Adulsa or Vasa is dense shrub, native to India. It grows in the plains of lower Himalayans, up to range of 1000 meters above sea levels. It is now cultivated in tropical areas such as Shri Lanka, Myanmar and Malaysia. Vasa has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and blood purifying qualities. The oral administration of this medicinal herb normalizes kapha and pitta. It is pungent, bitter and astringent in action. This plant is useful in stopping abnormal bleeding due to vitiation of pitta, through the mouth, nose, genitals, or the urinary systems.
Vasaka leaves are useful in treating respiratory and digestive problems. The leaves activate the digestive enzyme trypsin (enzyme required for better digestion). Leaves also has anti-fungal properties and useful in skin diseases.
Ayurvedic: Vaasaa, Vaasaka, Vaasikaa, Simhaasya, Simhaparni, Simhavadanaa, Vaajidanta, Vrisha, Aataruushaka
Unani: Arusaa
Siddha/Tamil: Aadaathodai
Folk: Vasaakaa
Here are few remedies that can be done at home to cure various ailments using leaves of Vasa plant
- Bleeding piles, diarrhoea, menorrhagia, Blood in urine
Take vasaka leaves and wash under running water. Pound and extract juice. Take 1 teaspoon juice, 2-3 times a day. - Cold, cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma
Take one teaspoon Vasa leaves juice with honey, thrice a day. - Excessive menstruation
Drink leaves juice with jaggery twice daily. - Fresh wounds, rheumatic joints and inflammatory swellings
Vasa leaves have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Prepare poultice of leaves and apply at affected areas. - Eye diseases
Take flower petals and fry in ghee. Let it cool and apply on eyes for 20 minutes. - Liver diseases
Drink leaves juice (1-2 teaspoon) with honey after meal.
Note: The safe dose of its leaves juice is 1-2 tsp. If take in excess than Vasa can causes vomiting.