Adhatoda Vasicanees

Description

VASA (ADHATODA VASICA) AYURVEDIC HERB FOR BOOSTING IMMUNITY

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.

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