Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) or Malabar nut, is an evergreen shrub which is indigenous to India and is seen all over India. The leaves of Vasa show stimulant effect on the respiratory system which are used for centuries for treating respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis etc. The soothing action helps subside the irritation in the throat and the expectorant will help loosen phlegm deposits in the airway. As per Ayurveda, Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) is used commonly in treating conditions like asthma, bronchitis, blood disorders, heart complaints, thirst, skin disorders, fever, vomiting, loss of memory, leukoderma, jaundice, tumours, sore-eye, fever, and gonorrhoea. The bark, flowers, roots, and leaves of Vasa are used commonly in preparing medicine. Vasa exhibits antispasmodic, expectorant and blood purifying qualities along with its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant has pungent and astringent taste and improves the voice.
- A decoction of the leaves of Vasa may be used to help with cough and other symptoms of colds.
- The poultice made from vasa leaves is helpful in relieving rheumatic symptoms when applied to joints.
- Vasa has been used to control both internal and external bleeding such as piles and bleeding gums.
- One teaspoon of vasa leaf juice daily is useful in cases of chronic bronchitis, asthma, and tuberculosis. Being a very good expectorant, it draws out all phlegm accumulated in the lungs.
- In many cases where bronchitis is due to lack of appetite and poor digestion, the juice of Vasa is mixed with the juice of ginger and honey and given in the early morning on an empty stomach.
- In the early stages of tuberculosis, the juice of Vasa, thrice a day, helps a patient who is prone to incessant coughing. In many of the cough syrups that are available, Vasa has been used either as a base or as an ingredient.
- Boiled and put on the bladder region, the leaves produce a diuretic action, reduce the swelling of the kidney and lead to clear urination.
- Persons suffering from bleeding piles or diarrhoea, accompanied by bleeding, or women suffering from menorrhagia can take the juice of Vasa 2 to 3 times a day to great advantage.
On the occasion of 7th Ayurveda Day Celebration, Ministry of Ayush has proposed the theme as “Har Din, Har Ghar Ayurveda” and to support this cause we “The Ancient Ayurveda” humbly appeal to the general public to plant Vasa & Tulasi in your backyard as these drugs will help in curing common ailments and thus promote Ayurveda among our societies.
