system,which in turn helps to purify blood.
• Amla (Emblicaofficinalis) Fruit – By improving the function of liver it maintains clarity of blood system of the body.
• Harar (Terminalia chebula) Fruit – It decreases the inflammation by its mild laxative action, clears bowel and detoxifies the gut so that pure nutrition is available to the body.
• Bahera (Terminalia belerica) Fruit – Bahera fruit possesses antibacterial properties, which can help in fighting acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
• Patola (Trichosanthesdioica) Leaf – It is commonly used to aid digestion and maintain overall well-being
• Shatvari (Asparagus racemosus) Root – This herb acts as a blood cleanser and useful for female reproductive organs.
• Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) Root – It’s antimicrobal and antioxidant properties help wounds heal faster and new skin cells form.
• Vasaka (Adhatodavasika) Leaf – It is valued for its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
• Pittpapra (Fumaria officinalis) Plant – It is used as a blood purifier in skin ailments.
• Kantkari (Solanumjacquinni) Plant – Kantakari is thought to possess detoxifying properties, which helps in eliminating toxins from the body. By supporting detoxification processes, it could indirectly contribute to blood purification.
• Indra varuni (Citrulluscolocynthis) Root – It is employed for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, assisting in the management of rheumatic conditions and inflammatory disorders.
• Mundi (Sphaeranthushirtus) Flower – This Indian herb is known to be helpful in blood disorders, in purifying blood and in oedema.
• Bringaraj (Eclipta alba) Plant – Bringaraj is utilized to support aid digestion, enhance skin health, and alleviate certain inflammatory conditions.
• Karanj (Pongamiaglabra) Seed – It is commonly used for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, aiding in the management of various skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
• Unnab (Ziziphus sativa) Fruit – It is used to alleviate digestive issues and boost immunity.
• Kutza (Holarrhenaantidysenterica) Seed – It is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal infections, and digestive issues due to their antimicrobial and antidiarrheal properties.
• Bharangi (Clerodendronsiphonanthus) Root – It is valued for its anti-inflammatory properties aiding digestion and skin conditions like eczema.
• Nishoth (Ipomoea turpethum) Root – It aids digestion as a laxative and supports detoxification processes in traditional medicine.
• Pipali (Piper longum Fruit – Piperine, a key compound found in Pipali fruit, has been shown to improve blood circulation. Enhanced circulation can promote the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, contributing to a healthier complexion and potentially aiding in the healing of wounds and blemishes.
• Nagkesar (Mesua ferrea) Flower – Nagkesar flower is traditionally believed to support blood purification due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These herbs support detoxification and purification of blood and normal healthy skin and helps to keep the colon clean, helps to remove the excessive toxins, impurities present in the blood and supports healthy liver and kidney functions. Also these herbs are recommended safe to be used as a body purifier.

Blood (Rakta) is considered as carrier of life in Ayurveda. Healthy formation of Muscular Layers, Fatty Layers, Bones, and semen depends upon the blood.

• Eat fibrous diet like brown bread, oats and corn.
• Eat fibrous fruits and fresh vegetables.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Get regular and proper sleep.
• Maintain proper hygienic conditions.

• Avoid artificial sweeteners or beverages.
• Avoid excessive salty snacks.
• Avoid stress, fear or anger.
• Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.