- Shankapushpi is quoted in Charaka to be the single greatest
herb for enhancing all three aspects of mind power -- learning
(Dhi), memory (Driti), and recall (Smriti). Thus it is called
the greatest Medhya Rasayana (that which enhances the mind). It
helps the quality of sleep by improving mind-body coordination.
- It is also praised as the best herb for beauty, stating that
it achieves the goal of beauty, which is auspiciousness in all
parts of the body (Subhanga Karanam). It also helps to nourish
all layers of the skin (Twachya effect). It enhances all three
pillars of Ayurvedic beauty, known as outer beauty, inner beauty,
and lasting beauty.
- Shankapushpi is very beneficial for the nervous system, enhancing
the quality of bone marrow and nerve tissue (Majja Dhatu).
Combinations are Best
The ayurvedic physicians of Maharishi Ayurveda do not recommend
the use of single herbs for self-care due to several important reasons
(see the index page of the ayurvedic herb section for details).
One of the specialties of ayurveda is the science of herb combining
that has been perfected over thousands of years of clinical practice.
From this ayurvedic perspective, the study of herbs from scientific
research which is based on single ingredient formulas is not very
practical. This is because an herb can give a number of different
effects depending on the other herbs it is combined with as well
as a number of other factors such as dosage, how the herb was processed,
etc. If one focuses just on the results of a study based on one
ingredient, while it may be interesting, it does not give the full
insight into the complete range of effects available from that particular
herb.
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