Using Vasaka for Asthma

Vasaka

Malabar nut

Adhatoda vasica

Character:  The Ultimate Astringent

Vasaka can a have a drying effect especially on the lungs and the colon, helpting to create more integrity in the tissues and insulate them from damage. This is shown in how it is able to dilate the bronchial passageways in the lungs to help them remove any excess mucus.

Guna: light, dry

Rasa: bitter, astringent

Vipaka: pungent

Virya: cold

Prabhava: treats asthma

Main Action:  Bronchodilator, antispasmodic, bitter tonic,

febrifuge, alterative

Action on Doshas: Balances Pitta and Kapha

Action on Dhatus: Rejuvenates plasma, blood, fat

Description:  

Vasaka has primarily been used in lung conditions characterized by shortness of breath, bronchospasm and mucus or fluids in the lungs. It helps to remove the staganation in the lungs. As the lungs oxygenate the blood the blood is also affected by Vasaka and it can be used to stop internal bleeding from ulcers or excess menses. It has been shown (Gogte 2000) that it stimulates the Vagus nerve in order to lower blood pressure by improving the function of the vessel walls of cappliaries, veins and arteries.

Main Uses:

1.      Hemorrhoids

2.      Blood in the lungs

3.      Hepatitis

4.      Asthma

5.      Cough

6.      Chronic Bronchitis

Precautions: Do not use during pregnancy, only use for two month periods as it can cause low blood pressure.

  Research