Description

Vasaka, made from leaves of the malabar nut tree, is an Indian herb used to improve lung function and cure respiratory problems such as bronchitis, tuberculosis, congestion, and asthma. The herb breaks up phlegm in the chest and thins out mucus, expelling both from the body. Bronchioles and bronchi are dilated by the botanical so that deep breathing is possible and wheezing is stopped. Constant coughing can also be subdued by using Vasaka, according to herbalists.

The respiratory benefits of Vasaka are linked to the abundance of quinazoline alkaloids in the plant’s leaves and juice from the leaves. Studies show these alkaloids, particularly vasicinone and vasicine, are the primary phytochemicals responsible for widening air pathways and expanding the lungs in vasaka users. They are also the source of the expectorant qualities of the plant.

While treating pulmonary conditions is the most popular use of Vasaka, the herb can also be used to improve gum health and cure some skin diseases, such as scabies; centuries ago, poultices containing this herb were reportedly used to treat leprosy. Hemorrhoids, fever, and hemorrhages can usually be tempered by Vasaka intake. Some herbalists recommend it for healing and closing ulcers. The plant, which is high in vitamin C, also has a reputation for fighting cancer and killing harmful microorganisms that can cause infection and disease. Some holistic medicine practitioners use the anti-inflammatory herb to treat arthritis.

1.  Prevents Coughing- Vasaka is an extremely important component of ayurvedic medication for the treatment and prevention of cough. Coughing causes a lot of discomfort and can be a real obstacle for getting a good sleep at night. It leaves you tired and exhausted. Vasaka is used to suppress coughing and especially when a person coughs up yellow sputum or is unable to expel the sputum or has wheezing. It also helps eases breathing.

2. Reduces Asthma- One of the properties of vasaka is that it is anti-inflammatory. This helps in reducing the inflammation in the air passage and lungs and promotes healthy and easy breathing preventing the adversities of asthma. Also, the vasicine found in this plant works as a broncho-dilator which widens the air passages and eases breathing.

3. Antiviral- Infections are a huge problem of tropical countries which is an extremely suitable habitat for the growth of various microbes and their carriers. The word ‘viral fever’ is extremely common. Vasaka is extremely useful in treating this problem. It helps to lower the temperature and also for expelling yellow and thick nasal discharges that might get accumulated and cause trouble while breathing.

4. Cure Sinusitis- Sinusitis can be a recurring painful and irritating condition where the sinuses get blocked with nasal discharge and it becomes infected and inflamed. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties work simultaneously for the treatment of such conditions. The pus or fluid accumulated in the sinuses are released which reduce the blockage and the infection too is terminated.

5. Effective in Curing Bronchitis- Vasaka helps in treating bronchitis due to its multifarious properties. In bronchitis the bronchial tubes get blocked due to its inflammation as well as deposition of mucus on its walls narrowing the air passage. Vasaka clears these clogged passages, reduces cough, chest discomfort and breathlessness that is caused by this condition.

6. Provides Relief to Sore Throat- Sore Throat, throat pain and tonsillitis are common problems faced by many and the frequency for such instances increase during changing seasons. The antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory attributes present in vasaka are the key factors that helps provide relief. Redness, pain and swelling of the soft palate is also taken care of by this herb.

7. Cures Ulcers- Vasaka leaves have Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs’ properties. These help reduce swellings without causing much side effects which is always a hazard faced while using steroids. Peptic and duodenal ulcers can be treated with this herb. Ayurveda apart from allopathic science also approves the use of vasaka for ulcers and bleeding disorders.

8. Good for Gut Health- Vasaka helps reduce acid formation in our stomach. This makes it an amazing cure to dyspepsia, gastric and acidity. It can be consumed to reduce acidity which can have many harmful effects on our body.

9. Reduces Joint Pain- Joint Pain is a major lifestyle altering problem that many face. A raised level of uric acid is one of the major reasons for such pain .Vasaka helps by reducing the level of uric acid. It also works well to reduce the pain and tenderness that is caused by gout. Its anti-inflammatory property helps reduce inflammation of the joints as well.

10. Effective on Uremia- When the kidney fails to filter the blood properly and get rid of the toxic materials and wastes, it gets accumulated in the blood. Compounds of nitrogen and urea form a large part of these toxic wastes. Vasaka helps by eliminating these harmful materials through urine. Such malfunctioning of the kidney happens mostly due to severe injury to the kidney or its related parts or during renal failure.