Vasaka/ Adulsa or Malabar nut is a medicinal plant native to India. It scientific name is Adhatoda Vasica. It is a useful plant to cure various diseases and especially respiratory infections. The parts (stem, flower, leaves) of this plant has expectorant activity that helps to loosen cough of airways. The leaves contain several alkaloids and two main alkaloid are vasicine and vasicinone.
There are several studies done on vasicine which ascertain its bronchodilatory activity comparable to theophylline. Theophylline or 1,3-dimethylxanthine, is a methylxanthine medicine used in therapy for respiratory diseases. Vasicine also shows strong respiratory stimulant activity. Vasa is excellent in treating respiratory infection. For treating respiratory ailments, the fresh juice of its leaves can be used in dosage of 1-2 teaspoons. In larger doses it causes vomiting.
Uses of Vasaka in respiratory infections
Here are given remedies that can be done at home to cure respiratory illness such as cough, asthma, bronchitis etc.
- Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma and Tuberculosis
Crush the leaves of Vasaka and extract the juice. Take one teaspoonful of this juice to cure chronic bronchitis, asthma and tuberculosis. - Bronchitis due to lack of appetite and poor digestion
Crush the leaves of Vasaka and extract the juice. Mix this juice with ginger juice and honey. Take empty stomach in the morning. - Cough
Take 7 leaves of Vasaka. Wash under running tap water to remove dirt. Boil in water. Filter the water and add honey. Drink few times a day. - Take water in a earthen pot and soak 4-5 leaves of Vasaka and roots of Kantkari Solanum Xanthocarpum. Drink this water in small amount throughout the day.
- Chronic Wheezing (whistling sound while breathing)
Take 1 tsp each of Vasaka leaves juice, Haritaki and raisins. Boil in 2 cups of water, till volume reduces to half. Filter the solution, add honey and drink hot thrice a day after food.
- Fever due to cough/phlegm
Take few leaves of Vasaka. Wash and clean all dirt. Crush and soak in a glass of water for 2-3 hours. Drink 15-30 ml of this infusion, thrice a day.
Extract 1 cup of vasaka leaves juice. Cook in thick base pan till juice becomes paste. Take this paste (1/2 tsp) with honey.
Side Effects and Possible Interactions of Vasa
Safe in recommended usage and dosing
Avoid Vasaka use in children and in pregnancy
Care should be taken while using Vasaka with other medicine having expectorant or antispasmodic effects