Vasaka is a well known medicinal herb in Ayurveda. Vasaka is the name in Sanskrit and its botanical name is Adhathoda vasica, which belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is also known by various other names such as Shwetavasa, Singhasya, Vasika, Vajidanta, Aatrushaka, Vrusha and Malabar nut tree. Vasaka is a tall herb, whose leaves, roots and flowers are used for medicinal purpose. Various medicinal benefits of Vasaka herb are discussed in this article.
Ayurvedic Actions of Vasaka
The herb has following Ayurvedic actions:
- Kasahara — It is beneficial in chronic as well as acute cough conditions.
- Shwashara — It is useful in respiratory discomfort conditions such as asthma.
- Vatakrit — This herb increases air component inside the body.
- Chhardihara — It alleviates nausea.
- Swarya — The herb also helps in voice improvement.
- Trid hrit — Vasaka eases excessive thirst.
- Hrudya — This herb is a cardiac tonic.
- Kshayapaha — It is beneficial in malnutrition and under nourishment condition.
- Kushthahara — It is a beneficial herb for all types of skin disorders,
- Raktapittahara — It is a useful remedy for bleeding conditions.
Bio Energetics of Vasaka
- Vipaka – (Post digestion effect)– Katu (Pungent)
- Guna (Characteristics) — Ruksha (Rough), Laghu (Light)
- Rasa (Taste) – Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
- Veerya (Potency) — Sheeta (Cold)
Health Benefits of Vasaka
Following are some of the health benefits of Vasaka:
- Intestinal Worms — The roots bark, bark and leaves of Vasaka are used for relief from intestinal worms. The decoction of roots and bark is prepared and taken 2 or 3 times a day as its cure. Juice extracted from fresh leaves is also used measuring one teaspoon thrice a day.
- Respiratory Conditions – It is a remedy for acute bronchitis where the sputum becomes sticky and thick. Vasaka liquefies the sputum and bring it out of the body. Dried leaves should be smoked for relief from asthma.
- Tuberculosis — In Ayurveda, Gulkand is prepared from Vasaka flowers. This preparation is used in treatment of tuberculosis. Leaves juice is also taken with honey for tuberculosis treatment.
- Wounds — Leaves poultice can be applied over wounds, inflammatory swellings and rheumatic joints.
- Scabies — Leaves decoction when warm should be applied on skin to treat scabies and other skin diseases.
- Cough — The decoction prepared from boiling 7 leaves in water and strained. This decoction should be taken with honey to get relief from cough.
- Diarrhea and Dysentery — Juice extracted from fresh leaves should be taken in doses of 2 to 4 grams for relief from diarrhea and dysentery.
The above are some of the health benefits of Vasaka herb.
