Vasaka (Adhatoda, Malabar nut) is an Ayurvedic herb that is used for treating cough, bronchial spasms, bronchitis and asthma.
In Ayurveda, vasaka is considered to be a light, cooling and drying herb. It has bitter, astringent and pungent tastes.
Vasaka Relieves Cough and Bronchial Spasms
According to Ayurveda: vasaka has the following effects:
1. Relieves respiratory discomfort, specially bronchial spasms, and asthematic conditions
2. Treats coughs (wet coughs)
Modern Studies have shown that the leaves of vasaka contain the alkaloid vasicine, which is responsible for the small but persistent bronchodilatation, and vasaka essential oil has expectorant effect. The leaves and roots contain other alkaloids, vasicinone, vasicinolone and vasicol, which may contribute to the bronchodilatory effect through anticholinergic action on the vagal innervation of the bronchii. Vasaka has a slight, but persistent, broncho-dilator effect. The extract of vasaka leaves relieves cough and bronchial spasms and liquefies sputum.
Vasaka (adhatoda) leaf extract has been used for the treatment of bronchitis and asthma for many centuries in India. It relieves cough and breathlessness. The juice of leaves and the decoction of the leaves and roots are useful in asthma, bronchitis, and other chronic coughs.
Vasaka can be used in different forms, such as fresh juice, decoction and powder. Today it is sold in tablets, extract, syrup or infusion. You may find it in a local health supplement store.
Two Recipes of Vasaka Remedies for Cough
For treating cough, bronchitis or asthma, you can use the leaves or flowers to make a decoction or confection. Here two a recipes:
Recipe 1 – Vasaka Honey Tea for Cough
– Dried leaves or flowers 12 grams
– Honey 24 grams
– Water 1 cup
– Boil the leaves in water for 5 minuts
– Strained
– Mix it with honey
– Drink it, twice daily
This decoction relieves cough.
Recipe 2 – Vasaka Confection for Cough
– Flowers 100 grams
– Jaggery 300 grams
– Mix them well
– Eat 12 grams, twice daily
