Overview
Vasaka is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for heart disease. Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica), commonly known as Adusa or Malabar Nut, is one of the most important herbs for respiratory disorders in Ayurveda. The text describes it as a plant growing up to 7000 feet elevation. The leaves, flowers, and root bark are medicinally used. Vasicine is the primary alkaloid, found in leaves at about 1% concentration. The herb is the drug of choice for Kasa (cough), Shwasa (asthma), and Raktapitta (bleeding disorders). Its Sheeta Virya (cold potency) makes it effective in Pitta conditions. The text also mentions its use in Jwara (fever), Kamala (jaundice), and Prameha (urinary disorders). The leaves are used for making Svarasa (fresh juice), Kwatha (decoction), and various other preparations. It is also known to be a potent bronchodilator.
How Vasaka Helps with Heart Disease
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Vasaka has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing heart disease:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Heart Disease
See all herbs for heart disease on the Heart Disease page.
▶ Classical Text References (3 sources)
), trapusha- Cucumis sativus Linn and kusumbha along with kumkuma- Carthamus tinctorius Linn and vasa- adhatoda vasaka Nees mixed with grape juice(drasha rasa)- Vitis vinifera Linn drink is prepared out of these ingredients which is extremely beneficial in ashmari (urinary calculus), sharkara (graveluria) and all types of dysuria.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
& Thomas, vasa- Adhatoda vasaka Nees, gokshura- Tribulus terrestris Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
[69] Meat soup prepared with the decoction prepared out of karpasa- Gossypium herbaceum Linn root, vasa- Adhatoda vasaka Nees, pashanabheda- Cyclea peltata (Lam) Hook.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Another paste: pills made from Vayasi (Adhatoda vasica/Malabar nut), Edagaja (Castor/Ricinus communis), Kushtha (Saussurea lappa), and Krishna (black pepper, Piper nigrum), ground with goat's urine, applied as a paste, destroys leucoderma (Kshitra).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
The expressed juice of Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) taken with honey alleviates Raktapitta (bleeding disorders).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Vasaka is one of the most important herbs for respiratory and bleeding disorders in Ayurveda.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
The cold Putapaka juice of pounded Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) leaves, mixed with honey, conquers Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Kasa (cough), and the three types of Jvara (fever).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
The combination of Kushtha (known for Tvak Roga/skin diseases) with the pungent penetrating black pepper and the alkaloid-rich Vasaka targets the depigmented patches.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Trivrit in eight-fold proportion with danti, dravanti, maricha, nakahya, and vasaka (verse 49-52) — all finely powdered, with two parts of danti (verse 55), all powdered and filtered and mixed (verse 56), combined with six parts of sugar and a little rock salt, formed into pills, and followed with cold water — this cures pain in the bladder region, thirst, fever, vomiting, consumption, anemia, and dizziness (verse 57).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 44: Virechana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Purgative Drug Preparations
Trivrit in eight-fold proportion with danti, dravanti, maricha, nakahya, and vasaka (verse 49-52) — all finely powdered, with two parts of danti (verse 55), all powdered and filtered and mixed (verse 56), combined with six parts of sugar and a little rock salt, formed into pills, and followed with cold water — this cures pain in the bladder region, thirst, fever, vomiting, consumption, anemia, and dizziness (verse 57).
— Sushruta Samhita, Virechana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Purgative Drug Preparations
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 44: Virechana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Purgative Drug Preparations; Virechana-dravya-vikalpa-vijnaniya Adhyaya - On Purgative Drug Preparations
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.