Spring is the season of allergies. People who are low in immunity are attacked by allergic conditions such as sore throat, cough, bronchitis and other respiratory problems. Vasaka or Adalodakam is suggested by Ayurveda as an effective home remedy for such health conditions.
Vasaka the common herb of South India
Known in English as Malabar Nut and botanically known as Justicia Adhatoda, belonging to the family of Acanthaceae, Vasaka is a common herb found in most of the tropical regions. It is well known throughout India. It is used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems as a remedy for various diseases. Today,
the dried leaves of Vasaka are available all over the world through Ayurvedic Pharmacies or online markets.The leaves, roots and flowers are extensively used as home remedies for cold, cough, bronchitis and even asthma. It provides an unfailing relief in acute condition of bronchitis when the sputum becomes thick and sticky. Vasaka juice or other preparations liquify the sputum and bring it out.
Vasaka as home remedy for cough and sore throat
1) Frequent doses of Vasaka juice or tea prepared with Vasaka leaves or its dried powder, along with powdered pepper or liquorice, provide instant relief in conditions of sore throat and cough. A warm tea prepared with the fresh leaves or dried ones reduces the irritation
of bronchitis and clears the throat.2) The dried leaves of this herb are used for smoking as cigars for a relief from asthma. In Ayurveda, they prepare a jam with fresh petals of Vasaka flowers and jaggery. This is an effective remedy for asthma.
3) Consumption of Vasaka juice with honey, at least three times a day, relieves the irritating cough and heals tuberculosis. This clears the throat as an expectorant.
4) Another powerful remedy suggested by Ayurveda for cough is consuming the Vasaka juice from the Vasaka root, stem and leaves, mixed with ginger root powder and ghee.
5) Chewing the leaves of Vasaka in cumin seeds or powdered and roasted mixture of Vasaka leaves, rice and sugar gives a very effective cure for asthma and bronchitis.
6) Chewing some Vasaka leaves with a few grains of pepper, just like chewing the betel nut, clears the throat instantly. It is a temporary relief for asthma also.
In addition to the respiratory disorders, there are various health benefits by using this powerful herb Vasaka. It is effectively used even to treat animals.