Photo: VASANTH S.N. / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Vasa वासा
Justicia adhatoda · Acanthaceae
Also known as: Vasaka, Adhatoda vasica, Malabar Nut, Adusa, Vasa Mul
Part used: Leaf
Vasa (Justicia adhatoda) is the Malabar nut, Ayurveda's specific drug for cough with blood-streaked sputum. Its name derives from its bitter smell. It is the classical Raktapitta and respiratory drug, used across bronchitis, asthma and bleeding of the respiratory tract.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Justicia adhatoda
- Part used: Leaf
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Leaf juice 10–20 ml or powder 1–3 g, often with honey; also as syrup and decoction.
Vasa in other languages
Introduction
Vasa (Vasaka, Justicia adhatoda) is Ayurveda's foremost respiratory herb, its leaves relied upon for cough, breathing and bleeding disorders. Cooling and clearing, it soothes the airways and calms bleeding.
Classification
Of the Acanthaceae family, Vasa is grouped among the Kasahara (anti-cough), Shwasahara and Raktapittahara dravyas. Its bitter-astringent taste and cooling potency clear Kapha from the chest and pacify Pitta-driven bleeding.
Uses & benefits
Vasa is Ayurveda's principal drug for cough and Raktapitta. It is used in productive cough, asthma and bronchitis, and specifically in bleeding from the respiratory tract, where its Raktastambhaka action is valued. It is given as leaf juice with honey.
Vasa for cough with blood
Its defining indication — the classical drug for haemoptysis and blood-streaked sputum, named across the texts.
Vasa for bronchitis
A principal Kasahara drug, used for productive cough with thick phlegm.
Vasa for asthma
Used in Shwasa; vasicine, its alkaloid, has a documented bronchodilator action.
Vasa for Raktapitta
The classical drug for bleeding disorders generally, not only respiratory ones.
Vasa for heavy menstrual bleeding
Used in Asrigdara on its Raktastambhaka action.
Vasa for bleeding piles
Named in Arshas where bleeding is the main feature.
Vasa for tuberculosis
Used supportively in Rajayakshma in classical practice — an adjunct, never a treatment.
Vasa for fever
Used in Jwara with respiratory involvement.
Vasa as Vasavaleha
The classical linctus form, easier to take than the intensely bitter juice.
Vasa in Vasarishta and Sitopaladi compounds
Present across the classical respiratory formulations.
Dosage — how much to take
Leaf juice 10–20 ml or powder 1–3 g, often with honey; also as syrup and decoction. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Vasa?
The citations held for Vasa in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Kasa & Raktapitta Chikitsa); Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Guduchyadi Varga).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Vasa?
Cited for cough and bleeding disorders. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Kasa & Raktapitta Chikitsa.
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Vasa?
Described as Kasahara and Raktapittahara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga.
What is Vasa traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Vasa is Ayurveda's principal drug for cough and Raktapitta. It is used in productive cough, asthma and bronchitis, and specifically in bleeding from the respiratory tract, where its Raktastambhaka action is valued. It is given as leaf juice with honey.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Vasa?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Vasa classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Vasa carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Vasa is used medicinally?
The part used is Leaf.
How much Vasa is taken, and how?
Leaf juice 10–20 ml or powder 1–3 g, often with honey; also as syrup and decoction. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Vasa be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; avoid in early pregnancy and use bleeding-related uses under guidance.
Where does Vasa grow?
Vasa is an evergreen shrub common across the plains and lower hills of the Indian subcontinent, often grown as a hedge.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Guduchyadi Varga
Described as Kasahara and Raktapittahara. - Charaka Samhita — Kasa & Raktapitta Chikitsa
Cited for cough and bleeding disorders.
Modern research
-
Adhatoda vasica and Tinospora cordifolia extracts ameliorate clinical and molecular markers in mild COVID-19 patients: a randomized open-label three-armed study
(see source). Scientific Reports (2023)
A randomized open-label study reporting Adhatoda vasica (with Tinospora cordifolia) extract improved clinical and molecular markers in mild COVID-19 patients.
View study doi:10.1186/s40001-023-01507-7
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; avoid in early pregnancy and use bleeding-related uses under guidance.
Where it grows
Vasa is an evergreen shrub common across the plains and lower hills of the Indian subcontinent, often grown as a hedge.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vasa used for?
Cough with blood-streaked sputum above all — that is its defining classical indication — and also bronchitis, asthma, heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding piles. It is Ayurveda's principal Raktapitta drug.
What is the dose of Vasa?
Leaf juice 10–20 ml with honey, leaf powder 1–3 g, or Vasavaleha 1–2 teaspoons twice daily. The juice is intensely bitter, which is why the linctus form is more commonly used.
Is coughing blood something a herb can treat?
No — coughing blood always needs medical investigation. It can indicate tuberculosis, cancer, pulmonary embolism or bronchiectasis. Vasa has a long classical record in this indication, but it is an adjunct to diagnosis, never a replacement for it.
Who should avoid Vasa?
Avoid in pregnancy — Vasa has a documented uterine-stimulant and abortifacient action and is specifically contraindicated. Take advice if you are breastfeeding or on any respiratory medication.
What is Vasa called in Hindi?
Adusa or Arusa. In English it is Malabar nut or vasaka. The botanical name Justicia adhatoda is sometimes given as Adhatoda vasica in older sources.
Does Vasa help asthma?
It is used across the classical respiratory formulations, and its alkaloid vasicine has a documented bronchodilator action. It is supportive — asthma needs proper diagnosis and prescribed inhalers should not be stopped.
Are there side effects of Vasa?
Well tolerated at classical doses. It is intensely bitter and may cause nausea taken neat. The main caution is pregnancy, where it is contraindicated. Very large doses may cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
