Vasaka
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)
Action according to Ayurveda:
Shwashara- Useful in Respiratory discomfort specially asthematic conditions
Kasahara- Useful in acute as well as cough
Chhardihara- Alleviates nauseatic conditions
Vatakrit- Increases air component in the body
Swarya- Improves voice
Hrudya- Cardiac tonic
Trid hrit- Alleviates excessive thirst
Kushthahara- Useful in all types of skin diseases
Kshayapaha- Useful in emaciation, undernutrition and all similar conditions
Raktapittahara- Useful in bleeding tendencies
Medicinal value:
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Adhatoda vasica is useful in treating bronchitis, tuberculosis and other lung and bronchiole disorders.
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A decoction of the leaves 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.
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A poultice of the leaves 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.
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It has been used to control both internal and external bleeding such as peptic ulcers, piles and bleeding gums.
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This herb 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:
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