Vasaka
ØUseful in Respiratory discomfort specially asthematic conditions
ØUseful in acute as well as chronic cough
ØIncreases air component in the body
ØUseful in all types of skin diseases
ØUseful in emaciation, under-nutrition and all similar conditions
ØUseful in bleeding tendencies
Common Name:
Malabar nut (Eng.)
Sanskrit Name:
Vasa
Vasaka
Vasika - Means one which covers a large area, here area coverage stands for a protective cover on the body
Singhasya- Means a plant having flowers like the mouth of the lion
Vajidanta-Means a plant having white flowers like the teeth of a horse
Vrusha- Means one that showers the honey i.e. having a lot of nectar
Aatrushaka
Lt. Name:
Adhatoda vasica- Acanthaceae
Bio energetics:
Rasa (Taste)- Tikta (Bitter); Kashaya (Astringent)
Guna (Characteristics)- Laghu (Light); Ruksha (Rough)
Veerya (Potency)- Sheeta (Cool and calm)
Vipaka (Post digestion effect)- Katu (Pungent)
Chemical composition: The principle constituents of Vasaka are its several
alkaloids, the chief one being vasicine. The leaves contain two major alkaloids
called vasicine and vasicinone2,3. The pharmacological activities of vasicine
and vasicinone are well known. Recent investigations on vasicine showed
bronchodilatory activity comparable to theophylline, both in vitro and in vivo.
Both the alkaloids in combination showed pronounced bronchodilatory activity. Vasicine
also exhibits strong respiratory stimulant activity. There has also been a
report of thrombopoetic4 (platelet-increasing) activity with vasicine. Uterine
stimulant activity and moderate hypotensive activity of the alkaloids have been
observed. The leaves of Vasaka are rich in vitamin C, carotene and an essential
oil. A study showed that Mycobacterium
tuberculosis was inhibited by
the essential oil (at a specific concentration).
|
Effect on Tridosha (Three bio humors):
Vasaka pacifies Kapha and Pitta Dosha so it can be effectively used in managing the diseases resulting from Kapha and Pitta aggravation. | | | |
Actions according to Ayurveda:
Shwashara- Vasaka is useful in Respiratory discomfort specially asthematic conditions
Kasahara- Vasaka is useful in acute as well as chronic cough
Chhardihara- Vasaka alleviates nauseatic conditions
Vatakrit- Vasaka increases air component in the body
Swarya- Vasaka improves voice
Hrudya- Cardiac tonic
Trid hrit- Vasaka alleviates excessive thirst
Kushthahara- Vasaka is useful in all types of skin diseases
Kshayapaha- Vasaka is useful in emaciation, under-nutrition and all similar conditions
Raktapittahara- Vasaka is useful in bleeding tendencies
Medicinal value:
-
Adhatoda vasica is useful in treating bronchitis, tuberculosis and other lung and bronchiole disorders.
-
A decoction of the leaves of Vasaka may be used to help with cough and other symptoms of colds. The soothing action helps irritation in the throat and the expectorant will help loosen phlegm deposits in the airway.
-
A poultice of the leaves of Vasaka may be applied to wounds for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The poultice is also helpful in relieving rheumatic symptoms when applied to joints.
-
Vasaka has been used to control both internal and external bleeding such as peptic ulcers, piles and bleeding gums.
-
Vasaka exhibits antispasmodic, expectorant and blood purifying qualities. Adhatoda vasica has also been used to speed delivery during childbirth.
Useful part:
Leaves, flowers and roots
Doses:
Powder of leaves- 3-6gms; Juice of fresh leaves- 10-20 ml; Decoction of roots- 40-80ml
Formulations available with Vasaka:
Vasavaleha, Vasarishta, Vasa panaka, Vasa chandanadi tail
Some special notes about Vasaka:
Ayurveda Herbs |