Vasa
Vasa is a tall, evergreen, herbaceous shrub that is not only native to the Indian subcontinent but also distributed throughout Nepal, Srilanka, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and China. The plant features yellow coloured bark, lance-shaped leaves, white and purple flowers, and pubescent club-shaped capsular fruits. It is known as Adusa in hindi, Malabar Nut in English. The botanical name of Vasa is Adhatoda vasaka which belongs to Acanthaceae family. It increases Vata and reduces the effect of kapha and pitta.
Chemical Constituents –
Vasa has a rich concentration of bioactive components like Vasicine, Luteolin, Carotene, Vasakin, other quinazoline alkaloids, and essential oils. The leaves are abundant in phytochemical constituents like tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics.
Properties –
• Antitussive
• Bronchodilator
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-spasmodic
• Expectorant
• Antibiotic
• Anticoagulant
• Antifibrinolytic
• Analgesic
Parts Used –
The root, leaf, flower and whole plant are the parts used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Vasa leaf powder: 1 – 3 gm
• Vasa flower powder: 250 – 1000 mg
• Vasa root powder: 250 – 500 mg
• Vasa leaf juice: 5 – 10 ml
• Leaf Decoction: 5 gms powder in a glass of warm water
Benefits –
• Respiratory Diseases
Vasa holds high significance in treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also reduces chest and nasal congestion gets rid of excess sputum and stops nasal discharge.
It is also highly effective in treating asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.
Prepare a decoction of Vasa leaves by boiling it in water. Add a spoon of honey and drink this concoction daily to prevent respiratory infections.
• Heart Health
It effectively improves blood count, manages blood pressure and hence prevents a host of heart rhythm disorders. It also prevents blockage and formation of clots in the arteries causing heart block.
• Laryngitis
For hoarse voice one teaspoon of Vasa juice to be taken with 2 teaspoon of honey need to be taken for twice day for one whole week.
• Prevents Infections
The bio-active components in the vasa bolster immunity and prevent bacterial infestation.
It not only helps reduce the risk of various bacterial and fungal infections like fever, tuberculosis, dengue, etc. but also prevents allergic conditions on the skin.
• Relieves pain & inflammation
Powdered vasa extensively helps reduce the uric acid levels and also works well to diminish the pain and tenderness that happens due to gout. Being a natural vasodilator, it is also used to treat painful muscle spasms, sore muscles, arthritic conditions, and other inflammatory situations.
• Gut Health
Vasa help in breaking down food particles in the stomach and intestine, promote the secretion of the digestive juices and thereby increase the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines.
It also helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn reduces abdominal distension, bloating and gaseous cramps. It offers an amazing cure for a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis, dyspepsia, heartburn, diarrhoea, flatulence, peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (i.e. GERD).
Precautions –
• Avoid Adusa during pregnancy. It has abortifacient property. It stimulates the uterine contractions. It also promotes the release of prostaglandins.
• As the medicine contains ‘kshara’ ingredient, long term usage of this medicine might cause decrease in sperm count in men.
For more informative articles on Ayurvedic herbs and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.