Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Vasicine, Vasicinone
- Also Known As
- English: Adhatoda variety
Sanskrit: अटरूषक
Hindi: अडूसा
What is Vasaka?
If a stubborn cough or a tight, congested chest is what brought you here, Vasaka is the herb to know. Known in Hindi as Adusa and in English as Malabar Nut, it is the classical Ayurvedic cough remedy, and the Sharangadhara Samhita names it, with Kantakari, as supreme for cough and difficult breathing.
This page covers Adhatoda beddomei C.B. Clarke, which the Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists as another species of the Vasaka plant, described as "Adyeshtipur Vasaka". It shares its properties with the primary species, Adhatoda vasica Nees, and is used for the same respiratory conditions.
The classical texts know it under several Sanskrit names: Vasa, Atarusha (Atarushaka) and Vrisha, all recorded in the Sahasra Yoga drug index. Its main active compounds are the alkaloids vasicine and vasicinone.
What makes it distinctive
Vasaka is bitter in taste (Tikta Rasa), light and dry in quality (Laghu, Ruksha Guna), and cooling in potency (Sheeta Virya). After digestion its effect turns pungent (Katu Vipaka), the "post-digestive" taste Ayurveda uses to describe a herb's longer-term action.
That combination is unusual. Many herbs that clear mucus from the chest are heating, while Vasaka clears it and cools at the same time, which is why the tradition also uses it for bleeding conditions driven by heat.
Benefits of Vasaka
Vasaka reduces Kapha (the heavy, mucus-forming dosha) and Pitta (the hot, sharp dosha), and may increase Vata (the dry, mobile dosha). Its bitter taste and light, dry qualities explain most of what follows.
Cough and Breathing
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu assigns Vasaka two core actions: it relieves cough (Kasahara) and it eases difficult breathing (Shwasahara). These are the reasons it is so central to Ayurvedic care of bronchitis.
Vasa and Kantakari are supreme in alleviating Shvasa (dyspnea) and Kasa (cough).
Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1
The light, dry qualities counter the heavy, wet nature of Kapha congestion in the chest. Ayurvedic tradition also uses it for pleurisy and as supportive care in pulmonary tuberculosis, always alongside medical treatment.
Bleeding Conditions
Ayurveda groups bleeding caused by excess heat under bleeding disorders (Raktapitta, literally "blood and Pitta"). The Astanga Hridaya is direct about Vasaka's place here.
Vrusha (Vasa) cures vomiting, cough and especially so the haemorrhagic disease.
Astanga Hridaya, Sutrasthana, Annaswaroopa (Food)
The cooling potency and bitter taste both work against Pitta, which is why the tradition uses Vasaka for nosebleed and pairs it with Manjishtha for bleeding from heat and high Pitta.
Hemorrhoids
The Charaka Samhita, in its chapter on hemorrhoids (Arsha Chikitsa), describes sprinkling the hemorrhoid mass with a decoction of Vasaka leaves. Vasaka also appears in a larger decoction in the same chapter, alongside Haritaki, Amalaki, Chitraka and ginger.
Kapha Disorders and Fever
The Sharangadhara Samhita includes Vasaka in Punarnavadi Kvatha, a decoction of nine herbs including Punarnava, Neem, Guduchi and dry ginger that is said to alleviate Kapha disorders. The Sushruta Samhita lists a ghee prepared with a decoction of Guduchi, Triphala, Vasa, Trayamana and Yavasa in its chapter on fevers (Jvara).
Skin and Other Uses
Ayurvedic practice combines Vasaka with Neem and Manjishtha for skin disorders. Our knowledge graph also links it with conjunctivitis and ulcers, though the sources give fewer details for these uses.
How to Use Vasaka
Vasaka is mostly used as dried leaf powder, as a tincture, or inside classical decoctions and confections. Modern Ayurvedic herbal references give the following daily ranges for the leaf.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powdered leaf (Churna) | 0.5 to 1.5 g per day | Cough, chest congestion | Divided through the day, as advised by a practitioner |
| Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol) | 2.5 to 7.5 ml per day | Cough, chest congestion | Divided through the day, as advised by a practitioner |
| Decoction (Kvatha) | As part of classical formulas | Cough and difficult breathing (Vasadi Kvatha), Kapha disorders (Punarnavadi Kvatha) | Prepared fresh, under guidance |
Vehicles and Combinations
Ayurveda pays close attention to the vehicle a herb is taken with (Anupana). The Sharangadhara Samhita lists a decoction of Vasa as one of the suitable after-drinks for herbal confections (Avaleha), chosen according to the disease being treated.
- Lung congestion from bronchospasm: with Bibhitaki, Pippali and licorice.
- Asthma: with Trikatu (the three pungents) and honey.
- Bleeding from heat and high Pitta: with Manjishtha.
- Skin disorders: with Neem and Manjishtha.
Classical Formulations
The best-known Vasaka preparations are Vasavaleha, a confection of Vasaka with honey and ghee, and Vasarishta, a fermented liquid. Follow the label or a practitioner's advice for these, since doses vary by product.
Safety & Side Effects
Vasaka is a widely used herb, but it has a few clear cautions worth knowing before you start.
Pregnancy
Avoid Vasaka during pregnancy. Its main alkaloid, vasicine, can stimulate uterine contractions, so it is not used in pregnancy regardless of the reason.
Drug Interactions
No negative drug and herb interactions are known. It may, however, add to the effect of cough-suppressing (anti-tussive) medication, so tell your doctor if you take both.
Dryness and Vata
Vasaka is light and dry, and it may increase Vata. If you tend toward dryness, a dry cough or a Vata imbalance, Ayurvedic tradition takes it in a moistening base such as a honey and ghee confection rather than as plain powder.
When to See a Doctor
Coughing up blood, bleeding that does not stop, chest pain or breathlessness all need medical assessment first. Vasaka is a traditional support, not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment.
Recommended: Start Here
If you want to try Vasaka, the simplest starting point is a ready-made Vasavaleha, the classical Vasaka confection made with honey and ghee. The sweet, oily base softens the herb's bitterness and dryness, so it suits a cough that comes with an irritated throat.
If you prefer a single-herb product, look for a Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica) leaf powder or capsule. Modern Ayurvedic references give 0.5 to 1.5 g of powdered leaf per day; stay within that range or the product label.
For a congested chest, Ayurvedic tradition pairs Vasaka with honey, or with Pippali and licorice.
Find Vasavaleha on Amazon ↗ Vasaka Leaf Powder ↗ Vasaka Capsules ↗
Safety note: do not use Vasaka during pregnancy, and check with your doctor if you already take cough medication.
Vasaka vs Other Herbs & Supplements
Vasaka rarely works alone in Ayurveda. These are the herbs it is most often set beside in the classical texts and in practice.
| Comparison | Vasaka | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vasaka vs Kantakari | Bitter, cooling; relieves cough and difficult breathing | Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum), its classical partner in Vasadi Kvatha | Not rivals: the Sharangadhara Samhita calls the pair supreme for cough and breathlessness, so they are used together. |
| Vasaka vs Pippali | Cooling potency, suits congestion with heat | Pippali (long pepper), used with Vasaka, Bibhitaki and licorice for lung congestion | Combined rather than chosen between; Vasaka's cooling quality is balanced by the pungent partners. |
| Vasaka vs Manjishtha | Stops heat-driven bleeding, also works on the lungs | Manjishtha, paired with Vasaka for bleeding from heat and high Pitta | Vasaka is the lead when bleeding comes with cough; the two are combined for heat-driven bleeding. |
| Adhatoda beddomei vs Adhatoda vasica | Listed as another species of Vasaka | The primary Vasaka species | Classical sources treat them as sharing properties and uses for respiratory conditions. |
Vasaka for Specific Populations
Our sources give little population-specific guidance for Vasaka, so the notes below stay close to what is known. When in doubt, consult a qualified practitioner.
Pregnancy & Nursing
Avoid Vasaka during pregnancy. Vasicine, its main alkaloid, can stimulate uterine contractions. Our sources give no specific guidance for nursing, so speak to your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Children
The sources do not give a children's dose. Do not give Vasaka to a child without guidance from a qualified practitioner or pediatrician.
Elderly
Because Vasaka is light and dry and may increase Vata, older adults with dryness or a dry cough may do better with a moistening confection such as Vasavaleha than with plain powder. Anyone on cough medication should mention it to their doctor.
Athletes
There is no specific guidance for athletes in our sources. Vasaka's traditional role is respiratory and anti-bleeding support, not performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vasaka the same as Adusa and Malabar Nut?
Yes. Vasaka is the Sanskrit name, Adusa the Hindi name and Malabar Nut the English name. Classical texts also call it Vasa, Atarusha and Vrisha.
What is Adhatoda beddomei?
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu lists Adhatoda beddomei as another species of Vasaka, described as "Adyeshtipur Vasaka". It shares its properties with the main species, Adhatoda vasica, and is used for the same respiratory conditions.
Does "vasa" in classical texts always mean this herb?
No, and this trips up many readers. In passages on oleation therapy, the word vasa means muscle fat, one of the four classical therapeutic fats alongside ghee, oil and bone marrow. Context, or the Latin name Adhatoda vasica, tells you when the herb is meant.
What are the active compounds in Vasaka?
The main constituents are the alkaloids vasicine and vasicinone. Vasicine is also the reason Vasaka is avoided in pregnancy, since it can stimulate the uterus.
Is Vasaka heating or cooling?
It is cooling in potency, bitter in taste and light and dry in quality. That is why Ayurveda uses it both for chest congestion and for bleeding driven by heat.
How to Use Vasaka by Condition
Explore how Vasaka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
Vasa-Majja-Medas-(muscle-fat, marrow and fat) :वसा म जा च वात नौ बल प तकफ दौ ६१ मांसानुग व पौ च व या मेदो अ प ता वव Vasa (muscle-fat) and Majja (bone-marrow) and fat mitigate Vata, cause increase of strength, Pitta and Kapha and similar in properties with the meat of animals from which they are obtained.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables
74 पटोलस तला र टशा गे टाव गुजा अम ृताः वे ा ब ृहतीवासाकु तल तलप णकाः म डूकपण कक टकारवे लकपपटाः नाडीकलायगोिज वावाताकं वन त तकम ् कर रं कु कं न द कुचैला शुकलादनी क ट लं के बुकं शीतं सकोशातकककशम ् त तं पाके कटु ा ह वातलं कफ प तिजत ् Patola, saptala, arista (neem leaves), sharngeshta (angaravalli/bharangi), Avalguja (Bakuchi), amruta (Tinospora), Vetra (shoot of vetra), Brhati (Solanum indicum), vasa (Adhatoda vasica), kutill, tilaparnika (badraka), mandukaparni (Gotu kola), Karkota, karavella
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
व ृषं तु व मकास नं र त प तहरं परम ् Vrusha (Vasa) cures vomiting, cough and especially so the haemorragic disease.
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Oleating substances – Sneha Dravyah – स पम जा वसा तैलं त ाप ने हेषु वरं मतम ् चो तमं स पः सं कार यानुवतनात ् माधुयात ् अ वदा ह वात ् ज मा येव च शीलनात ् Sarpi (ghee, clarified butter), Majja (bone marrow), Vasa – muscle fat and Taila (oil) – are considered best among oleating substances;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Snehavidhi oleation therapy
Vasa Majja Yogya: वातातपा वभार ी यायाम ीणधातुषु लेश मा यि नवाताव ृतपथेषु शेषौ, वसा तु सं यि थममको ठ जासु च तथा द धाहत टयो नकण शरो िज Vasa and Majja - Muscle-fat and marrow are suited for persons Vatatapa – who are depleted of their tissues from exposure to breeze, sunlight, long distance walk, carrying heavy load, women (sexual activity) and physical activities;
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Snehavidhi oleation therapy
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables; Annaswaroopa Food; Snehavidhi oleation therapy
References in Charaka Samhita
Ghrita (ghee), oil, vasa (muscle fat), and majja (bone marrow) are considered the four superior therapeutic fats, with ghee being best due to its adaptability.
— Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 13: Oleation Therapies (Snehadhyaya / स्नेहाध्याय)
Vata gets immediately aggravated in an individual whose body is pre-conditioned by above mentioned (verse 5) factors and exposed to the following factors: The aggravated vata spreads throughout the body, and along with vasa (muscle fat), enters the ureter leading to the manifestation of vasameha.
— Charaka Samhita, Nidana Sthana — Diagnostic Principles, Chapter 4: Urinary Disorders Diagnosis (Prameha Nidana / प्रमेह निदान)
tasyÁnÁpyÁyamÁnasya viÒamÁÐanopacitÁ doÒÁh pªuthak pªuthagupadravairyu¿janto bhÚyah ÐarÍramupaÐoÒayanti| tatra vÁtah ÐÚlama¿gamardam kaÆÔhoddhva¿sanam pÁrÐvasa¿rujanama¿sÁvamardam svarabhedam pratiÐyÁyam copajanayati;
— Charaka Samhita, Nidana Sthana — Diagnostic Principles, Chapter 6: Consumption Diagnosis (Shosha Nidana / शोष निदान)
The hemorrhoids mass should be sprinkled with decoction of the leaves vasa (Adhatoda zeylanica Medic.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Duralabha (Fagonia criteca) (one prastha) and chitraka (Plumbego zylenicum), vasa (Adhatoda vasika), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), amalaki (Embelica officnalis), patha (Cesalpinia pareira), nagara (Zingiber officinalis) and danti (each two pala) should be added with two dronas of water and boiled till one fourth remains.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana — Fundamental Principles, Chapter 13: Oleation Therapies (Snehadhyaya / स्नेहाध्याय); Nidana Sthana — Diagnostic Principles, Chapter 4: Urinary Disorders Diagnosis (Prameha Nidana / प्रमेह निदान); Nidana Sthana — Diagnostic Principles, Chapter 6: Consumption Diagnosis (Shosha Nidana / शोष निदान); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Kushmanda (Benincasa hispida), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Sahacharya, Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), and Prasarini (Paederia foetida).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions)
The oily substance derived from pure muscle tissue is called Vasa (muscle fat).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 5: Kaladikakhyanam (Description of Kalas etc.)
Vasadi Kvatha: Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) and Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum) are supreme in alleviating Shvasa (dyspnea) and Kasa (cough).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.)
Punarnavadi Kvatha: Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Nidigdhika (Solanum xanthocarpum), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurroa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Shunthi (dry ginger), and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) — this decoction alleviates Kapha disorders.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations)
The suitable Anupanas (after-drinks/vehicles) for Avaleha are: milk, sugarcane juice, meat broth (Yusha), decoction of Dashamoola (ten roots), or decoction of Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) — these should be used as adjuvants according to the disease being treated.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Purva Khanda, Chapter 1: Paribhashakathana (Definitions); Purva Khanda, Chapter 5: Kaladikakhyanam (Description of Kalas etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 1: Svarasadikalpana (Svarasa, Kalka, Kvatha, etc.); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 2: Kvathakalpana (Decoction Preparations); Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)
References in Sushruta Samhita
Before undertaking any of these operations, the physician should first arrange the following materials: Instruments (yantra), sharp surgical tools (shastra), caustics (kshara), fire/cautery (agni), metal probes/rods (shalaka), leeches (jalauka), gourds (labu), bottles (jamba), cotton swabs (vaishti-pichu), threads/sutures (sutra-prota), leaves (patra), bandages (patta), honey (madhu), ghee (ghrita), animal fat (vasa), milk (payas), oil (taila), soothing collyria (tarpana), decoctions (kashaya),
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures
Or vasa (muscle fat) from marshy or aquatic animals mixed with rock salt and a little ginger — this is the anjana for shushka-paka (dry ophthalmia).
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)
Ghee prepared from decoction of Guduchi, Triphala, Vasa, Trayamana, and Yavasa.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha
From the accumulation of doshas (vasa, bala, etc.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 25: Chapter 25
The Vataja Types: The types of Prameha which are produced by an aggravated condition of the bodily Vayu are divided into four subgroups, such as Sarpi-meha, Vasa-meha, Kshoudra-meha and Hasti-meha.
— Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana, Chapter 6: Prameha Nidanam - Diseases of the Urinary Tracts
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5: Agropaharaniya Adhyaya - Surgical Instruments and Procedures; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 39: Jvarapratishedha; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 25: Chapter 25; Nidana Sthana, Chapter 6: Prameha Nidanam - Diseases of the Urinary Tracts
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.