Santari

The plant is very common throughout the area on sandy habitats and cultivated fields. A branched procumbent or sub erect densely hairy herb. Leaves linear oblong, mucronate and densely villous on both sides. Flower axillary, sessile, solitary, funnel shaped and pinkish white. Fruit a sub globose smooth capsule. Flowering and fruiting in August to December and some time up to March.

Part used: Whole plant

Usage: The whole plant is a source of an important drug in Ayurveda known as ‘Shankhpushpi’. This drug is used as brain tonic and as a laxative. The whole herb is used medicinally in the form of decoction. The leaves and flowers posses hypotensive and antifungal properties.

Agrotechniques : Since it occurs as a common weed no systematic Agrotechniques have been developed