Vasaka

Vasaka also known as ‘Malabar Nut’ in English, ‘Adhathodai’ in Tamil, ‘Vasa’ in Telugu and ‘Arusha’ in Hindi, is a potent ayurvedic plant that enhances the respiratory system. The plant has manifold curative properties and is an ultimate remedial measure for a lot of health anomalies like breathing trouble, cough, and cold, nasal congestion, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, other upper respiratory tract infections, bleeding disorders, etc.

Vasaka exemplifies 2 distinct tastes mainly Tikta (i.e. bitter) and Kashaya (i.e. astringent) Rasa. It has Laghu (i.e. light) and Rukhsha Guna (i.e. dry quality) and Shita Virya (i.e. cold potency). It characterizes Katu Vipaka (i.e. pungent taste after digestion) and mainly portrays rejuvenating property. The host of bioactive components in Vasaka helps to pacify the Pitta (i.e. fire and air) and Kapha (i.e. earth and water) doshas and effectively removes the AMA doshas from the body.

Famed as a natural expectorant, Vasa has a rich concentration of bioactive components like Vasicine, Luteolin, Carotene, Vasakin, other quinazoline alkaloids, and essential oils. The leaves are abundant in phytochemical constituents like tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolics. Imbued with powerful properties like antitussive, a bronchodilator, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, etc, the plant is useful for a host of therapeutic indications like upper respiratory infections, tuberculosis, heart problems, constipation, nosebleed, dengue, etc.

Remedies Cough And Cold

Recurrent coughs and congested throat can cause a lot of discomfort and prevent a peaceful good night’s sleep while making you feel tired and exhausted. Being rich in anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and expectorant properties, Vasaka holds high significance in treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also reduces chest and nasal congestion gets rid of excess sputum and stops nasal discharge. It is also highly effective in treating asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.

Prepare a decoction of Vasaka leaves by boiling it in water. Add a spoon of honey and drink this concoction daily to prevent respiratory infections.

Promotes Gut Health

Vasaka is a powerful digestive stimulant. The carminative and appetite-stimulant properties of the herb help in breaking down food particles in the stomach and intestine, promote the secretion of the digestive juices and thereby increase the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines. It also helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn reduces abdominal distension, bloating and gaseous cramps. It offers an amazing cure for a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like esophagitis, dyspepsia, heartburn, diarrhoea, flatulence, peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (i.e. GERD).

Purifies Blood

Being a potent cardiac tonic, the herb is extremely essential in purifying the blood. It effectively improves blood count, manages blood pressure and hence prevents a host of heart rhythm disorders. The presence of anti-coagulant and anti-fibrinolytic properties also prevents blockage and formation of clots in the arteries causing heart block.

Prevents Infections

The abundance of antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, and antiseptic properties, make Vasaka the ultimate solution to ward off the various infections. The bio-active components in the Malabar nut tree bolster immunity and prevent bacterial infestation. It not only helps reduce the risk of various bacterial and fungal infections like fever, tuberculosis, dengue, etc but also prevents allergic conditions on the skin.

Heals Ulcers

Vasaka leaves are famed for their anti-ulcer properties. It plays a pivotal role in reducing ulcers and sores in various parts of the body. It also helps in treating bleeding disorders and offers a potent remedy for peptic and duodenal ulcers.