Vasa (Adhatoda vasica Linn.) is a well known and widely used herb
in Ayurveda. It represents a class of herbal drug with very strong conceptual or
traditional base as well as a strong experimental base for its use. Adhatoda vasica
Nees belongs to the family Acanthaceae, commonly known as Adosa.
The Vasa plant
It is a small, evergreen shrub widespread throughout the tropical regions of Southeast
Asia, and in many regions of India as well, with a multitude of uses in traditional
Ayurveda. The effectiveness of Adhatoda vasica is established by numerous experimental
studies. This large shrub commonly grows crowded along waste land, roadsides
etc. Leaves are simple, opposite, ovate-lanceolate, acute and shiny. Flowers are
white in capsule shape.
Chemical Constituents
The vast variety of pharmacological uses of Adhatoda is believed to be the result
of its rich concentration of alkaloids. The prominent alkaloid found in Adhatoda
leaves is the quinazoline alkaloid known as vasicine
Medicinal Uses of Vasa
- Vasa or Adhatoda vasica possesses a wide spectrum of medicinal properties
including positive effects on inflammatory diseases.
- The leaves, flowers, fruit and roots are extensively used for treating ailements
such as common cold cough, whooping cough, chronic bronchitis and asthma.
- It is believed to act as an expectorant and loosens phlegm from respiratory passage
and clears the respiratory passage of any excess mucus production making it easier
to breathe. A decoction of the leaves of Adhatoda has a soothing effect on irritation
in the throat. It is thus, considered to be a very good remedy for sore throat.
- Additionally, Vasa is used in management of diseases such as Shwasa, Kasa and Raktapitta
in different dosage forms like Swarasa, Avaleha and Ghrita.
- The powdered herb, boiled with sesame oil, is used to heal ear infections and arrest
bleeding.
- Boiled leaves are used to treat rheumatic pain, and to relieve the pain of urinary
tract infections.
- A syrup prepared from Adhatoda may help improve symptoms of dyspepsia (indigestion,
heart burn, acid-stomach).
- The Vasa
ayurvedic herb helps in increasing immunity
Immunity can be improved by consuming natural immunity boosting foods regularly. Know the various types of food that needs to be consumed to build immunity. Visit our immunity blog to learn how to increase immunity and improve the body's resistance power. Check out our top home remedies to improve immunity power and protect yourself from diseases.
References:
- Claeson UP1, Malmfors T, Wikman G, Bruhn JG. Adhatoda vasica: a critical review
of ethnopharmacological and toxicological data. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Sep;72(1-2):1-20.
- Phytother Res.2001 Sep;15(6):532-4.
Study of alkaloids from Adhatoda vasica Nees on their antiinflammatory activity.
Chakraborty A 1, Brantner AH.
- Gupta, Ankit, P.K. Prajapati, and A.K. Choudhary. “A Comparative Study of
the Effect of Vasa Avaleha Prepared with Vasa Swarasa and Vasa Kwatha in Tamaka
Shwasa.”Ancient Science of Life 3 (2009): 23–28. Print.